Question: Advice needed on skis and boots

[Lilfoot1598]

Hey Divas! This is my first time posting on this board, but I've been lurking here for a few weeks and am learning a lot through your conversations! Now I could use some sage advice!

I have recently been bitten by the ski bug and bought new skis and boots this season. I bought them both at REI, having no CLUE what to look for in a boot or a ski. Unfortunately, the salesmen at REI also seem to have no clue. I have purchased and returned two pairs of boots there, the first of which had too much forward lean and the second of which was about 2.5 sizes too big. When I returned my second pair, the salesperson said that REI does not stock boots in my size at all, so I need to find a new place to buy some.

I don't want to repeat the mistake of buying from a shop that lacks employee expertise, but how do I find a good shop/bootfitter to get me into the right pair of boots? Also, my feet are incredibly small (measure at a 21) - any ladies out there with feet that small who can give me some boot recommendations?

I have also heard that I shouldn't waste my money buying beginner or "recreational" boots. Is that true?

Aside from the boot fiasco, I also purchased a pair of Sweet Luvs, which I like a lot, but I'm afraid I'll outgrow them too soon. Since I've returned my boots to REI and am supremely unhappy with them right now, I am now considering returning the Sweet Luvs for a cheaper pair of last season's One Luvs or True Luvs that I found in a different local shop. I am an advanced beginner who skies mainly green runs and easy blue runs. I am 5'0'', weigh about 100 pounds, and plan to ski once per week this season. Which Luv do you think is a best fit for me?

Yikes! Lots of questions! Sorry about that! Any advice you'd be willing to give would greatly decrease my stress level right now. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jilly]

Lilfoot1598 - where are you?? Welcome to Ski Diva's. We have Diva's all over North America, Europe and even Oz!! You need a good bootfitter, so give us a local and I'm sure someone will pipe up and help you. REI means you are somewhere in the US! And the K2 lovers will also answer any questions on K2 skis!

 

[Lilfoot1598]

I'm in the Portland area. I'm currently talking to Strolz_Boot_Guy from the EpicSki forum, but he only sells Strolz - above my price range!!

 

[volklgirl]

Have you checked out the Gearipedia section here yet? There are several articles about ski and boot construction and what to expect/look for when you go for a boot fitting. Being an informed consumer is always a good thing....especially when it concerns squeezing your feet into properly fitted ski boots for an entire day.

 

[skidaup]

It would be good if you could find a reputable shop to help you not only with your selection but with wax, tuning, adjustments, or anything else that comes up after your initial purchase. A place that takes the time to help you decide what is best for you even if they don't have it in stock. I love REI but I like a more personal level of a ski shop where I get the same service every time. Maybe go to the K2 site & see who sells them in your area and ask around for recommendations on what others think of the shops? Good luck and take your time, I tell my kids not to buy stuff unless they LOVE it!

 

[nyskier]

Boots: Do you have any particular issues with calves, ramp angle, instep, etc? I have found that a bootfitter is essential to curing fit problems. If you have really small feet, perhaps a junior boot would be better?

Skis: Why don't you return the K2's and demo skis to see which ones you really like? I think that is really the only way to tell. Then, you can look on ebay for deals or sometimes at Backcountry.com. Also, take a look at Tramdock.com. They run specials every day and sometimes have the K2 women's skis for really good prices.

 

[Kayakgirl]

Women Specific Shop In Portland

You might give Signal Sports in Portland a try. I have heard of them, but not been in the store (I live in Salem). Here's their claim:

"Signal Sports was formed to provide the best possible selection of equipment and apparel specifically designed for women who ski and snowboard and enjoy a variety of activities in the spring and summer.

Our staff of experienced skiers and boarders has been trained to help you select gear that is actually designed to improve a woman's performance and comfort."

They have a website (signalsports.com) and are located on NW Kearney.

 

[alaski]

I think that if you're brand new to skiing, all boots will feel like they have too much forward lean. They're supposed to feel like that. There are boots that are more "upright" but IMHO don't waste your time with them, you will just outgrow them and they won't help your skiing at all.

I second all the comments about a good bootfitter. Unfortunately they are hard to find, so get a bunch of recommendations and don't buy from anyone without a good return policy!

As far as the skis go, I'm all for sticking it to REI (not my favorite place) but if you're happy with the skis it's in bad faith to return them just to get a cheaper pair elsewhere. If you think you'll outgrow them too soon, then wait until you DO outgrow them. That said, I sold a pair of very short skis that I used after I had knee surgery. They were super small and well below my ability level, but I've always regretted selling them! They were great for certain things. So I would just keep the skis if you like them.

 

[Lilfoot1598]

volklgirl - Thanks so much for leading me to the Gearipedia section. It's a great resource and I feel much better picking out a pair of boots now that I actually understand how they work. Who knew they were so complicated!

Skidaup - I love REI too, and definitely wish I could get my boots there (they don't carry a single boot in my size). They have such great customer service and the best return policy around. I have to say that I am disappointed in the lack of knowledge of some of the employees in the ski/snowboard section so, as per your advice, I'll look into a smaller specialty shop for those purchases.

nyskier - I don't have any particular foot problems, other than the small foot size. I think the junior boot is a great way to go and will look around for some. Thanks for the suggestion!

kayakgirl - I called Signal Sports this morning and alas, no small-sized boots. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

alaski - My first pair of boots was forcing my knees to center above my toes. I literally couldn't even stand in my boots for more than a few minutes without having to sit down to rest. I had to quit skiing after just two hours the day I wore them because I was so miserable. I returned them for a different pair and the problem disappeared completely. Perhaps the forward lean was not the only factor causing my discomfort? And I think you're right about not taking the skis back - it really is in bad faith because I do like the skis.

Thanks to everyone for your advice! I hope that, with your advice, I can get these issues resolved soon. Right now I'm skiing on boots that are 2.5 sizes too big, which is no fun. It's enough to drive a girl to snowboard! :D If you have any more advice, please keep it coming!

 

[michpc]

Lilfoot1598, I think the problem with REI is just that it's a large general outdoor stoor. It's hard for them to have really specialty employees, where as a ski only shop is going to have the people there that specialize in skis only. I wish I had the small foot problem!

 

[nyskier]

I have also had problems with boots, but mine were most likely caused by having large calves, which put me too far forward and made the quads burn like ...
I solved this with a 22.5 in Nordica Beasts, which are great for those of us who suffer from the calf problem.

Check out Epicski.com for suggestions on junior boots. I have seen them recommended to a number of women over there.

 

[Jilly]

Do you have the make and model of your ski boot? Many have adjustments that the sales staff probably didn't even know about. There could be a "walk/ski" mode button on the back or a spoiler in the back cuff that might just need to be removed.

Give us the make ie Salomon, Lange and the model and someone will know!

 

[Lilfoot1598]

My first boot, which caused extreme quad and calf muscle fatigue, was a Nordica Olympia One 10. My new boot, which I would love if it were just smaller, is a Salomon Divine RS CF.

 

[SnowHot]

Hi Lilfoot, I'm Trekchick on EpicSki. I posted over there about a suggestion tha MtLion has about Full tilt boots.
If you have questions about those boots, you can check with Mollmeister her on SkiDiva who has tiny feet as well and loves her full tilts!!!!

 

[Lilfoot1598]

I took all of your advice and called around to some local ski shops today. Luckily one shop did have some smaller boots. I tried a few junior race boots, but didn't want to have to change out my bindings if it wasn't necessary and they didn't have the Tecnica race boots that everyone has recommended. I ended up with a pair of Lange WC 120 W boots in a 21, which is most likely the only size 21 adult boot within a 100-mile radius. Now I'm just hoping that it won't be too much boot for a beginner to handle - any thoughts on that?

 

[volklgirl]

If the boot fits.......(really, that's the most important thing!)

However, with that being said, the WC 120 is a full-on race boot and at 100 lbs, the concern is there that you don't have enough bulk to flex it (unless you're ALL muscle). Heck, I'm 190+ lbs and am only in the WC 100. But, a competent shop should be able to alter the shell enough to make it a reasonable flex for you. The lower shell should have cut lines for them to follow for notching the lower cuff, and they should be able to remove any forward flex bolts or boosters in the upper cuff.

That is one FINE boot, BTW!

 

[Queen of Crud]

Hi - if you're really a 21 mondo, it's not the shop that's the problem. Most boot manufacturers start at 22.5 with the exception of Head and Lange who make a true 22 for women. I think you'll have to find a youth boot. The youth racing boots will have a good fit and durability, but for a new skier, you'll sacrifice some "comfort". They'll feel stiff, stiff, stiff. That said, starting out with a close fit will do wonders for your skiing. I just found out my "beginner/breakthrough" boots were 1.5 sizes bigger than what I replaced them with (6 years later)

Good luck - and ditto all other's advice of trying to find a ski shop to work with.

 

[SnowHot]

Welcome Queen of Crud. I think you'll find in some of the posts/research that we've done, we've found a couple of boots that do, indeed, come in a 21/21.5, but they are few.
Race Pro 90 Technica is one of them
As Mt Lion on EpicSki Said:

smallest lange is a size 3 and is a 265 or 266mm. This is avail in most models, both race, lady and Jr
PM me for a deal on the WC100 team in that size.
The technica will fit smaller I bet.

 

[badger]

junior boots

Lilfoot, You and I are about the same size. I'm a tad taller at 5"2"--100 lbs. . The Junior race boot will be more beneficial to you right now than the Lange WC 120. I've tried on the Langes for size, and yes, they fit quite well in a 21. However, my bootfitter told me that they cannot be worked on much, very little he could do other than basic adjustments. And that particular boot would scare me in that it is way above my skill and weight, and might hold me back from advancing my technique. The Tecnica Junior Race Pro Diablo comes in 70 or 90. Also the thing with this boot is that the sole length in a 21 21.5 is 260 and easily fits into adult ski bindings. I know binding fit was my chief concern after launching into the Junior boot arena.
Another consideration is the cuff height on a Junior boot versus an adult race boot. Removing the spoilers from the back of the boots make them much more comfortable too. Unless, of course you find you like that pressure on your calf. Good Luck!

 

[Queen of Crud]

Thanks, SnowHot - I'll check the posts for smallest boots. "fortunately" I'm a 22, but that itself has been hard to find even here in Colorado. was trying to help with the impression that it was REI that was the problem. maybe in some ways, they are (no real training in boot fitting and not enough integrity/knowhow to say - "you're a hard fit, go to a ski shop") Anyway, good luck to lilfoot. She's found a good site for advice that I wish I'd had when looking for my first "real boots"