 Poster: A snowHead
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@Owlette, FWIW. I would certainly drive considerably more than an hour to get to a known quality Bootfitter. It's likely to be a 10 to 15 year investment if a Holiday skier, so the extra effort is worth it.
As I don't have that option, I would happily organize a whole ski holiday based around a good In Resort Bootfitter - as I believe it's that important (having learned the hard way).
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Sun 7-11-21 12:58; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| DrLawn wrote: |
I've just treated myself to a new pair of boots near Cambridge.
I can really recommend the service I had today.
I was sorted out by Andrew with a pair of custom footbeds in a pair of boots a whole size smaller than the last pair I've managed with for the past eight years.
I'm a long way way from Bicester but Dry Drayton is just outside Cambridge.
I have know about the Ski Exchange for years but I just popped in to get an old pair of skis serviced and I was amazed at the new boot lab.
I have over the years wasted a lot of money on ill fitting boots, sold rather than fitted at emporiums that are more akin to high street shoe shops.
I'm looking forward to taking them for a spin at Hemel Fridge tomorrow to find out if they need any "tweaking". |
+1 for the Ski Exchange. I was fitted for a new pair of liners, into an existing shell that I wanted to keep.
Excellent workmanship in the fitting process and the standard of work to tweak and make good my foot beds and heating elements/battery cable was really good.
They keep a lot of equipment which always seems to be priced keenly.
..Nick
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Owlette, Do the three hours trip to Cambridge.
I've wasted money in Row & Socks a couple of times, but not Belis EggHam, but
I got a very nice pair of Salomons for £400 + £70 for very torsional footbeds
and a free cup of very nice espresso.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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So having thrown away my old boots a couple of seasons (real seasons) ago and rented for the last couple, is there anything new i need to look for with boots?
I must admit ive never really had a super comfy pair (snowboard boot comfy  ) , but last season i skied a size smaller and must admit loved the tighness (but no pain), not sure id be confident to buy a new pair that small though....any tips in regards to sizing / higher lower flex for comfort or anything?
Im 85kg, think im a good holiday skier, can ski all piste and pretty smooth (apart from extremes), and hopefully dabbling into more off piste next year.....
....also, is this Cambridge shop better than a large chain (which probably offers more brands and choice) ? Cambridge is quite near me so might be worth a drive.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Oh, and Ive had custom insoles before, but honestly, didn't get the hype, whats the general opinion?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Sarny, it's really simple. Go to a good boot fitter and answer all their questions as fully as possible. They should find the right boot, customise it and ensure it fits correctly. They should also do modifications (sometimes pinch points/issues develop after a bit of use) as part of the deal. Custom insoles are a good idea.
I hadn't really heard to much about the Ski Exchange near Cambridge but it seems well established and google reviews are very encouraging. It's certainly worth going to a specialist than taking pot luck with a chain/buying online.
Whilst some might baulk at the cost having comfortable feet while skiing enhances the enjoyment and over a 20 weeks maybe more of use the cost doesn't seem so bad.
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Yeah ive never bought online and bought in store before, just find real world on the slopes is very different to instore, and all the best intentions, its easy to feel comfy in store for 30mins.
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Just had my skis serviced at Ski Exchange and they have come back looking the business  . Professional outfit with loads of kit and a lot of stock. They sorted my wifes boots out and another friend got his boots from them a couple of years back and they are very comfy, so I'm told. Recommended.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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saw "Apocalypse Snow" at the Ski Exchange in 1985 - it's been around a while[1]. I think originally it was actually a second-hand shop too, hence the name. That was when skiing was extremely expensive for UK people. I'm not sure if it's the same ownership, but it's a real shop without the retail hassle / costs of the high street. And the other ski outlets in the area have essentially closed now. As as as a specific fitter is concerned, dunno.
| s wrote: |
| is there anything new I need to look for with boots? |
Well the main thing is probably less weight; a couple of years ago someone politely tossed an Atomic something -or -other at me and I was genuinely surprised at how light they were. I bought some boots which weighed less than half those they replaced, and built with materials more likely to be stable across temperature.
--
[1] Oh, and it's not in Cambridge, it's in Dry Drayton.
Closer to Cambridge than BMW Cambridge, about the same distance as Porsche Cambridge.
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@Sarny, if your feeling comfy for 30 mins your not at a professional bootfitter. Hour and a half at a Minimum, minor issues three hour (ish) "problem feet" anything up to a full day plus follow up visits! its is not a quick process unless you've got very standard feet - whatever they are!
knowledge and experience + good stock levels + patience = happy feet
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Another +1 for Ski Exchange. Have used them for 20 years after originally being recommended by friends. Simon has been there all of that time. Originally he sorted some zip fit liners for me in my existing shells and I've had a couple more pairs of boots from him since. Also worked wonders with my wife's boots after she really struggled with pain from various foot problems. They are very knowledgeable, take time to understand what you need and explain recommendations etc. Top ski servicing at reasonably prices and shop stocks a wide range of gear.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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So I was looking at some boots with "grip walk" soles, does that mean they don't fit normal bindings ? If I buy some skis from eBay or go into a hire shop will they not work?
Never had this with ski boots before ?
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Depends on the binding, newer bindings are multi-sole but anything older off eBay might not be compatible. Most boots with Gripwalk also have a normal sole either in the box or available to buy as an add-on.
Rental skis should be fine and the tech in the the shop will check if your going down the rental route. Might be an idea if you are renting to send the shop an email letting them know your requirements.
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You know it makes sense.
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Do you all buy boots a mondo size smaller than say your work shoes / trainers ?
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Layne wrote: |
@Sarny, it's really simple. Go to a good boot fitter and answer all their questions as fully as possible. They should find the right boot, customise it and ensure it fits correctly. They should also do modifications (sometimes pinch points/issues develop after a bit of use) as part of the deal. Custom insoles are a good idea.
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@Sarny, the answer above gives you what you need. A good fitter will put you in the right size. It will probably be smaller than the size indicated by a typical size conversion chart online - how much smaller depends on what you want in terms of performance.
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Poster: A snowHead
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also depends on the brand, e.g. I'm currently skiing Full Tilts in a 26.5 as they're a short (301mm) shell but can easily get away with a 25.5 Dalbello shell as they're around 298mm
go to and listen to a reputable boot fitter......
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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If you're tempted by anything second hand don't get WTR (walk to ride) boots. The soles aren't compatible with a whole load of bindings (as I discovered the hard way)
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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| Sarny wrote: |
| Do you all buy boots a mondo size smaller than say your work shoes / trainers ? |
No, I go to a good boot fitter and buy what he gives me.
Normal shoes don't come in Mondo anyway and all makes of shoes and ski boots vary so you can have such a hard and fast rule anyhow.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Layne wrote: |
| Sarny wrote: |
| Do you all buy boots a mondo size smaller than say your work shoes / trainers ? |
No, I go to a good boot fitter and buy what he gives me.
Normal shoes don't come in Mondo anyway and all makes of shoes and ski boots vary so you can have such a hard and fast rule anyhow. |
Mondo is cm, so its not hard to work back into real world sizes, the ones ive looked at and tried to be sold to, are smaller than my trainers, and then apparently the bloke wants to put the boots in an oven and stretch them out. Still dont understand why you dont just buy a normal sized boot.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Yes they will come up smaller than a "trainer" and a mondo size or two smaller than a hire boot, because they fit you properly and your foot wont move around inside them. With a hire boot you have to leave room for the fact it probably doesn't fit your foot shape properly, plus any sticky out bits on your foot / tight spots can be sorted by gently moulding the outer shell. I had this done after my first ski trip with new boots as i was getting a tiny bit of pain toward end of day. went back to the fitter - they sorted the shell. next ski trip - perfect boots.
the oven heating process is to mould the liner to your foot, its quicker doing it that way than you skiing in it for a week to achieve the same effect
Also the fundamental benefit of a good boot fitter, is they study your foot shape etc and get you in a boot shell that suits it (and your level of skiing) thus making the fine tuning easier and the achievement of decent fit and comfort possible.
If you just start from a pair of boot you "fancy" chances are they will never fit well, which ever mondo size in that style you choose.
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| Sarny wrote: |
Mondo is cm, so its not hard to work back into real world sizes, the ones ive looked at and tried to be sold to, are smaller than my trainers, and then apparently the bloke wants to put the boots in an oven and stretch them out. Still dont understand why you dont just buy a normal sized boot. |
Just to add - Ski Boots don't come in half sizes. If your foot is very close to fitting in the smaller size, you will get a much snugger fit by making a small adjustment to it, than go a full size up (which will feel nice a comfy in the shop, but is likely to become too sloppy when the lining packs out a bit over the first couple of weeks). This is why the skill of the Bootfitter is so important.
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"the ones ive looked at and tried to be sold to, are smaller than my trainers"
Your judging your feet lenghts ie, real world foot sizing in relation to fitting ski boots on some random trainer sizing numbers ? .
A boot fitter will measure your feet in a number of ways both feet will likely be different so the numbers in your trainers actually mean nothing, absolutely zero.
Effectively your talking school shoe sizing... where the boot fitter is fitting ski boots used under high loads of speed and falline.
The accurate shoe sizing std you believe exists is completely false along with dozens of other factors that wont relate to alpine boots used in minus temps at speed under high loads , falline etc.
Ie. these high loads from speed/falline/carving/jumping on hardpack and all the rest of it ... its impossible in shoes or trainers etc
Last edited by After all it is free  on Wed 19-01-22 22:09; edited 3 times in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| t44tomo wrote: |
Yes they will come up smaller than a "trainer" and a mondo size or two smaller than a hire boot, because they fit you properly and your foot wont move around inside them. With a hire boot you have to leave room for the fact it probably doesn't fit your foot shape properly, plus any sticky out bits on your foot / tight spots can be sorted by gently moulding the outer shell. I had this done after my first ski trip with new boots as i was getting a tiny bit of pain toward end of day. went back to the fitter - they sorted the shell. next ski trip - perfect boots.
the oven heating process is to mould the liner to your foot, its quicker doing it that way than you skiing in it for a week to achieve the same effect
Also the fundamental benefit of a good boot fitter, is they study your foot shape etc and get you in a boot shell that suits it (and your level of skiing) thus making the fine tuning easier and the achievement of decent fit and comfort possible.
If you just start from a pair of boot you "fancy" chances are they will never fit well, which ever mondo size in that style you choose. |
The oven is for the plastic boot, without the liner, they melt it and widen the shape and poke bits out....then the liner seperatly, seems nuts to me.
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@Sarny, Heating the shell allows the bootfitter to make space for your extra toes.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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That’s part of the custom shell process and it works really well. I’m a size 11 shoe but my Ski boots mondo size is 27, which is not a large boot at all as despite my feet being long, they are not big in in terms of volume and a few other factors. It’s about more than just the length of your feet.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Sarny, think of it this way. You can either customise a boot so it closely matches your foot enabling a snug feet without pinch points or pain points. Or you can buy the next size up, be comfortable out of the box and not require modification but not be a snug fit and therefore less performant.
Bear in mind ski boots encase the whole lower limb and foot, are worn for long periods of time and the translation from your feet to the skis is the very essence of skiing.
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@Sarny, who is the boot fitter btw?
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You know it makes sense.
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@Sarny, just as an example of why a simple size number doesn't tell the whole story - my feet measure a smidge over 26cm (one is 26.3, I can't remember the other exactly). CEM at Solutions 4 Feet ( generally regarded as one of the best UK boot fitters) put me in a 25.5 boot, and length wise there is space to spare so I could potentially fit in a size smaller. The limiting factor for me is the height of my instep, which he could only increase a small amount in the chosen boot. In a 26/26.5, my "measured" size, my feet are swimming and I have to tighten the buckles to the extent that I lose circulation in my feet.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Ok, Take 10 different manufacturers, they all make a reported 26/25.5, line them up and measure them internally, at one end, there's someone that measures exactly 270mm (more like 280mm in modern boots), on the other end of the scale, someone's boot measures 279mm, that's almost 10mm of difference and everything inbetween. It's not exact, you might move up down in mondo pint depending on your exact foot length compared to reality. Mondo Point, while a measurable distance is not exact boot to boot, mould to mould, brand to brand.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Thoughts on whether custom footbeds should be taken from weighted or unweighted feet?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Can anyone recommend a boot fitter in/near London?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Tiefschneetaucher, Profeet as per the video in the last post.
Not used them myself - I am fortunate enough to live fairly close to solutions4feet - but they are well regarded on here from what I've read.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@Tiefschneetaucher, Profeet in Fulham or Ski Bartlett in Hillingdon for a proper job. Or get on the fast train up to Bicester and go see @CEM at Solutions 4 Feet
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thank you!
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@NBH, depends on the needs of the customer and the options available to the fitter, no one system is way better that another just one may be more suitable for the foot presented.
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@Tiefschneetaucher, Colin Martin at Solutions for Feet
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@nevis1003, the majority of French kids I see wouldn't go near Decathlon for boots if they were free.
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FAQ
