Buying Own Boots

Renting seems to cost around £50 per week for boots. Buying own seems to cost around £160-£230. I am 23, so feet have stopped growing pretty much. And I don't anticipate ski boot technology advancing too significantly in the next decade or so.

Is it smart/sensible to buy own boots in this position, even if skiing more than 1 week per year is unlikely?

In my humble opinion I would say Yes, buy your own and put a stop to those smelly hire boots and I should add they should be the first piece ski equipment you should own.

I reckon so..
If you love skiing and think you are going to go every year its worth it. 6 ski trips in 6 yrs and that has saved you renting boots , costing you over £300. You'd be paying for the privilege of wearing smelly hire boots, which other guys have had their cheesy feet inside all day!! lol
BUT. . . . . depends how much it will cost you to take them with you every trip. I am not sure how much that is as i have my own boots and leave them at partners ski chalet.
If you buy ur own and can stuff them into your main luggage and into the 'hold' within the weight allowance , you are home and dry. And if you are like my 23 yrs old son , you wont be taking that many clothes anyway!!

Buy your own boots. It will be the first time that you will get a proper feeling for controlling s ski.

Get them fitted properly. Do not skimp on this, or it will cost you dearly.

A properly fitted ski boot will feel too small when you first put them on. A boot shell can be made bigger by a fitter, but it's very difficult to make them smaller, so beware of popping your foot into some boots that feel really comfy straight out of the box :wink:

freshfreshpowder dont mean to take over your post... but can anyone recommend where to buy in UK thats not pricey please. My partner needs new boots like you, and doesnt want to spend a fortune.

freshfreshpowder wrote:Is it smart/sensible to buy own boots in this position, even if skiing more than 1 week per year is unlikely?

Yes. No question. Having your own boots that fit you right and suit your ability and aspirations as a skier is the best, most important (and should be the first) investment in kit you can make.

Do as much research as you can. The ski mags at this time of year almost always have some articles on choosing and buying boots; read them all! Do a search on here - we've had quite a few discussions of boots in the past. If you have a local ski shop with a good reputation then go and see them for a chat.

As Swiss Tony would say, "buying ski boots is very much like making love to a beautiful woman; take your time, get it right and the love affair will last forever... or until your boots fall off... Do it in a hurry and you're in for a world of pain." 8)

How much skiing have you done so far?

If you are going to do it, (and I whole heartedly think you should), then do it properly. I'm sure if you let us know where you are, we can advise you on a good boot fitter. My advice is don't bank on a bargain when it comes to ski boots and fitting costs.

You will definitely for many many ski days after be happy that you did. Every time I put on my boots I am still amazed at how comfy they are...I've had these ones for a couple of years now! :D

I have skiid 4 times in the past for a week every time, with the odd extra day thrown in. It's been a few years since my last trip. I'd call myself a pretty typical intermediate. I don't look too bad on the slopes, but I'm far from the best!