Hi I'm new and have a questions about boot fitting

[SSteph2747]

Hola, I'm from Houston, TX and as you may or may not know, we don't have snow here. However, I have skied almost every year since before I can remember. More frequently, I've had the opportunity to go out to Cali. and do some skiing there, and it's gotten to the point that I'm sick of renting boots. Skis...no problem. But the boots I rent never fit right, they're never comfortable (I ALWAYS get bruises), and ick...other people's nasty, sweaty feet have been in them!! So I want to purchase boots - problem is, I don't want to plop down a couple hundred bucks if they don't fit right...and we don't have boot fitters out here! I'm looking at the Atomic B90's or B80's, because they seem like they'd be comfortable, and I like they way they look (which...REALLY shouldn't matter, but kinda does.) Any suggestions as to what I should do? I'm skiing a weekend in early Dec. and wanted to get my boots by then, but I don't want to rush it.

Sorry for the long post!

 

[Jilly]

You really need to see a bootfitter. Where are you going skiing in December? There maybe someone/shop that can fit you then.

 

[SnowHot]

I'll echo Jilly. Normally I would not lead someone away from one forum to another, however, I think you would be well served to register on EpicSki.com /forums.epicski.com/ and check out the bootfitters forum, called Ask the boot Guys

Those guys are the best bootfitters in the world and will surely be able to put you on the right track. You may find one of them, somewhat, close to you, or find one who works near your ski destination so you can work with them on your next trip and get the right fit.
There are some bootfitters who will ski with you so that they can sincerely see how you ski and what your alignment is like.

Check it out.

 

[CMCM]

I learned the hard way to NOT fit myself with boots! Mid season last year I was in terrible foot pain and gave up and went to a local ski shop (Tahoe area) to get properly fitted in a new pair of boots. It made all the difference in the world, and I also learned that we all have different feet so what is perfect for me might be terrible for you. Therefore, trying lots of boots under the guidance of a knowledgeable boot fitter is absolutely crucial.

My previous boots were bought in REI, by the way, and the guidance I got there was pathetic, and I realize now that the guy who helped me knew nothing about fitting boots. Those boots killed my feet and really hampered my skiing and ability to improve.

Another thing: I learned a properly fitted boot, appropriate for my skiing style and level, was far more important than the ski. I once rented some Head boots which were apparently pretty soft, and I didn't like them at all in spite of the fact that in the SHOP they felt wonderful and comfortable. On skis, these softer boots made me feel like I had less control over my skis. My level of skiing apparently benefits more from a stiffer boot, I realized.

One more thing: The ski shop where I got fitted assured me that they would do everything to be sure the new boots were right, and if they couldn't, they would take them back and put me in another boot.

In case you go to the Tahoe area and get boots there, I really recommend Granite Chief in Truckee....those folks are great fitters.

 

[volklgirl]

Check out the bootfitting thread in the Gearipedia section for an idea of what to expect (and demand) when going to a bootfitter. Boots ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT piece of equipment you'll ever own. Take no short cuts here!

Oh, and Welcome!!!