Latest posts for the topic "How to know if your boots fit properly"

How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:16:24 GMT

After an hour or so of trying on 7 or 8 pairs of boots in the shop, my feet were getting a bit numb and sending confused messages to my brain and I eventually settled on a pair, had them set and took them home. I have put my feet in them at home a few times and because I have no experience of buying boots before, I don't know how they should feel if they are fitted properly. I dont even know how tight to do up the straps, sometimes I can do them up tightly and I feel a restricted circulation!? But people have told me tight ski boots are well-fitted ski boots?...

Also, can I take them to a indoor ski slope or something and assume I will be able to take them back and swap them if a discomfort arises, so long as I dont bash them about and scratch them? Or is a couple of hours likely to render them unreturnable?

Possibly others have experienced similar thoughts, thanks for any comments :)

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:13:50 GMT

Where did you have your Boots fitted? You should have tried on at most 3 different pairs after being measured.

You should not need to do the clips up tight, the boot should fit like a firm handshake anyway.

Were you taught how to do them up by the fitter?

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:18:17 GMT

i think as a beginner its probably the most difficult thing other that learing to ski to know if your boot feel right, as you have never had any reference to go by. For sure you know if you buy a pair of normal shoes if they dont fit but you have had years of experience in normal shoes.
new boots take a good week of skiing to bed in properly but that said as Bandit mentioned, a firm hand shake over your feet is a fair guide. New boots should be slightly on the tight side when fited with no areas of pain or hot spots and shouldnt make your feet ache on the balls or soles.
Indoor skiing is a good idea for tesing them out (just chaeck with your shop your ok to take em back if you use them indoor) cant see any decent shop objecting to this.
one final thing if you are not happy after you have spent some time in them take em back before you go on holiday and dont settle until you happy (be a problem customer)you dont want to waist time on holiday with your boots.
Keep it up you will love it:-)

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:46:29 GMT

Spend some time researching this. There is a lot of info on the web, and there has been several in depth discussions on this forum.

http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&site=webhp&source=hp&q=%22new+ski+boots%22+fitting+shell+test+&pbx=1&oq=%22new+ski+boots%22+fitting+shell+test+&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=164809l164809l0l165826l1l1l0l0l0l0l167l167l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=eb7dd580f7d51820&biw=1920&bih=906

The biggest mistake most people make is to end up with boots that are too big, but there's a lot more to it. Even if you see a great boot fitter, the more you know about the process, the better the feedback you can give.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:11:10 GMT

When I first bought my boots I thought they were just right a little tight but not to tight and no real pain after an hour and a half of Skiing on the indoor slope, the next time I went whcih was last weekend for about 2 half hours the balls of my right foot ached a little but when I took my boots off I got pins and needles in the balls of my feet for a couple of minutes :cry: :cry:

Going to go back to the shop as soon as I can but not sure if I had the boot fastened to tight??

other than the slight pain they are amazing but need to be right as I spend all day skiing apart a 30 or so minute break for dinner, not into sitting around while ever I can ski the drinking and siting can be done after dark falls :mrgreen:

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:17:10 GMT

Mr Admin how do I delete a double poste computer crashed then posted again, I can only find were to edit as I have done

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:55:25 GMT

MattSki_score wrote:When I first bought my boots I thought they were just right a little tight but not to tight and no real pain after an hour and a half of Skiing on the indoor slope, the next time I went whcih was last weekend for about 2 half hours the balls of my right foot ached a little but when I took my boots off I got pins and needles in the balls of my feet for a couple of minutes :cry: :cry:

Going to go back to the shop as soon as I can but not sure if I had the boot fastened to tight??

other than the slight pain they are amazing but need to be right as I spend all day skiing apart a 30 or so minute break for dinner, not into sitting around while ever I can ski the drinking and siting can be done after dark falls :mrgreen:

As bandit said, they should feel well fitted with the buckles loose. Having to crank down on the lower two buckles is a sign that they are too big.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:11:13 GMT

Ok thanks for those replies.
I am reasonably confident with the fit. The only thing I'm not sure about is I really can't tell whether or not my big toe touches the front of the boot when I put it on. I have tried on some boots and it felt obvious it was touching the front because there was pressure. With mine, I know it sounds stupid, but I honestly can't tell if I'm touching the front before standing. I think it could be really kissing the front.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:47:33 GMT

freshfreshpowder wrote:Ok thanks for those replies.
I am reasonably confident with the fit. The only thing I'm not sure about is I really can't tell whether or not my big toe touches the front of the boot when I put it on. I have tried on some boots and it felt obvious it was touching the front because there was pressure. With mine, I know it sounds stupid, but I honestly can't tell if I'm touching the front before standing. I think it could be really kissing the front.

They're too big. Take them back.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:34:33 GMT

^^^^ sounds about right, when you put the boot on your toe will touch the front, it will stay there until the boot is clipped properly and you flex forward.

answer the following and i MAY be able to give you a clue as to if they are close BTW internet bootfitting is risky but we may get an idea

1 what size shoe do you buy
2 is your foot narrow, medium, wide , very wide
3 do you have a high, medium, low or flat arch
4 what size is the boot (mondopoint size 27.5, 28.0 etc)
5 do you have a off the shelf or custom footbed in the boot or just what came with it?
6 take the liner out the boot and place your foot in the empty shell, with your toes lightly brushing the front how much space is there behind your heel
7 what is the boot make and model?

please no one else answer these questions yet let the OP give the answers and i will come back with my thoughts

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:42:33 GMT

The biggest mistake I see people making in ski shops and I've seen it in rental shops over the years is that they think the tighter the fit the better, and you see them using two hands to force the buckle down on the boot and wonder why later on they can't feel their feet and end up with bruised shins.

I agree with bandit, a firm handshake is a good guide on how well they fit you.

Can I ask, in the shop you bought them from did they heat up and mould the inners and foot beds once you decided the ones you wanted?

When trying on ski boots its very much similar to when you buy a normal pair of shoes, by this I mean standard things with do the boots fit your feet, is you toe at the end of the boot? How fitted around your feet the boots are, too narrow or too wide etc. You should then take a good 20 mins just walking around the shop letting your feet settle into the boot and so you can gauge how tight the boots are on your shins, they should be nice and snug and not feel like they are constricting your legs, you should also be able to do the clips up easily and a good test of this is that you should be able to close the boot clips over using just your finger, and not a considerable amount of force with two hands (I see a lot of people doing this!) Also one thing people don't realise is that if you put on weight between buying your boots and using them it can make a big difference to your calf and more so your foot, i.e. even half a stone weight gain will increase the width of your feet. Also I agree with someone else on this forum that the boots will take a good week to bed in, and don't make the mistake of putting them right next to a boiling hot radiator to dry them out as this can make the liner expand and distort the fit, depending on whether you had them custom fitted.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:45:37 GMT

just another point....the BOOT needs to fit ie. the shell and liner, the buckles are just "the laces on the shoe" they are there to snug things up they should not be all the way to the last notch on a new boot they shouldn't be close to it, having to tighten the buckles down like this is just a sign of a boot with too much volume, it may be the right length but if there is a 1/2 pint foot in a pint size boot then there will be loads of room to move around, especially when the liner has packed down a bit

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:33:06 GMT

Thanks Cem, I'd greatly appreciate your efforts.

1 what size shoe do you buy
10 (UK) / 44-44.5 (European)
2 is your foot narrow, medium, wide , very wide
wide
3 do you have a high, medium, low or flat arch
high
4 what size is the boot (mondopoint size 27.5, 28.0 etc)
28.0
5 do you have a off the shelf or custom footbed in the boot or just what came with it?
just what came with it, and it was heated and reset with my foot in it
6 take the liner out the boot and place your foot in the empty shell, with your toes lightly brushing the front how much space is there behind your heel
3cm (between back of boot and heel from the furthest back point of the heel)
7 what is the boot make and model?
Head- AdaptEdge 90 link: http://www.head.com/ski/products/boots/all-mountain-comfort/adaptedge-90/2693/?region=uk

Anothing couple of things I think could help:

8 when I put my foot in the liner when the liner is out of the shell, I am aware of my all 5 toes touching the front with even, medium pressure, but I don't know how useful that info is as when the liner is in the shell your foot is held further back by the shell.

9 When I put my foot in the boot (with liners in) and do the boot up, the bottom two buckles are on notch 4/5. Is this a reason for concern?

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:38:55 GMT

Jbakes87- The staff were friendly and patient whilst me and my friend took the best part of an hour trying on different boots and their prices compared well with online stores for the products I checked.
Yes, they did heat up and mould the inners and footbeds to my feet. I anticipate a slight weight gain between now and January as I am injured and out of the gym atm.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:03:51 GMT

based on what you have said, everything was looking about right till you declared the 3cm behind your heel, they ideally should have no more than 2cm occasionally we need to go to 2.5 if the foot is very high volume but this is rare. the edge is one of the widest boots on the market, great boot for the right foot, but you almost certainly need a footbed to fill that arch cavity and most likely a smaller or at least lower volume boot, the footbed in the boot that is supplied is not heat mouldable it is merely a auto adapt foam which will compress under load, it does not fill anything or give any level of support.... the front clips on a new boot really do not want to be ratcheted over too far when the boot is new.

when you put a boot on the correct size the toes will feel jammed into the front until you have done the boot up properly (top 2 buckles first and firm, then flex before doing the others loosely) at this point when you flex the toes will pull back a little and the whole thing will settle down. the biggest problem with this and many other boots is that there is lots of lovely soft foam which holds your foot very snugly when it is new and makes a big boot feel small

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 09:22:03 GMT

what is your ability level i have a feeling that boot will be just fine by the description of your foot 3cm is to much for a hp boot but that boot has a high volume liner if it starts to pack out a bit move to a little thicker sock. socks are king! feel like your boots are to tight go spend the 20 on a new set of light weight "ski socks" froot of the loom tall socks do not count!

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:11:09 GMT

The shop have said I can come back and swap the boots or whatever. They have superfeet footbeds, are these as good as/better than ones from Scholl/Volcano?

I had my boots fitted with fairly thin ski socks (the ones that are thick in some places and thin in others)

As for ability and flex etc, I would say a few days into the holiday I look something like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g96jXzR3UE&feature=related. I am 23yo so anticipate some improvement over the lifetime of the boots. Is the AdaptEdge flex of 80-90 about right?

What's my play? Look at 27.5' AdaptEdges (the current ones are 28')? If anyone can suggest any particular models that they think could suit me that would be great. My feet are certainly wide, but the arches are not that high really, more normal.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:36:56 GMT

WAskier wrote:what is your ability level i have a feeling that boot will be just fine by the description of your foot 3cm is to much for a hp boot but that boot has a high volume liner if it starts to pack out a bit move to a little thicker sock. socks are king! feel like your boots are to tight go spend the 20 on a new set of light weight "ski socks" froot of the loom tall socks do not count!

IMO 3cm is too much for any fit High Performance or recreational! the shell fit is the most important part liners pack down shells do not. and that liner packs a whole heap after a few days skiing

freshfreshpowder i would try the smaller size in the same boot or possibly something a little lower volume, maybe the head vector as an option just a shade narrower but much better heel grip...of course all of this is speculation without seeing your feet

on the insole front, the superfeet green works pretty well as an off the shelf device, personally i prefer to build a custom product to each and every individual foot where possible but as an off the shelf insert they are about as good as it gets

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:37:31 GMT

Just want to say many thanks again for your help with my boots Cem, and others. Ok I will check out AdaptEdge 100s in 27.5 and also the Vector 100s (28.0 in these cos they're lower volume?)

I am planning on getting superfeets whichever boots I get. Just wondering how much this affects the volume, how they compress over time etc?

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:49:34 GMT

When you try the superfeet foot beds, you should be given two or more sizes to try (and even those for the opposite sex if needed). The shape and position of the arch is critical, not shoe size on the box.

Another way to think of fit, with a well fitting pair of ski boots, the lower two buckle just bring the liner into contact with the top of your foot. They should not need to be cinched down to stop your foot moving.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:02:31 GMT

try the 27.5 in the vector, it is only the heel and ankle area which are much lower volume...there is no reason the go up in length as the volume comes down

the footbeds will not compress much over time, they also don't take up much more room than the stock insole in the boot, they mostly fill the gaps where the stock insole does not

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:32:08 GMT

Ok thanks a lot guys, I'll let you know how I get on!

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:35:20 GMT

Btw last year's vectors are online for really good prices. Just wondering if anyone knows of any reason theyre not as good as the 2012 models. Theyre like GBP100 (35%) cheaper than the latest model, I cant find those sorts of discounts for other boots really. Is it the blue and white being out of fashion or something? :p

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:33:03 GMT

the only major difference between 10/11 and 11/12 model of that boot is the material over the instep, the older model was a little tough to get your foot into, once in not a problem but getting in was an issue so on the newer one they made some grooves in the plastic over the top of the foot to make entry/exit easier, other than that not a whole heap of difference...so if you can get them on save yourself GBP100

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:33:28 GMT

oh yeah, and the buckles have changed too but who cares

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:24:40 GMT

cem wrote:the only major difference between 10/11 and 11/12 model of that boot is the material over the instep, the older model was a little tough to get your foot into, once in not a problem but getting in was an issue so on the newer one they made some grooves in the plastic over the top of the foot to make entry/exit easier, other than that not a whole heap of difference...so if you can get them on save yourself GBP100

Hi Cem

Nice to see you online again :D You have been a mine of information in the past and I need to ask a question if you do not mind. I have a pair of custom fitted Daleboots as I have always had probs with my feet all my life. I have just started running and have the same pain I get when skiing. It now looks like I have Mortons Neurosis and will have to have special orthotics made for my boots. Do you know if this will interfere with my custom footbeds in my Daleboots or can I just swap them over??? I have sent an email to Dale boot but have not had a reply and my podiatrist visit is on Saturday!

your assistance would be appreciated

thanks

carol

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:25:06 GMT

Carol, It might be worth sending an email direct to CEM via his site, as he's quite busy with fittings. I know he's not a Daleboot dealer, but he has a pal nearby who is :D

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:00:10 GMT

bandit wrote:Carol, It might be worth sending an email direct to CEM via his site, as he's quite busy with fittings. I know he's not a Daleboot dealer, but he has a pal nearby who is :D

Thanks bandit I might just do that

Carol

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:19:21 GMT

replied via e mail, not had a chance to get on here before now, good luck getting sorted

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:21 GMT

I received your email cem

Many thanks for the prompt response and advice!

Carol

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:34:15 GMT

Alright, finally resolved my issue. I tried the vector 100s in 27.5 and they were definitely too small. Significant discomfort after 15 minutes, restriction of circulation etc. So I have ended up back with Adaptedges in 28.0. I went with the 100s this time instead of the 90s, GBP20 more expensive mostly for superior liner material, also bit higher flex, few other bits like spine tech clips and a more attractive shell.

So concluding remarks/what i've learned that might help others decide if their boots are correct

They say it's more common for people to buy boots that are too large, but don't make the same mistake as me and go too small because you're worried your newly bought boots don't 'hurt enough'!

If you sit down for 20 minutes you may experience circulation restriction even in correctly fitted boots. Be standing and moving about when trying boots out, adopting some skiing positions etc

One of the google results said 'they should be so tight you're eyes are bulging out their sockets'. I would say this is misleading.

Once again, thanks for the help :-)

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:35:13 GMT

freshfreshpowder wrote:

One of the google results said 'they should be so tight you're eyes are bulging out their sockets'. I would say this is misleading.

Perhaps an exaggeration, but it really is hard to convey just how much boot liners pack in. Especially in the whole sizes where there is a lot of liner thickness to compact. I hope they work for you, but I would wager they'll be sloppy after a weeks skiing.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:02:36 GMT

I really hope your boots work out ok. It's pretty common for the right boot to feel too tight. It's quite easy for a boot tech to make space inside a boot, but a nightmare to try and make a shell smaller with padding.

I think you'll get 5 weeks before they are sloppy. I hope I'm wrong.

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:10:16 GMT

If there is still 3cm between the heel and the shell then the boots are almost certainly too big. This thread http://www.j2ski.com/ski-chat-forum/posts/list/24/9787.page details Scapula's attempts to get his oversized (circa 3cm between heel and shell) Head Edge+ 8.5 boots to fit and function. Did the shop where you bought them from follow a procedure similar to this http://www.foot-works.fr/fitting_process.asp?id_fitting=1 ?

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:21:44 GMT

The 3cm seems to be the main source of concern, but I should say that wasn't particularly accurate, when I first posted it I didn't realise it was such a significant measurement. I'm having difficulty getting it to within 0.5cm with any degree of confidence. I've shone a torch down, shoved fingers down. How are you guys doing it?

I am feeling reasonably confident with the 28.0s though. I'd be surprised if the level of discomfort and desire to get them off the 27.5s give me after 10 minutes is intended by 'firm handshake' and 'snug'!

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:33:12 GMT

The firm handshake rough measure is after the boots have been fitted to you. Boots that have been fitted well can be skied totally undone (yes it's possible to make turns and use drag lifts).

Did your fitter measure your feet in the empty shells? What other measurements were taken?

Were you fitted into the boots, or sold the boots, having self selected them based on your feeling for the fit?

Re:How to know if your boots fit properly

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:39:18 GMT

Swingbeep, that's a very useful run through of the fitting process from the Footworks folk. :thumbup: