Boot fit question

[kmrose]

HI, I am so glad I found this forum!!!
I have been looking at boots, I need to upgrade from some old Salomons. I am also upgrading to shaped skis (finally)
I tried on some Salomon Irony 8's and a pair of Head Edges. The Salomon bootfitter was good, but the stock is limited here.
How is the cuff supposed to fit? On the Irony8 boots the cuff fit like a glove, my leg and the boot were one. The Heads were more like I am used to, there was some play at the top of the boot, about 1 finger.
I was okay with the Salomons but they are way more flexible than I have ever used, and I am concerned I will not like that. I can't quite imagine how that will feel to ski in. I tried other boots Rossignols and maybe some Nordicas, but there was alot of room at the toes in those. I want to find some boots and then buy them online because it is so much less expensive.
Can anyone help with this?
I am about 5'3", 110 lbs, and rate myself as an advanced skiier but not aggressive--no glades! My son says that I am a light skier, that I don't lean real far forward.
My foot is medium width I'd say.
Thanks!!

 

[volklgirl]

Get thee to a GREAT bootfitter!

Do not skimp on your boots. Do not buy them online. Get yourself to the best bootfitter you can find. Pony up the $$....you will thank yourself later.

Why do we say this????

A reputable bootfitter will not try to sell you just what they have in stock. They will guarantee the fit of the boots they sell you FOREVER!. They will be able to tell if a boot is too soft for you or has too much forward lean. Be very honest with your bootfitter on your ambitions, abilities, normal skiing terrain, skiing speed, weight, etc. Make friends with said bootfitter! Your boots are the single most imprtant piece of equipment you will have. They are your link to the outside world (ie, skis, snow, etc). if they don't fit, no amount of lessons or new skis will make your skiing experience any better.

See other threads in this section for ideas of what to expect on bootfitting day. Make an appointment, plan to spend 1-2 hours and to try on a minimum of 3 or 4 pairs of boots. There should be no slop anywhere in a well-fitted boot, even around the calf and lower leg. If you find a fit you like but think it's too soft, try 1 to 2 models up the same line.

Good luck!
ps. it is ok to buy your skis online (after you demo, of course ;) ).

 

[smpayne]

WHAT VOLKLGIRL SAID !!!!

I believe the Irony is more of a beginner to intermediate boot. If the Salomons fit, try the Rush line. Nordica's do run wide in the toe as do Technicas. You sound like you may have small calfs also - no matter what boot I tried, there was never too much room in the calf

Where do you live and ski?

Getting into the new women's skis and the new boots, should help the lean forward thing.

 

[kmrose]

Thanks--and Rush?

I ski and live in VT (well, not much ski this year yet!). Would the Rush fit the same as the Irony? I considered that those might be more appropriate for what I do and want to do. I was concerned about the Irony being a beginner/intermediate boot. The fellow at the store I went to was really decent, and even suggested places I might go to try more boots. it just wasn't an ideal situation because there were so few options--often the case in my part of the state.

 

[ski diva]

kmrose, where do you live in Vermont? There are some really good bootfitters in the state, such as Green Mountain Orthotics in Stratton or Inner Bootworks in Stowe.

 

[smpayne]

Would the Rush fit the same as the Irony? I considered that those might be more appropriate for what I do and want to do. I was concerned about the Irony being a beginner/intermediate boot.

There is only one way to find out. Try them on with the help of a good bootfitter - the kind that can make adjustment if they are needed. Spend the extra money for your boots. It is completely worth it.

Used skis that are a couple years old with the right boots are better than top of the line skis with poorly fitting boots. Like Volklgirls said, make an appointment and plan to spend 1-2 hours, even if you are just trying different boots on. Considering the lack of snow out there, the shops may be willing to discount stuff earlier than normal - it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Quiver Queen]

kmrose--
I can also recommend as a bootfitter the owner of "Starting Gate" @ Stratton, just down the mountain on Rt. 30. My experiences there have been stellar.

 

[kmrose]

Thanks

Thanks for the boot fitter suggestions! I am a ways from Stratton and Stowe. I live in NE VT. Tomorrow I am off to the Woodstock/Lincoln area of NH to look at boots there, provided we get up and get going early. Any suggestions in that area?
I'll report on my findings (or not).

 

[Quiver Queen]

For recommendations closer to you, Chip & Tom @ Northern Ski Works, Killington, do a good job and Dave @ Mountainside Ski Shop, Sugarbush, is excellent. If you see them, be sure to tell them hello from Dawn!

 

[kmrose]

Fitter rec.

Thanks! Sugarbush may be my best bet. It is near my job. All I need is time!! I'll say hello for you!
Many thanks!!

 

[Jilly]

OK Salomon boots - the Irony is too soft for you, see my thread about my boot finding issues. The Rush is their top boot and Rush 8 or 9 is the boot you should be looking at. I found the Rush series was too tall for my calf, but I have big calves and short tendons. If I could put the Atomic Balaze cuff on the Salomon Rush lower boot I would be one happy Diva. As said, DON'T skimp here. You will keep your boots for many years compared to clothes or skis. Try some of these guys that Quiver Queen is suggesting. There is nothing like "work of month sales" to these guys! They love it!