Latest posts for the topic "Buying Own Boots"

Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:07:13 GMT

Renting seems to cost around GBP50 per week for boots. Buying own seems to cost around GBP160-GBP230. 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?

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:15:44 GMT

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.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:17:08 GMT

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 GBP300. 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!!

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:20:58 GMT

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:

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:26:42 GMT

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.

Buying Own Boots

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 12:32:31 GMT

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?

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 08:56:47 GMT

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

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 11:09:46 GMT

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!

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 11:47:24 GMT

This is a list of UK Ski Shops who have Bootfitters accredited by the BSBA. This is one way of making sure you get fitted properly. Currently members seem to be the leading independent shops, the chain stores don't seem to be participating.

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

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 13:48:53 GMT

Yes, buy your own boots. Boots that fit properly will instantly improve your skiing.

Go somewhere with plenty of choice and get them properly fitted.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 15:47:22 GMT

After you have been measured for boots, the fitter should offer you only 1 or 2 boots to try on. If the fitter does not stand you in the empty shells and check the amount of space behind your heel, make your excuses and leave, as you are not with a real fitter. Boot sellers are in every shop, fitters get trained, and will ask you questions about your skiing and overall health.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 19:36:26 GMT

Bandit do you think the guys in resort are proper fitters? My wife and I are going to buy our own boots this year. We'll probably go for a rental pair that have only had a season or so's use. She's got very slim ankles so we always have problems getting rental boots that fit.

Cheers

Steve

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:23:06 GMT

Stevesmoothie, there are some wonderful talented ski boot fitters in ski resorts. It's very hard to tell the difference between the good, bad and indifferent just by looking. Helps if you speak the local language and can ask the local Pro's where they go for their boots. It's also hard to get adjustments done once your Holiday is over and you are back at home.

You are going to search for 2nd hand pairs of boots 1 season old. So they may have done 15-20 weeks, possibly more. I've read that a boot shell suitable for recreational skiers will last about 120 days usage, before the plastic starts to degrade with UV and flexing.

During that period, any number of folks with different shaped feet and ankles will have squeezed into those boots, so the linings will fit no-one in particular any more.

She's got very slim ankles so we always have problems getting rental boots that fit.

Your wife needs measuring and properly fitting for boots. Unless the boots fit the shape of her foot and the lower leg, it's not possible to control skis effectively. New boots would seem sensible, much bigger range to choose from, more chances to get it right 1st time.

Where are you going to ski this winter?

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:58:54 GMT

Great advice, thanks Bandit. We'll probably head to Austria or Italy this year. Maybe Zell am See, Obergurgl.

Steve

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 00:17:01 GMT

stevesmoothie wrote:Bandit do you think the guys in resort are proper fitters? My wife and I are going to buy our own boots this year. We'll probably go for a rental pair that have only had a season or so's use. She's got very slim ankles so we always have problems getting rental boots that fit.

Cheers

Steve

My boots were fitted by an excellent boot fitter in resort. Reberty Orthopedist Au pied des Pistes - His name was Armando

I had them fitted on the first day of my holiday, skied the next day and went back to the shop that evening as he requested. The boots felt ok but, he looked at my feet closely and then made more adjustments. He said I could go back everyday for adjustments if necessary...I never needed to.
They were new boots. It was pricey but worth every penny.

We found out about him from a local ski instructor, he told us that many instructors travelled miles to use him.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:58:24 GMT

freshfreshpowder wrote: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!

I am in Southend-on-Sea, I know of this shop through a friend's suggestion http://www.skee-tex.co.uk/ (they didn't necessarily recommend it cos they don't really know much about skiing, but it's in my area at least) Anyone know of it by any chance??

Hello as some may know I am new to this site, so trawling through all old threads (coz thats what work is for) and saw this. @freshfreshsnow, I recently went to Alpine rooms in Danbury to get my new boots, excellent service. After about 5 pairs of boots and 3hrs I came out with a lovely pair of Nordica, matey in there gave me a proper foot examination and they really seem to know there onions. The heat moulding that they do is part of the price of the boot (skee tex charge a tenner on top of the price of the boot for the privelege, so skee tex told me) also the bloke at Alpine Rooms (John(got to know his name as I was there for so long!!)) Gives you a guarantee with the boot that with the length of ownership of boot purchased, you can take it back whenever you have a problem and they will try there upmost to rectify it at no extra cost.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:18:10 GMT

bandit wrote:This is a list of UK Ski Shops who have Bootfitters accredited by the BSBA. This is one way of making sure you get fitted properly. Currently members seem to be the leading independent shops, the chain stores don't seem to be participating.

http://www.skibootpro.co.uk/6.html

Thanks for the link Bandit :-)

I needed to knock the 6.html off the end though.

Seriously thinking of buying new boots this year and the thought on this forum have made me realise it needs doing properly.

Plus I need anything & everything that will improve my skiing!

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:54:02 GMT

Cheers Mekka, I've amended my original post linky :D

Which fitter do you plan to go to?

Re:Buying Own Boots

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:01:17 GMT

Hopefully (depending on finances) I'll go to Glide and Slide in W Yorks. They're by far the closest to me. They have a 'Gold' standard so should be pretty good.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:06:05 GMT

So my dilema is get properly fitted in the UK and buy new boots over here, probably for less money or get them in resort. The problem is if I buy them here I can't then ski in them until I go on hols so how will I know if they fit properly. At least in resort you can ski in them and they if they're not right go back and have them adjusted.

Any advice would be great!

Thanks

Steve

Re:Buying Own Boots

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:35:35 GMT

Visit a fitter who has been recommended and speaks your language, or it will be difficult to explain fitting issues.
Expect to need to ski about 10 days in a boot before fine tuning of the fit to be done.
Is it totally impossible for you to ski on Indoor snow before heading to a resort?

Buying Own Boots

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:44:34 GMT

freshfreshpowder wrote:Renting seems to cost around GBP50 per week for boots. Buying own seems to cost around GBP160-GBP230. 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?

Buy your own boots, but get good advice in the shop you buy and have them fitted to your feet. You will ski so much better.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:16:43 GMT

If you can afford it get you own and as everyone has said get them fitted. When i was at uni i tried to be cheap and its not worth it.
If you can't afford it get a pair in the sales in the sunnier but still get hem properly fitted!

Re:Buying Own Boots

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:59:40 GMT

Hi freshpowder, I'm having a fit for my first pair of own boots later this week, so I'll let you know how it goes in case you find it helpful.

Re:Buying Own Boots

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:00:26 GMT

When I say "I'm having a fit ..." hopefully you know what I mean :)

Re:Buying Own Boots

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:04:55 GMT

The spam (for that is what it was) has been removed.

As you were.