Getting ski boots that fit

Does anyone have a suggestion on a good boot fitter in the Edinburgh area?
I have tried on about 15 different boots in 4 different shops over the past month and can't get a boot that feels anything like comfortable.
Every shop has a different explanation and all have said that I will have to compromise and has the shell blown out but surely my feet are not that odd!!!!
Problem seems to be a combination of high instep with medium width and squarish toes - sounds like a duck (but I don't talk or walk like one!)
With time running out to my next trip I am starting to worry (old boots were my first and after six years of pain I've had enough) so thought that I should seek out a real pro fitter.....
Any thoughts would be appreciated

Oh dear Snowplough - I do feel for you with this.
I am one of the lucky ones with bog standard feet and have never had any problem finding comfy well fitting boots.

Have you been able to come to any consensus from all the shops about what the problem is? Or are they all saying something different? No idea what to suggest with arches, web feet and things.
:cry:

Somewhere there is a list of boot fitters from an organisation hopefully someone who knows will be along soon.
I cannot believe that there isn't a really good and patient bootfitter somewhere near you who can help.
Good luck!

Terrible to have ill-fitting boots - can ruin a trip

Don't know about the Edinburgh area but my current boots are from Snow and Rock at the MetroCentre here in Toon. It's not exactly local but a two hour drive / 1.5 hour train trip may be worthwhile to solve your issue?

They spent about 3-4 hours each with my wife and I on fitting, building inserts etc. Can't say they will def fix your feet (we are all different after all) but they were certainly good

I have NO commercial relationship with these people at all (in fact I think I've only set foot in the place once since) - just speaking as I found

Good Luck!

Always best by far to buy as soon as you get to resort. Added bonus is a good boot fitter will guarantee to sort if any problems during your time skiing, even to the extent they will swap for another pair if nothing works.They usually have far better choice as well and are often cheaper. I have always bought my boots this way not only for myself but also for the rest of the family. Never been disappointed. I have really wide feet and hard to get boots but still managed with superior choice in resort.
PS - sorry, sort of assuming this for overseas - if skiing in Scotland then clearly not an option and sorry, can't help!!

JennieMPM wrote:Always best by far to buy as soon as you get to resort. Added bonus is a good boot fitter will guarantee to sort if any problems during your time skiing, even to the extent they will swap for another pair if nothing works.They usually have far better choice as well and are often cheaper. I have always bought my boots this way not only for myself but also for the rest of the family. Never been disappointed. I have really wide feet and hard to get boots but still managed with superior choice in resort.
PS - sorry, sort of assuming this for overseas - if skiing in Scotland then clearly not an option and sorry, can't help!!

Always a subjective one this:

yes you will likely get a better price and may well see more choice

but

do you want to lose half a day of your trip if, like me, you only get 6 days a year on snow and do you speak the language well enough/trust the locals' English enough to get what you want?

The language may well not be a problem but one does have to bear it in mind

Snowplough, getting boots to fit right can be challenging. Don't worry about having boots blown to fit. Ski boots are a hard material, feet are all different and it's quite normal.

I favour getting boots fitted in the country you live, or from a fitter that speaks your language. Seen some shockers in resorts, boot sellers trying to sell boots 3 sizes too big, just so they don't need to do any modifications. All you feel is the lining, and when that has compressed, it's new boots time.

For Edinburgh, AFAIK Blues has a sound reputation for bootfitting. Alternatively, any on this list will give you proper attention, and not rip you off -)

http://www.skibootpro.co.uk/Findabootfitter.html


PS A Bootfitter will offer you the Boot that fits, and probably one other to measure the fit against, after measuring you and talking to you. A Boot seller, will let you choose the one you fancy from the rack. It's an expensive purchase, time to get it right.

Yep, all good points. But I suppose all down to a) what time you arrive (I've always bought first evening), b) where you are in relation to trustworthiness and staff in shops and c) how important it is to get a comfy pair that will last you a good few years and pay back well for potentially giving up some time to get fitted.

JennieMPM how many weeks do your ski boots last, before you replace them?