Need new boots, skis and guidance

[SnowflowerT]

We will be in Steamboat for the first four weeks of the season, and my current plan is to get new boots at Surefoot and new skis from Christy’s. I know it will be a process, and I am seeking advice and tips to help with the best outcome. After Steamboat, we will go to SLC for the remainder of the season. (We travel FT in an RV and work remotely.)

I ski blues with confidence on good weather days and have been in skis that are too short and boots that are too roomy. I’m 5’4” and have 147 Volkl skis. My feet can be problematic due to a wide forefoot and narrow heel and bunion surgery on both feet.

More background - I learned to ski as an adult in the US; then, from 2007 to 2014 skied 20 - 30 days a season in the French Alps and Austria Zillertal area, then back in the US, primarily at Park City for each season, took five years off skiing due to caregiving, and returned last year and spent three months with the Ikon pass in the ski areas around Salt Lake City.

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[badger]

At Steamboat you will have some great options. There are shops on mountain and downtown. I'd say first, that with your experience and skill level 147 is way too short. You likely are already aware of this!

Enjoy this shopping adventure.

 

[IceHeeler]

If you haven't already, make an appointment for the boot fitter. The biggest issue I see when people visit my area is they wait until a month or less out and then everything is booked. Depending on your feet, you may need to revisit the fitter to have minor adjustments. I'm excited to hear which skis you end up purchasing.

 

[SnowflowerT]

If you haven't already, make an appointment for the boot fitter. The biggest issue I see when people visit my area is they wait until a month or less out and then everything is booked. Depending on your feet, you may need to revisit the fitter to have minor adjustments. I'm excited to hear which skis you end up purchasing.

Thank you so much for this advice! I definitely would have waited to make the appointment. I will reach out to them now and get things going.

 

[SnowflowerT]

At Steamboat you will have some great options. There are shops on mountain and downtown. I'd say first, that with your experience and skill level 147 is way too short. You likely are already aware of this!

Enjoy this shopping adventure.

Thank you! Yes, I know the skis are too short, and I am looking forward to having a more appropriate size.

 

[Soujan]

I have similar boot issues. I've found Solomon boots to have a narrower heel. My last 2 pairs were Solomon and I only had the sides blown out a little to make room for my bunions. Last season I switched to Tecnica Mach1 and moved over the Zipfit liner I was using with the Solomon. I had to put a lot more cork around the heel of the liner to get the same heel fit as in the old boots.

 

[elemmac]

I know it will be a process, and I am seeking advice and tips to help with the best outcome.

A few things to think about…

Don’t be afraid to express your opinions. Yes, the bootfitter is the expert, but you’re the one in the boot. Make sure you give feedback during the process…pressure points that that hurt, places on your foot that feel too loose, etc. Ask questions if something doesn’t feel quite right…can I try the next size up, next size down? Do you have something with a similar heel hold, but a wider forefoot? etc etc.

Go into the fitting with the thinnest socks you own, and pants that are easy to roll up above the knee. If you currently have an insole you like…bring it to the fitting.

 

[SnowflowerT]

A few things to think about…

Don’t be afraid to express your opinions. Yes, the bootfitter is the expert, but you’re the one in the boot. Make sure you give feedback during the process…pressure points that that hurt, places on your foot that feel too loose, etc. Ask questions if something doesn’t feel quite right…can I try the next size up, next size down? Do you have something with a similar heel hold, but a wider forefoot? etc etc.

Go into the fitting with the thinnest socks you own, and pants that are easy to roll up above the knee. If you currently have an insole you like…bring it to the fitting.

Excellent advice! Thank you! I have a high arch insole that offers adequate support, and wouldn't have thought to bring it up. Also, appreciate the advice to advocate to try a size change.

 

[SnowflowerT]

I have similar boot issues. I've found Solomon boots to have a narrower heel. My last 2 pairs were Solomon and I only had the sides blown out a little to make room for my bunions. Last season I switched to Tecnica Mach1 and moved over the Zipfit liner I was using with the Solomon. I had to put a lot more cork around the heel of the liner to get the same heel fit as in the old boots.

Thank you! It helps to know which brands start from a helpful place!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Snowflower, you just described my feet. If you can wait until you're in Utah, I recommend the Daleboot custom boot builder in SLC/Mill Creek (in biz for 42? years). They build their boots at their manufacturing facility in SLC. It does take 2 visits- one to extensively measure, the second to fit the liner and make a custom footbed (which is an additional charge). Their main customers have very hard to fit feet and they spend avg of 2 hours to get the fit right. There's a lifetime guarantee with tune-up every year and easy to swap out worn parts. I didn't like the fit of the first boot and they're in the process of making a new more aggressive boot for me that I pick up tomorrow. Cost is $1000-$1200. Seems like a lot, but you'll have them for years and years. I've talked to people in there getting their tune-ups and they swear by them. Boots that they've been wearing for 15+ years! There are ski shops at several others ski towns that sell Daleboots. There the they will take the measurements and send them to SLC for building and then finish the boot fit in their shops. That takes a few weeks at minimum. BTW, Daleboot had a major role in the development of Zipfit liners and it is available in all their boots. Check out their website for more info.

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Snowflower, you just described my feet.

I recommend the Daleboot custom boot builder in SLC/Mill Creek (in biz for 42? years). They build their boots at their manufacturing facility in SLC. It does take 2 visits- one to extensively measure, the second to fit the liner and make a custom footbed (the latter is an additional charge).

Their main customers have very hard to fit feet and they spend avg of 2 hours to get the fit right. There's a lifetime guarantee with tune-ups every year and easy to swap out for worn parts. I pick mine up tomorrow. Cost is $1000-$1200. Seems like a lot, but you'll have them for years and years. I've talked to people in there getting their tune-ups and they swear by them. Boots that they've been wearing for 15+ years!

Good news: There are ski shops at several others places (including Golden and Avon in CO) that sell Daleboots. There they will take the measurements and send them to SLC for building and then finish the boot fit in their shops. That takes a few weeks at minimum.

BTW, Daleboot had a major role in the development of Zipfit liners and it is available in all their boots. Check out their website for more info.

Also just learned that high instep and high arch are two different issues for boots. There are many boots I can't even get my foot into due to high instep. High arch makes is worse, but arch can be corrected with a custom footbed - if you can get your foot in the boot, that is.

I'm going to an Intuition wrap liner that removes the tongue bulk that fills up the framework. This allows the wearer to easily (?!?!???!!!) step in and out of their boots. It's not a myth!

Daleboots have a unique 3 buckle boot design that does not press down on the highest part of the arch and yet is the tallest boot I've ever worn. I strongly suggest getting a Booster Dynamic Power strap -- has a tiny bit of stretch that eliminates shin bang and will help you drive your soon to be new longer skis. https://boosterstrap.com

I'm excited for you! Good luck.

Lastly, be aware that most ski shops presume that women over 50 are delicate and need short skis and low DIN settings. I had a guy tell me it's because my bones would crumble. I managed to prevail.

 

[SnowflowerT]

Snowflower, you just described my feet.

I recommend the Daleboot custom boot builder in SLC/Mill Creek (in biz for 42? years). They build their boots at their manufacturing facility in SLC. It does take 2 visits- one to extensively measure, the second to fit the liner and make a custom footbed (the latter is an additional charge).

Their main customers have very hard to fit feet and they spend avg of 2 hours to get the fit right. There's a lifetime guarantee with tune-ups every year and easy to swap out for worn parts. I pick mine up tomorrow. Cost is $1000-$1200. Seems like a lot, but you'll have them for years and years. I've talked to people in there getting their tune-ups and they swear by them. Boots that they've been wearing for 15+ years!

Good news: There are ski shops at several others places (including Golden and Avon in CO) that sell Daleboots. There they will take the measurements and send them to SLC for building and then finish the boot fit in their shops. That takes a few weeks at minimum.

BTW, Daleboot had a major role in the development of Zipfit liners and it is available in all their boots. Check out their website for more info.

Also just learned that high instep and high arch are two different issues for boots. There are many boots I can't even get my foot into due to high instep. High arch makes is worse, but arch can be corrected with a custom footbed - if you can get your foot in the boot, that is.

I'm going to an Intuition wrap liner that removes the tongue bulk that fills up the framework. This allows the wearer to easily (?!?!???!!!) step in and out of their boots. It's not a myth!

Daleboots have a unique 3 buckle boot design that does not press down on the highest part of the arch and yet is the tallest boot I've ever worn. I strongly suggest getting a Booster Dynamic Power strap -- has a tiny bit of stretch that eliminates shin bang and will help you drive your soon to be new longer skis. https://boosterstrap.com

I'm excited for you! Good luck.

Lastly, be aware that most ski shops presume that women over 50 are delicate and need short skis and low DIN settings. I had a guy tell me it's because my bones would crumble. I managed to prevail.

Thank you for all of this great information! It is an investment and I feel angsty because I know from experience that the wrong boots can cause misery. I think this is why I have tolerated movement in my boot even though I know that I am not able to perform as well as I would with proper fitting boots. Good to know about the age bias and ski length. I'll check back in as I'm demoing skis if I feel like I'm incorrectly being steered a particular direction. I have so much fun on the mountain and if I'm being honest, know that I need this upgrade in equipment, but am concerned that a poor choice could make things worse rather than better. That said, going into the process with optimism and excitement. Thanks again for your tips and I'll check out their website! Good luck with your new boots!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Thank you for all of this great information! It is an investment and I feel angsty because I know from experience that the wrong boots can cause misery. I think this is why I have tolerated movement in my boot even though I know that I am not able to perform as well as I would with proper fitting boots. Good to know about the age bias and ski length. I'll check back in as I'm demoing skis if I feel like I'm incorrectly being steered a particular direction. I have so much fun on the mountain and if I'm being honest, know that I need this upgrade in equipment, but am concerned that a poor choice could make things worse rather than better. That said, going into the process with optimism and excitement. Thanks again for your tips and I'll check out their website! Good luck with your new boots!

 

[HuntersEmma57]

Thanks! I had a great experiencing with the boot fitting at Daleboot. They put me in a different boot than we originally thought and got it dialed in brilliantly. I won't truly know until I ski in them, but first impressions are outstanding.
Now to skis: A 147 length ski is generally a beginner's ski which also means it's very soft ski (noodly) to easily enable initiating turns, but the trade off is they provide little stability at speed and are suited for relatively smooth groomers.
You sound way beyond a beginner and I heartily second your assessment that your equipment is holding you back.
A longer length is critical to gaining speed and generate the power to make those beautiful turns. They also are more effortless in powering thru chunder and tracks.
You're smart to demo! I do suggest demo'ing wearing your new boots. Try different lengths in the same ski if you can.

 

[SnowflowerT]

Thanks! I had a great experiencing with the boot fitting at Daleboot. They put me in a different boot than we originally thought and got it dialed in brilliantly. I won't truly know until I ski in them, but first impressions are outstanding.
Now to skis: A 147 length ski is generally a beginner's ski which also means it's very soft ski (noodly) to easily enable initiating turns, but the trade off is they provide little stability at speed and are suited for relatively smooth groomers.
You sound way beyond a beginner and I heartily second your assessment that your equipment is holding you back.
A longer length is critical to gaining speed and generate the power to make those beautiful turns. They also are more effortless in powering thru chunder and tracks.
You're smart to demo! I do suggest demo'ing wearing your new boots. Try different lengths in the same ski if you can.

Thank you! I appreciate better understanding how the longer skis will help me! Getting more excited by the day!

 

[SnowHot]

A few things to think about…

Don’t be afraid to express your opinions. Yes, the bootfitter is the expert, but you’re the one in the boot. Make sure you give feedback during the process…pressure points that that hurt, places on your foot that feel too loose, etc. Ask questions if something doesn’t feel quite right…can I try the next size up, next size down? Do you have something with a similar heel hold, but a wider forefoot? etc etc.

Go into the fitting with the thinnest socks you own, and pants that are easy to roll up above the knee. If you currently have an insole you like…bring it to the fitting.

Excellent advice! Thank you! I have a high arch insole that offers adequate support, and wouldn't have thought to bring it up. Also, appreciate the advice to advocate to try a size change.

I'm a little late to the party but for starters elemmac has great advice.

I breezed through all the posts and maybe missed it but my preferred ski shop in Steamboat is Steamboat Kare and Bike.
Harry is in the process of retiring but his sons have learned well from him and run a great little ski shop with knowledge and good bootfitting too.

Also, on the length as others suggested, a longer ski will give you more stability and confidence.

I'm not a fan of Surefoot, mostly because working on their liners is tough if you find yourself in a spot where you can't go to a Surefoot for adjustments.
Keep that in mind when you are bootfitting process.

 

[SnowflowerT]

I'm a little late to the party but for starters elemmac has great advice.

I breezed through all the posts and maybe missed it but my preferred ski shop in Steamboat is Steamboat Kare and Bike.
Harry is in the process of retiring but his sons have learned well from him and run a great little ski shop with knowledge and good bootfitting too.

Also, on the length as others suggested, a longer ski will give you more stability and confidence.

I'm not a fan of Surefoot, mostly because working on their liners is tough if you find yourself in a spot where you can't go to a Surefoot for adjustments.
Keep that in mind when you are bootfitting process.

Thank you for this, and you are definitely not too late with advice. You bring up a good point that I had not considered. It could not only be tricky if I couldn't get to a Surefoot location, but my confidence is primarily in this location, and the bootfitter, and I have read many mixed reviews about other locations. That said, in Utah last year, I had a very interesting conversation with an avid skier who raved about his "new that season" Surefoot boots. He said they were life-changing. This is how they initially got on my radar. I will check out Steamboat Kare and Bike before my Surefoot appointment. Thank you for the tip!

 

[SnowHot]

Thank you for this, and you are definitely not too late with advice. You bring up a good point that I had not considered. It could not only be tricky if I couldn't get to a Surefoot location, but my confidence is primarily in this location, and the bootfitter, and I have read many mixed reviews about other locations. That said, in Utah last year, I had a very interesting conversation with an avid skier who raved about his "new that season" Surefoot boots. He said they were life-changing. This is how they initially got on my radar. I will check out Steamboat Kare and Bike before my Surefoot appointment. Thank you for the tip!

I know people who've had great success with Surefoot but let me explain how it can sometimes be challenging especially for women.
They fit you to a recreational or comfort fit, then put their proprietary liner in it, which is a foam liner, to fill around your foot, giving you a truly custom boot fit.
If you ski on them for a winter and then do something next summer that changes your feet, the custom foam liner is not able to be altered, so you'll need to address it or possibly buy a new liner.
When I was fitting at Northstar, I frequently got women on the boot bench who were struggling because after one amazing season on their Surefoot boots, they competed in a triathlon or had a baby or....(name the life situation) and feet change.
I ended up cutting out a section of the liner to fix one woman's boot but I really don't like doing that because it can get challenging and then any kind of warranty is void.

 

[SnowflowerT]

I know people who've had great success with Surefoot but let me explain how it can sometimes be challenging especially for women.
They fit you to a recreational or comfort fit, then put their proprietary liner in it, which is a foam liner, to fill around your foot, giving you a truly custom boot fit.
If you ski on them for a winter and then do something next summer that changes your feet, the custom foam liner is not able to be altered, so you'll need to address it or possibly buy a new liner.
When I was fitting at Northstar, I frequently got women on the boot bench who were struggling because after one amazing season on their Surefoot boots, they competed in a triathlon or had a baby or....(name the life situation) and feet change.
I ended up cutting out a section of the liner to fix one woman's boot but I really don't like doing that because it can get challenging and then any kind of warranty is void.

That is helpful, and I'll go back and do more research. I know from experience our feet can get more complicated as years pass, and what you are saying makes a lot of sense. I will not be able to or want to invest in new Surefoot liners repeatedly. Thank you!

 

[SnowHot]

Another thing to think about:
I'm not sure what kind of boot fit you're looking for or how often you plan to get on snow but there are a few different fits you can expect.
Recreational
Performance
Race
We'll take Race out of the equation right now.
Recreational is a 2 finger fit, meaning that you can get two fingers behind the heel when the liner is out and toes are on the front of the shell. This type of fit will last a long time for a recreational skier who gets 20-40 days a year.
Performance is a 1 finger fit, and can require more adjustments in the beginning but the snug fit will last you 150+/- days in the boot.

Many of the boots have evolved over the past few years to have a bigger toe box and snug heel.
If you have a high instep, boots like the K2 Anthem series, Lange Shadow, Nordica Speedmachine, (to name a few) are good options.
Fitters should know their product and direct you to the correct fit.

When we do custom work on boots, the cost between the boot (average 600-800.00) and custom work like footbeds (200.00) & boot heaters (300.00) can be pricy but if they're done right, they will last you a very long time.

Don't be surprised if you're investing more than $1000.00 into the entire boot set up but also know that it's the most important investment and you date your skis but marry your boots.

Also see if they have a boot leftover from last year in the same size/model for a discount if you're budget conscious