Boot buying advice please!

[vermonter]

Hi all,

First post to SkiDiva even though I've been lurking for a while....

First, a shout out to the wonderful Diva herself, who helped me hone in on a pair of Fischer Vision Vapors to celebrate a return to skiing after 9-10 years on a crappy ol' snowboard!

Now on to new business. I'd like to buy a pair of boots and I've read many posts about the benefits of bootfitters, but I guess right now I'm just nervous that whatever I do will break the bank. Any advice on how to go about purchasing boots on a budget? Where do I start? Should I go to a bootfitter no matter what, or are there more creative ways to go about finding the right boot that are more budget friendly?

Any advice specific to Southern Vermont would be much appreciated, but mostly I'm just looking for general advice.

Thanks!

Ps Another concern of mine is that I have big ankles/calves even though I'm a size 7.5 shoe (plainspeak). Any up-to-date advice on boots that won't work like tourniquets would also be appreciated!

 

[MaryLou]

Some feel this is a cheasy way to shop for boots, but I'm putting it out there. My DH found a great boot fitter near our mountain that worked with him and his old boots. He realized he needed new boots, tried on some in the shop and found a pair he really like, but they were very expensive. He then went to eBay, found the exact same pair that someone had worn ~10 times and not liked and bought them for $100. Then went to the same bootfitter and got custom footbeds, etc...etc...

Some say that's wrong, he wasted the shops time, etc. And I can see their point. But then there is me, who demos a ski and ends up paying MSRP at an expensive mountain shop when I could have shopped around some more. My DH is an eBay fan...typically gets a new pair of skis every year, that are brand new but a 2 year old model or something, for $100-200 and mounts bindings himself (or uses this same shop).

I'm buying new boots this winter - gonna just suck it up and pay whatever I need to - I don't have patience like DH lol...but I also get one thing and keep it for years.

I'm interested in the response to the big ankle/calf question you had - same here. I'm not stuck on brands at all, just plan on seeing what fits and is what I need. I'm racing NASTAR so I need something that'll be good in bumps/rec stuff as well as racing.

 

[volklgirl]

Really. Seriously. Go to a boot fitter (or a couple of fitters). They're best qualified to suggest what would fit your foot and leg since none of us can see or feel it on the internet.

Then, if you're truly on a meager budget, you'll have an idea of what will fit you best and what modifications need to be made when you go to look elsewhere. Smart shopping can then get you into something very reasonably, but keep in mind, you're on your own for modifications and adjustments at that point.

For the sake of your feet, legs, and skiing skills, just pony up the big bucks and work with a fitter - most of them guarantee fit for at least a year and many for the lifetime of the boot.

 

[altagirl]

I would agree - skimp elsewhere, but not on the boots.

That said - MAYBE you're one of the lucky ones. Who can find a boot that just fits your foot like it was made for it. After years of expensive boot modification and searching for alpine boots - this year Black Diamond is making an AT (touring) boot that fits like they molded it from my feet. It's like the heavens opened and angels were singing. Previously - if something felt like it fit like that it was because it was WAY TOO BIG.

So while you can try to fit yourself cheaply, be aware that most people start out in boots that are 2 sizes too big. To get a real fit, you have to pull the liner out of the shell and see how the shell fits around your foot with your toe pushed against the front. 1-2 fingers is the most you want to fit in there. In most boots this means you're going to feel horrible hot spots where the boot doesn't fit you just right. And that's where a good bootfitter really comes in handy - there's nothing like someone who can look at the shape of your foot and all the callouses and bunions and bones sticking out in their own unique way who knows every boot on the market and can say - okay - you need an Atomic M110. And then bring it out and you can try on every boot in the store but they knew just looking what would work for you. AND they understand what is fixable and what is NOT.

You can't effectively fill up space in a boot. It just doesn't work. You can blow out some areas to create more space. But for example if the heel isn't tight - that's just going to get worse. It can't be fixed. If your wide foot is smushed in a narrow boot - THAT - they can fix.

So if you really want to try on your own - 1 - make sure you're doing a good shell fit. And 2- see if you can find anything that just feels perfect on your foot - AND is perfectly tight in all directions (like your toes almost (but not quite) have to be bent to fit inside) and holds your heel down like glue. If you can't find that or are tempted to size up to be comfortable... go see a real bootfitter and spend the money. Because any money you spend on those boots that are too big is just money wasted!

 

[volklgirl]

And another thought.......

If you buy elsewhere (like the internet or a box store), you may find that when you DO need a fitter or other ski/bike tech, they are now out of business because everyone is trying to save money by spending it elsewhere.

 

[ski diva]

Vermonter, first you need to read the following in our Gearipedia section. It explains why you, yes you, need a bootfitting.

Second, if you can get yourself to Ludlow, go see Shon at Bootpro. He is a terrific bootfitter (and a really nice guy), and he'll get you in boots that'll make your feet happy. There's nothing that'll ruin your ski day faster than ill fitting boots.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Wholeheartedly will concur with all above, especially for the "First Big Fit" after so long of not being in ski boots. Really isn't the place to save $, as it might cost more in the long run. Fit's crucial. That being said, you could get lucky in that the shop just might have new/old stock available from the prior year at a great price that might work out (still retaining the fitting privileges and services) --- and, given the current economy, I suspect that many - if not most - retailers are going to be having sales MUCH sooner than they otherwise might, just out of necessity. So, for anyone looking to buy, this really could be a "buyers' market" year.

Once you are dialed in to a brand/size/last etc., the next pair will be a far easier undertaking. Don't cut corners this first time around -- too much to lose, for dollars, comfort and performance.

 

[Sierra]

Vermonter,

I went for the budget-friendly approach my first year on skis and ended up with boots that were not right for me. They were serviceable to practice the basics but, beyond that, they were so wrong for me that I was told not to spend money in trying to make them fit better. Of course the shop where I bought them could not do anything for me.

The following season, I went to a bootfitter who put me in the right boot (2 sizes smaller than the previous pair) and who has a commitment to keep adjusting the boot until it fits right. He has tweaked with the darn boots for three years now for $0. I trust his advice and know he wont tell me that I need to buy new boots until I truly do so (dang!)


So, the first pair was an expensive mistake. The second pair was a wise, long term investment.

 

[altagirl]

And another thought.......

If you buy elsewhere (like the internet or a box store), you may find that when you DO need a fitter or other ski/bike tech, they are now out of business because everyone is trying to save money by spending it elsewhere.

That, and if you buy elsewhere and need fitting - they tend to (justifiably) charge an arm and a leg for it if you didn't buy the boots from them. So ask about their policy on adjustments and such - maybe if you factor that into the price it won't sound so bad.

Years ago, I had a pair of boots that my husband got for me basically directly from the factory in Italy - we knew my size, so we figured it would be okay. Which was really cool - and really cheap. Only, sooner or later they were causing me so much pain that I needed professional fitting help. And I ended up spending more money on the boot fitting than I spent on the boots. AND even with all of that, they didn't fit as well as a different model boot that the bootfitter would have recommended in the first place.

A really excellent bootfitter is one of those things that's up there with like - getting LASIK. It's a lot of money, but you look back and think - WHY didn't I get that done sooner!!! It was totally worth it!



(and I just have to point out that when I was in Vermont this summer, they were selling a sandwich at Mt. Snow called the "Vermonter" - which was seriously the most amazing sandwich I've ever eaten. Ham and cheese on French Toast, dipped in maple syrup. So every time I see your screen name it's making me hungry!)

 

[Rossi]

I spent time on the net reviewing boots making a short list of boots I wanted to try on, the problem I couldn't find the boots to try on.
It seems around here ski shops don't carry many women performance boots, maybe the economy and they don't want to stock them. Whatever the reason I didn't have many choices in boots so it was hard to compare fit,I ended up getting the Tecnica Attive Dragon. I think there is such a fine line between fitting right and to tight never mind if you have a foot problem that makes buying a ski boot not an easy task. Nothing is worse then boots that are way tight causing your toes to freeze which was always in the back of my mind. When looking for boots I did find shops having early sales 15-20% off on this years boots and last years model were marked down even more. Check out boots and prices on the computer first so you have some knowledge when you go into the shop.

 

[PNWSkier]

When I was looking for boots I found a pair that fit well but were out of my budget. As much as I would have loved to spend as much as needed, I did have budgetary contstraints and I verbally expressed that to the bootfitter. He went into the backroom and came back with a couple of boots from the previous year. I don't know why they were back there but they were and he offered me a great deal. Anyway, don't be afraid to ask if they have any "leftovers" hidden in the back. I was able to get just as good of a fit for less money. It was actually win-win for me.

 

[HotChocolate]

don't be afraid to ask if they have any "leftovers" hidden in the back. I was able to get just as good of a fit for less money. It was actually win-win for me.

"Ditto"

tip...when looking at past seasons equipment I shoot for 50% of MSRP! I have been known to settle for 40.

Remember everything is negotiable.

 

[SnowHot]

A really excellent bootfitter is one of those things that's up there with like - getting LASIK. It's a lot of money, but you look back and think - WHY didn't I get that done sooner!!! It was totally worth it!

Volklgirl has a bunch of great articles in the gearpedia about the value of a boot fitting.
You can also see my review, here. This gives a pretty good idea of what you will get for your $$. My boot fitting took about 2 hrs. Some take longer, some not so long.

I have very happy feet

(and I just have to point out that when I was in Vermont this summer, they were selling a sandwich at Mt. Snow called the "Vermonter" - which was seriously the most amazing sandwich I've ever eaten. Ham and cheese on French Toast, dipped in maple syrup. So every time I see your screen name it's making me hungry!)

I bet that you can't quite duplicate it at home either. Don'tcha hate that. :(

 

[tcarey]

As the Ski Diva put it-Go Here


https://www.thebootpro.net/index_files/Page293.htm

 

[rangergrrl]

Take it from this calve challenged skiier you need to SHOP AROUND for a boot fitter that knows what he/she is doing. I probably went to 20+ shops over the last year looking for a ski boot to fit. I have a small foot boot size 23 and large calves. Not every bootfitter is going to know how to make a boot work for you. A big issue is your larger calves pushing you into a too forward stance even if the buckles close on the largest setting. A shell fit is important but so is the bootfitter assessing your personal calve/foot/stance issues. I'd almost given up finding a good fitting boot when I stumbled upon a tiny ski shop after getting lost on my way back from a master bootfitter who told me to just give up on finding a boot. Another tip-the bootfitting is not going to be one appointment. I have spent HOURS with my bootfitter. The initial fitting was over 4 hrs of trying on various boots until he found one he liked AND I liked that he could modify for my calves. I've been back twice now each time he makes adjustments and I wear the boots and let him know how things are feeling. This weekend I will ski in them for the first time mark anywhere on my feet or legs with a marker than I feel still need improvement and report back to him.