Dalbello Boots + Boot Fitting Prices (Ski Stop)

[wul3]

Hi! I'm new

So I'm looking into a pair of new boots and the Dalbello Raya 5's caught my eye. I'm wondering if anyone out there has any experience with this boot or any of Dalbello's lower-end boots (Rayas, Aspires, etc) ...I'm definitely on a budget (poor college student) and I decided to finally get a decent boot and get it fit for me as well. I know I should go to the shop and try on a bunch of boots, but why bother when they're too expensive and I'll just be sad when I look at the price? o2gearshop.com has a 20% off coupon and I was going to take advantage of that.

Also, I was going to go to the Ski Stop in Westwood, MA to get the boots fitted. I emailed them with a few details about my feet and they think that I'll need a custom insole. Anyone know how much custom insoles and the boot fitting will run me?

Sorry for the long post...I've never done this before!

 

[whitewater girl]

I have Dalbello Raya 5's AND custom insole...and can't say enough good things about either! I had a terrible time with boots (and skiing) until this setup...now I feel like I can do just about anything!

I tried a bunch of lower-end women's boots - the Raya's are the only boot I tried that didn't come up too high (and too tight!) on my calf...also the only boot I've tried where the buckle system didn't compress/collapse my arch!...other low-end boots I had tended to aggravate a problem I have with my knees towing in a bit (a problem I hadn't been aware of before skiing) - the Rayas don't - my stance is much better in them (am also better able to stay out of the "back-seat" in them)...overall, a night & day experience between the Raya's & the other boots I've had/tried...

...the custom insoles pamper my poor abused feet (which hurt sooo bad before...) and suport my battered arch...cost about $100 at my local ski shop and was an absolutely great investment (and I'm on a thrift-store budget, so...)

...this all said, I suggest TRYING on a bunch of boots, even if you can't afford many of them...get a feel for what works for your feet & stance (the Raya's are perfect for mine - may not be for yours)...look for a snug fit (may be uncomfortable until broken-in - really shouldn't actively hurt...if someone tries to convince you that's normal & will go-away after you've worn the boot a while - walk away...)...in particular, the heel should be craddled nice and snug...make sure that your weight rests on the soles of your feet & that the buckles have enough adjustability left for those "bloated" days...(yes, my first pair of boots was so tight in the calf that that is where my weight rested...and no, they never stretched out :mad...this may sound strange, but find what size you think you should be - and start trying on boots one FULL size smaller (most people start out in boots too big...those "Mondo" numbers come from the length of the foot in centimeters! Going by my shoe size & conversion charts, I come up with a Mondo size actually 2 sizes larger than I really should be! ...) ...a good boot-fitter should be able to stretch the shell to alleviate tight spots (not sure what that will cost you - you'll have to check that with the shop you mentioned...)

honestly, I wasted alot of money (and two full ski seasons ) on a series of absolutlely awful boots trying to stay "on-budget"...Took spending hours in with the boots at a local ski-swap to find what works for ME ...it's worth the time (and yes, frustration) to try on dozens of boot to find the right fit for YOU

Good Luck!

(btw - check that that shop will fit a boot they didn't sell...most of the places I've checked won't...)

(btw #2 - just checked the prices on o2gearshop.com - check out the prices on Raya's at some ski shops...I got mine at a local shop last December for @ $200, complete with "fitting" the lining & adjusting my bindings to fit my new boots...fitting the shell, if I had needed it, I think would have been extra, but at least the option was available...supported a local shop/resouce and no shipping charge!)

 

[wul3]

wow thanks for all the info! I have the same problem with boots being too tight on my calf (shins and calves would always be sore after skiing)

i asked the ski shop that I'd be going to and they said they would fit boots I brought in as long as I paid for the fitting.

and you got a great deal on your boots! I can't find the Raya 5's anywhere online for less than $300. I haven't had much time to drive around to various shops yet either. Were your boots last season's model when you bought them?

 

[whitewater girl]

my boots were the previous year's model - and I happen to like the white & red color scheme they came in that year!

 

[wul3]

ooh lucky you! that sounds like a pretty color scheme...unfortunately i doubt i'll be able to find any of last year's model in my size. i emailed about 6 different ski shops if they carried the boot and no luck so far.

what size shoe do you wear and what size boot did you end up getting? i wear a 7 1/2 shoe and 24 mondo in my Head boots