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Does the Diva go to the Boot Fitter??
- Thread starter volklgirl
- Start date
I answered "Yes, always," because I went with a bootfitter the last time I bought boots, and I never plan to do it any other way.
I'd always suffered with cold feet, cramped toes, heel boxes that were too big, etc. So the last time I bought boots I went to Surefoot in Keystone, CO, while I was there for a week's vacation. I must say, it was the best thing I've ever done, boot-wise. There's no comparison to what I've had before. My boots are sooooo comfortable. My toes are never cramped, my heel stays in place, and though I won't say my feet never get cold, they are much warmer than they were in the past.
The whole fitting process took a number of days. Once my boots were initially done, I'd ski a bit, go back to the shop, they'd make adjustments, and then I'd repeat the process until they were just right. One benefit about Surefoot is that they have a multitude of locations and the boots are completely guaranteed. So even though I bought them in Keystone, I can have a problem taken care of, say, in Killington, if I needed to. And actually, I haven't had a problem since the final adjustments were made.
I've recently read varying reports about Surefoot on Epic, and all I can comment on is my own experience, which I think was first rate. Maybe it just depends on where you go or what your expectations are. All I know is that I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. I know it's expensive, but to me, it was worth it. Whether I go to them next time or to someone else, I know I'd never go back to out-of-the-box boots again.
I'd always suffered with cold feet, cramped toes, heel boxes that were too big, etc. So the last time I bought boots I went to Surefoot in Keystone, CO, while I was there for a week's vacation. I must say, it was the best thing I've ever done, boot-wise. There's no comparison to what I've had before. My boots are sooooo comfortable. My toes are never cramped, my heel stays in place, and though I won't say my feet never get cold, they are much warmer than they were in the past.
The whole fitting process took a number of days. Once my boots were initially done, I'd ski a bit, go back to the shop, they'd make adjustments, and then I'd repeat the process until they were just right. One benefit about Surefoot is that they have a multitude of locations and the boots are completely guaranteed. So even though I bought them in Keystone, I can have a problem taken care of, say, in Killington, if I needed to. And actually, I haven't had a problem since the final adjustments were made.
I've recently read varying reports about Surefoot on Epic, and all I can comment on is my own experience, which I think was first rate. Maybe it just depends on where you go or what your expectations are. All I know is that I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. I know it's expensive, but to me, it was worth it. Whether I go to them next time or to someone else, I know I'd never go back to out-of-the-box boots again.
I voted yes because the next time I need boots I'm going. Hubby just spend 2 hours on Saturday getting fitted. Its the first time in 15 years since he's had a good fit. He has several foot issues and like most men thinks he knows everything and how to fix it. Well he went back this morning to pick up his boots. Now he's been skeptical about this, but I think the man has changed his mind. They fit like a charm and won't need to be tweaked. I'm going to see Martin when I need new boots - next year. By the by he charged an extra $ 75.00 to do them. Money well spent I think.
Snowsong
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I wouldn't think of not being "dialed in." I drive about 2 hrs. to get a fitting, but it is well worth it for me. I don't have the typical female knock-knee stance, and I'm borderline for heel lifts, but prefer to ski with them. I have custom footbeds, and used to have a cant on one leg, but with all the adjustments on boots, a cuff alignment is all I now need. The bootfitter also did some stuff with my ramp and delta angles. I do feel the difference. I do know some guys who are great skiers who have not had a fitting, but I think that the majority of skiers would benefit from having an assessment. Most of our bodies are not perfect for skiing, which is why there are so many women's models now on the market. We have larger bike seats, smaller basketballs, tennis rackets and golf clubs with larger sweet spots, so why not have an assessment with ski equipment. A good reference is Warren Witherall's book "How the Racers Ski." You don't have to be a racer to understand and benefit from a bootfitting. Better control = more fun :D
HotChocolate
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
After 3 years of what I consider mild torture in my boots I went to a boot fitter last year and have never looked back. I have very slender legs and feet and my fitter knew instantly I was a Lange kinda girl. It seemed like a lot of work to get them right but once they're right they're wonderful.
I would buy boots on my own but I would run not walk to the fitter for adjustments.
I would buy boots on my own but I would run not walk to the fitter for adjustments.
Thatsagirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Absolutely always. Perhaps having racers in my family, and a ski instructor for a mom, made it so there was never any question that this should be done. It just makes all the difference in your comfort and performance on the mountain.
Thatsagirl
Thatsagirl
Thatsagirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Volkl, I'll bet those two boots will feel like night and day.
Snowsong
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I agree with you Volklegirl about spreading the word. I'm not surprised at the results on this site, from what I've been reading. However, in my experience, the knowledge of the Divas does not mirror the majority of the female skiing population I come into contact with. Most women just seem so reluctant to go to a bootfitter or to spend the money to upgrade their equipment from rear entry boots, etc. Then they wonder why they never get off the bunny slope or end up in the lodge by lunch (although I'm not saying not having an alignment is the only reason this happens). It amazes me that people think nothing of plunking down a couple hundred dollars for that one golf club that will help their game, but will ski on their brothers old, ill fitting equipment, etc. Maybe its because people keep score in golf, so you have immediate feedback on how you do, whereas in skiing, the results aren't always so clear cut. 
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I'm gonna cry if they don't work out.....I love my Salomons (Performa Equipe 9.0 circa 1997-8). They were a total fluke - Hubby bought them used on e-bay on a whim. Turns out whoever had them had my twin's feet. They were already blown out for the right bunion, the left 'sixth toe', had saddle pads around the right achilles, and had the lower cuff notched for extra softness. It was like putting on my favorite shoes - Ahhhhhhh. They are the first pair of boots I never got cold in, never got arch cramps, never got tingly toes, never had to fidget with buckles, and still felt like a champ when skiing in them. However, I continuously hear "God, you've got the latest and greatest equipment, except for those stupid boots! Would you please come into the 2000's?" Soooooo...new boots it is 
(oh, and the liners are starting to fall apart :( ).
Spent a little over an hour with the bootfitter on the Langes. The heels/ankles fit great but we had to do a ton of work on the toe area. I really hope I don't hate them.
(oh, and the liners are starting to fall apart :( ).Spent a little over an hour with the bootfitter on the Langes. The heels/ankles fit great but we had to do a ton of work on the toe area. I really hope I don't hate them.
Shellski
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Fitted always, and I have custom footbeds. But I don't usually need a lot of 'tweaking' I have pretty easy feet.
But I need to relate a funny story - a good friend of ours got a good deal on some boots from a distributors sale, she walked around the house in them for a couple of days before emailing me to say that the left boot was fine, but the right one was giving her some pain over her big toe. I gave her the name of a local shop owner who is very helpful, so she made an appointment with him and went along for a 'boot adjustment'. After she described the problem, he stuck his hand in her boot, felt around and pulled out a rolled up little ball of paper. She nearly fell over with embarrassment but he almost died laughing and thanked her for the funniest experience he'd had all season, and wished that all boot problems were as easy to fix!!
But I need to relate a funny story - a good friend of ours got a good deal on some boots from a distributors sale, she walked around the house in them for a couple of days before emailing me to say that the left boot was fine, but the right one was giving her some pain over her big toe. I gave her the name of a local shop owner who is very helpful, so she made an appointment with him and went along for a 'boot adjustment'. After she described the problem, he stuck his hand in her boot, felt around and pulled out a rolled up little ball of paper. She nearly fell over with embarrassment but he almost died laughing and thanked her for the funniest experience he'd had all season, and wished that all boot problems were as easy to fix!!
Quiver Queen
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
A Must!
I was getting increasingly frustrated with my skiing and had come to the conclusion my boots were holding me back, so recently went from "Technica torture" to "Head heaven" on the advice of a well-qualified boot fitter at Stratton, VT. Now my boots do what they are supposed to do. A good boot guy (any boot women out there?) is worth his (her) weight in gold.
I was getting increasingly frustrated with my skiing and had come to the conclusion my boots were holding me back, so recently went from "Technica torture" to "Head heaven" on the advice of a well-qualified boot fitter at Stratton, VT. Now my boots do what they are supposed to do. A good boot guy (any boot women out there?) is worth his (her) weight in gold.
I've been a boot fitter for about 20 years so I do my own fitting, except for cuff alignment and canting evaluations (hard to do that yourself except for trial and error on the hill) - went to the two day "Masterfit University" 3 years ago and am able to make custom footbeds and grind and stretch boots to accomodate anomalies in foot anatomy. Unfortunately, many shops would rather sell someone a boot that's too big than deal with labor intensive custom fitting.
SkiBunny
Certified Ski Diva
I voted Always, since this year. Last year I had Nortica and very comfy but did Not have the same reaction time to my new ones, Salomons. What a difference with my new ones, I had to go back to him 3 times to re-adjust but OMG What a difference skiing with them esp in the crud I was skiing over Thanksgiving :p Custom boot fit is awesome, you can balance better,have better control of your feet, its sorta like going from a Buick to a Porsche (quick reaction). I def advise it. NTM I have a very wide foot and short but high arch so my boot really forms to my foot now. Its def worth while to look into.
Capucine
Certified Ski Diva
I feel a little stupid right now because I didn't what was a boot fitter before this thread.:o Is there a good one around Montreal (Tremblant or near Jay Peak works too). I guess I should go... Is that only when you buy new boots or you can do it with your old ones?
I really love this forum! I learn all kind of new things.
I really love this forum! I learn all kind of new things.
MissDemeanour
Diva in Training
I have just had my boots fitted properly for the first time. I have had two pairs of boots before, both rossignol, neither pair were any good, and I even sold one pair on ebay. My new ones are Tecnica Attiva Flames, and they are so good. Feet were a bit painful the first day, but after that they;ve been fine, and I still have room to wiggle my toes.
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Capucine said:
Yes to the old boots. Even if things don't really hurt, they can pad liners that have packed out, evaluate your foot for custom insoles, check your alignment, grind stuff that is hurting, and check your fore-aft balance. You might be amazed at what you find out about your feet and the difference it may make in your skiing.
My first alignment session was from Jeannie Thoren. When I took my PSIA II exam, I was told by all 3 examiners to apply my knowledge and teaching skills to my own skiing. Turns out, however, that all I needed was canting. All of a sudden my skiing jumped up 2-3 levels. no more tail skidding or hip throwing!
