So how do you know you need new boots?

[ski diva]

Today when I was skiing I ran into two certain instructors who shall remain nameless (they teach at Okemo's Women's Alpine Adventures; that's all I'm going to say :D ), and we started talking about ski boots (what else would ski divas talk about???), and they were aghast -- simply aghast -- at my ski boots. See, they're about 4 years old and I ski about 40 days a year. So they have a considerable amount of wear on them.

So, Divas, how do you know it's time for new boots? And how often do you replace yours?

 

[Jilly]

So are mine. I know its time because the bottom as showing wear, the liners are packed out and falling apart. You can only use so much duct tape. And I hated trying on boots for myself.

 

[volklgirl]

4 years old?!?! :D Don't you know Divas gotta have the latest and greatest???

I know its time because the bottom as showing wear, the liners are packed out and falling apart.

Yup. Especially with 40 days a year. Check carefully for wear on the bottoms, particularly on the heel and toe areas. Look for minute cracks in the plastic - the area around the power strap is really prone to cracking. Check for any areas on the liner that are frayed or worn through. If you see any of these, or if the liner has been padded already and it's still feeling loose, it's time to ditch 'em (although minor liner issues can be addressed with duct tape).

Look at it as an additional shopping opportunity!!!! :D :D

(you should see the liners on my old Salomons...I have red duct tape, black duct tape, and the traditional silver duct tape on them along with about 3 layers of stick-on padding. You think maybe it was time to get rid of them?? :-) )

 

[ISki]

Are they still comfortable? Is anything broken? Is the sole worn? If yes, no, no, then I'd keep wearing them.

I get the occasional comment on my skis. The other day it was "are you sure you're old enough to have those?". Course I was wearing a face mask. :p

 

[ski diva]

The other day it was "are you sure you're old enough to have those?". Course I was wearing a face mask. :p

Oooooooo, I like that one!!!!!

Just gave 'em a good checking over, and there are no cracks anywhere, no signs of wear on the liner, just a little bit of wear on the heels and toes. The liner doesn't seem too packed down, though I'm sure it is -- it has to be, after all this time. They're very comfortable -- maybe too comfortable (that's the trouble!). The problem is that I hate to shop for boots. Skis are fun to pick out; boots, not so much. Too many variables involved, the prospect of pain too real. Plus there's custom footbeds, alignment, etc. to contend with. Still, I know it's inevitable. And the results are definitely worth it.

How long do you other Divas go?

 

[volklgirl]

Don't you already have footbeds?? You won't need new ones unless there's actually something wrong with them.

How long do you other Divas go?

Until they literally fall apart. :D (at 50+ days a year, that ends up being around 2-3 years max for me.)

 

[ski diva]

Whoops. Yes, I do. :o

My bad.

(My decogestant is addling my brain!)

Well, there's still all that other stuff. No fun.

 

[Jilly]

I'm at the same timing as you. 4 years and 30-50 days a year. Volklgirl - your liners sounds like Hubby's old Salomons. They can't fall apart, there too much tape. The shell of my boots are OK right now. The Saphir has replaceable heel and toe walking pieces. If/when I get new ones - cat tracks will be used. One side of the liner has a major hole at the top where the tongue, plastic shell and all meet. But the power strap hasn't broken yet, so, so far so good. But I'm on the hunt. The local store here doesn't carry high end stuff. But I do get a meeting with the Rossi rep soon to try on next years stuff. It's good to have small feet, I'm sample size!

 

[volklgirl]

(My decogestant is addling my brain!)

You're still not feeling better?:(

Well, there's still all that other stuff. No fun.

My trick was to find a seriously HOT bootfitter and just spend the whole time ogling. ;) You'd be amazed at the available views :D .

 

[ski diva]

You're still not feeling better?:(

I'll live (cough, cough, sniff, sniff). Skied today, so it's not too bad. But for some reason, these things get worse at night. It only bothers me now when I breathe. :D

My trick was to find a seriously HOT bootfitter and just spend the whole time ogling. ;) You'd be amazed at the available views :D .

Now there's an idea! :D

 

[SnowHot]

This sounds like it could be the start of a Jeff Foxworthy joke...

You know you are in need of new boots when...

 

[num]

My trick was to find a seriously HOT bootfitter and just spend the whole time ogling. ;) You'd be amazed at the available views :D .

Recommendations? :D

 

[volklgirl]

Make the long, long drive to Petosky Michigan, and see "Hot Scott" Purdy (my own nickname) :D at Banhof Sports. He's not just a "purdy" face.

 

[Elangirl]

Wow--four years!!! I get new boots every year---I ski about 125 days per year. My liners get packed out and then my foot moves around in the boot, sloppy---and I notice the difference in my skiing--I like the boot to move with my thoughts, not several seconds later.

This year, I tried to keep my Lange FR 100 for a second season and it was a disaster---they are too packed out, I could even feel my heel moving!! Now, I have new Storms, will buy new ones next fall and then try to ski these until next winter---with the Storms, I can buy a new liner, so I have some hope for the shells--but I wear the heels down going to lunch across a parking lot.

I have a great boot fitter, Blake, right here in Whitefish, so I am spoiled!!! Also, I am very demanding ===I want the boots to fit snugly and not compress any of my other parts. The Lange boots were compressing my formerly broken ankle--Blake offered to run the bone over a wheel to take the edge off, but I opted for boots that do not press that spot!!!

 

[eng_ch]

Elangirl - is it worth your looking into Zipfit liners?

www.zipfit.com

 

[smpayne]

Wow--four years!!! I get new boots every year---I ski about 125 days per year.

From the comments made here, it looks like after about 120-200 days most boots are history. I do suppose, that even if you have only used the boot for 20 days over 5 years, it is probably a good idea to replace them anyway, just because, plastic & foam have a bad habit of deteriorating as they age. Looks like I need to start a special "new boot" fund.

 

[liquidfeet]

Check carefully for wear on the bottoms, particularly on the heel and toe areas. Look for minute cracks in the plastic - the area around the power strap is really prone to cracking. Check for any areas on the liner that are frayed or worn through. If you see any of these, or if the liner has been padded already and it's still feeling loose, it's time to ditch 'em (although minor liner issues can be addressed with duct tape).

Given the price of boots, can't one just buy new custom-fit liners when the old liners tear up? My shells are fine; my liner aren't. One store in town has these heat-moldable liners that supposedly save you the cost of brand-new boots. Any comments, cautions, or recommendations from you seasoned skiers out there?

 

[ski diva]

I've heard about these, too -- more specifically, zipfit liners -- and been curious about them, as well. Anyone have any experience with these?

 

[Little Lightning]

Zipfit liners, it depends. I have a male friend who just spent $200 on his Zipfit liners. He's not happy, his old boots were 7 yrs. old and the new liners have not done the job that he was thinking they would do.

He's now looking for new boots.

Kathi

 

[SnowHot]

Thermoflex liners are also another choice. They are 100% custom in the fit . They will take about a half to hold pond out of each boot, plus they are the warmest things you will put your feet into for skiing. I am in a newer incarnation with my Dalbello ID liners. Check with Lola on the Thermoflexes, Phil says he has pretty much the whole family in them.