primoz, that is fitting in its most basic form, get that bit wrong and it is pointmess even considering any of the other stuff

over 85% of people pronate excessively therfore should have some support in their boots
most supports in ski boots will not stabilize the foot 100%
lumps and bumps need to be accomodated.... here in lies the problem if you just pick a wider boot to accomodate the bunion then it may well fit in that area but not anywhere else.... whatever level of boot it should fit the body of the foot and protrusions should be accomodated by modification

IMO 90% of the problems we see in boots are down to poor selection and where the selection is correct then it is either a boney protrusion which needs the shell to be adjusted or a liner issue.... if i could shoot the odd liner designer i would have an easier life... soft spongey generic padding in short lasted liners does not help any fitter however good or bad

[A snowHead]

primoz, that is fitting in its most basic form, get that bit wrong and it is pointmess even considering any of the other stuff

over 85% of people pronate excessively therfore should have some support in their boots
most supports in ski boots will not stabilize the foot 100%
lumps and bumps need to be accomodated.... here in lies the problem if you just pick a wider boot to accomodate the bunion then it may well fit in that area but not anywhere else.... whatever level of boot it should fit the body of the foot and protrusions should be accomodated by modification

IMO 90% of the problems we see in boots are down to poor selection and where the selection is correct then it is either a boney protrusion which needs the shell to be adjusted or a liner issue.... if i could shoot the odd liner designer i would have an easier life... soft spongey generic padding in short lasted liners does not help any fitter however good or bad

A slightly random question for those more knowledgeable than me, please.

I just bought a pair of boots for the first time, after previously always renting. I also got a pair of customised footbeds (fairly bog standard stuff). Standing in the boots, I get a fair bit of pain round my arches. I don't have flat feet. Taking the footbed out of the boot, it does have a very pronounced arch (though that may be normal, for all I know).

Anyway, is this to be expected and will things settle down? Or do I need to get it sorted before heading off skiing? If I do, is there an easy solution?

[A snowHead]

A slightly random question for those more knowledgeable than me, please.

I just bought a pair of boots for the first time, after previously always renting. I also got a pair of customised footbeds (fairly bog standard stuff). Standing in the boots, I get a fair bit of pain round my arches. I don't have flat feet. Taking the footbed out of the boot, it does have a very pronounced arch (though that may be normal, for all I know).

Anyway, is this to be expected and will things settle down? Or do I need to get it sorted before heading off skiing? If I do, is there an easy solution?

A slightly random question for those more knowledgeable than me, please.

I just bought a pair of boots for the first time, after previously always renting. I also got a pair of customised footbeds (fairly bog standard stuff). Standing in the boots, I get a fair bit of pain round my arches. I don't have flat feet. Taking the footbed out of the boot, it does have a very pronounced arch (though that may be normal, for all I know).

Anyway, is this to be expected and will things settle down? Or do I need to get it sorted before heading off skiing? If I do, is there an easy solution?

[Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?]

somers, how were the footbeds made? did they interface the base board of the boot to the footbed, certain boot models have a lot of shape in their base boards and this can interfere with the footbed and make the arch feel too high

they shouldn't cause pain, they may feel a little different at first as you will not have been used to having support but certainly not painful.... also consider how you are clipping the boot up, top clips first then flex a few times to draw the foot back into the heel of the boot then clip the foot clips, not too tight, just enough to hold the foot not crush it

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primoz, I couldn't tolerate my ski boots before they were fitted and yes they were the right size and shape for my feet.

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Spyderman, I think the basic axiom lock here is

Punters don't need better fitting because they're not good enough
(to use the full features of their gear and justify its cost thereby)

vs.

Punters need better fitting because they're not good enough
(to compensate with athleticism for cr@p fit and still ski at a reasonable level)

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Thanks for your reply, CEM.

Regarding the base boards, I suspect not, although they feel pretty flat.

Trying them on again today, there's definitely too much pressure on the arch, for whatever reason. It's helpful to have confirmation that there shouldn't be much discomfort (even initially), so I'll head back to the shop.

[Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...]

Hoping to buy some boots for next year. When's a good time to buy? Anyone recommend anywhere in South Wales?? Thanks

[After all it is free]

George McConkey Boot Fit - Whistler, B.C. Canada

So I thought I saw a post on here regarding George McConkey boot fittings and just thought I would add some useful information! If anyone happens to be heading to Whistler and needs / is considering getting some boots done - than he is one of the renown bootfitters in Whistler and in my view best! (I've had my boots fitted by him - ultimately gave me the best two ski seasons ever!).

So he ususally begins the ski season around end of Oct/ beginnning of Nov and works right up to May (end of ski season) - booking in advance is highly recommended. I'm talking months!

He works Monday thru to Saturday. He's not in the store on Sunday his one and only day off.

Appointments are available at the following times
9am, 10.30am. 3pm and 4.30pm

Each appointment is approximately 1 and 1/2 hours long - all depending on the amount of work you need on your feet!

He will take a look at your foot and make suggestions on the boots that would work best for you. He may even be able to work on your own boots, depending on the make and whether they are suitable for you. The last past two seasons he has been stocking one brand boot - Fischer. He will tell you if your foot can take it or recommend an alternative brand, which you will have to go and purchase. He will let you know where. Then he re-aligns the whole boot to make it fit you!!

He will also recommend the intuition liner - which comes in 3 models depending of the type of skier you are. They are the best and will outlast your ski life - seriously ask George how long he has been wearing his liners! (he has ski well over 400 days - you do the maths!)

Plus there is customer care service afterwards as well.

Prices will vary depending on the work required but if you would like to make an further info than email the store McCoos at mccoo@telus.net or phone 604 935 2946

Hope this helps!

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Could someone please help me and my fiancee. We have been offered some rossignol fun girl skis and Fun girl J4 boots and was wondering if they would be suitable for her to learn on. She is 5.2" and weighs 8 stone.

[Ski the Net with snowHeads]

Ricobilsland, as far as i know (i don't have a catalog to hand) they are a junior set up, i would avoid them if they are, even though she is light the boot will not be lasted to any type of foot shape and will not give the support required for an adult body, the only exception to this is some junior race boots which are just scaled down versions of the adult boots