 Poster: A snowHead
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@Rach1257, Glide & Slide, Otley
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Rach1257 wrote: |
| Sorry to jump on this thread but can anyone recommend a boot fitter in the North of England please? |
Rivington Alpine, Adlington ( Chorley / Bolton )
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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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| under a new name wrote: |
| Quote: |
It's unlikely I would go out on the first morning and think this needs changing.
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This. If well fitted, they're going to need a little foam bedding in, sure, but a couple of days skiing before adjustments. |
I don't dispute this: I'm sure that for a segment of the boot-buying public it applies. But there's a bigger segment that is just a recreational skier doing a week or two a year. Who buys from a local shop that doesn't have a first-rate, Alpine-class, experienced fitter and who gets what's in stock, with little in the way of expert advice. And a sales person who isn't going to tell then to go somewhere else, and who has a good line in boot techno-babble. It's this larger category that I think is better served buying in the resort.
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@fuzzydunlop @mgrolf @LaForet @Layne Thanks all for the recommendations and different approaches. Going to speak with the shops you suggested and if things don't work out with them then may look into the rent-to-buy approach when I'm on my trip. Fortunately got a week in resort before doing a bit of hut-to-hut so could be the perfect opportunity to at least try out skiing with a variety of boots.
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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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@LaForet, that's probably also true. But, in fairness, they'll almost certainly end up in a boot that's too big for them that arrives with associated problems, that eventually sends them seeking the light of a proper boot fitting shop.
A bit like religion I presume? 
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I have a few questions.
Looking at getting a fitting and then buying a pair of boots. Some of these boots are much cheaper online than in these stores. How would you feel about this and what’s the best way to approach it?
At would level would you say, would fitted boots become worthwhile? I’m new to skiing so it feels like a big investment very soon however I do feel as though I’ve progressed quickly. Confident parallel on red and was just starting to learn to carv at MK a few days ago.
Thanks!
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@viciousvulture, IMO. Fight the temptation to buy cheap online. The risk that they will match your foot shape, size and general physiology, is small.
Unsuitable, ill-fitting boots are a handicap at any stage. IMV. You hire boots to see if you will take up the sport. If you do, get properly fitted boots.
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@viciousvulture, so many variables....
Depends how you feel about snubbing someone who has put time and effort into finding you the right product! Fitting a boot is not like going to Clarks and having your feet measured for a pair of brogues..... Size 10 sir? No problem, have a wander around the shop. Suits you!
You could measure your own feet and have a bash yourself - choose your favourite colour/manufacturer/flex/brand ambassador.... You might luck in and find the perfect boot for a bit of a steal but you probably won't. Skiing is not the cheapest hobby and the difference between a properly assessed and fitted boot compared to one which doesn't really fit or work properly, over the life of that boot, is small beer. That is unless you cock it up and have to buy a second pair of boots, properly fitted, having spent a frustrating week in the Alps getting blisters in a pair of plastic wellies..... Just my opinion.
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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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It’s the snub feeling which is a bit awkward. If the chosen boot is only slightly cheaper elsewhere then you don’t mind, but imagine if it’s 40% off. I think there is a line somewhere!
It’s a sport I do wish to take up, but it does feel like a lot of money so soon. Expensive hobby indeed!
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| viciousvulture wrote: |
It’s the snub feeling which is a bit awkward. If the chosen boot is only slightly cheaper elsewhere then you don’t mind, but imagine if it’s 40% off. I think there is a line somewhere!
It’s a sport I do wish to take up, but it does feel like a lot of money so soon. Expensive hobby indeed! |
If you ski 1 week per year and you get 16 years from your Boots - the cost/yr is minimal (a lunch for 2 up the mountain).
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@viciousvulture, It is an often asked question here, but the honest answer is that your boots massively affect your skiing. The major variables in boot sizing are foot length, arch height, instep height, ankle size and calf size followed by your skiing experience and ability which need to be matched to the appropriate boot manufacturers boot volumes. Going to a specialist boot fitter should enable you to get a good fit immediately. It is of course your choice, but when compared to the cost of say 10 years skiing holidays, the incremental cost of a properly fitted pair of boots is small, but the difference to your skiing is huge.
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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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@viciousvulture, It sounds to me that you are already at, or passed, the point at which properly fitted boots would help you. Ask yourself: Do you want good control of your skis? Do you want to be able to ski all day without discomfort? These are what you should get from well fitted boots, especially if you have any issues with your feet or skeleton.
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Friend is close to Profeet, any specific fitters there ?
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You know it makes sense.
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@viciousvulture, I agree with other posters, sounds like you’re already potentially hooked on skiing, and a pair of your own, well-fitted boots, makes a big difference to your skiing.
I totally get the issue of seeing boots much cheaper online than in a store, but if you buy from a reputable fitter you aren’t just getting the boot. You’re getting their expertise in fitting, and also (depending on fitter) the potential to take them back for adjustments free of charge.
You’ll also find that various fitters are wise to the “try then buy elsewhere” approach and will charge a deposit for a fitting appointment, refundable against purchase.
So for my money, I’d ask for advice on a decent fitter near you (by which I wouldn’t mean whoever it is that flogs ski gear at MK…), go for a fitting appointment when you know you can afford the boots.
I’ve just bought new boots, but I think my last pair must have done me easily 10 years, and multiple trips each year so per week costs isn’t really that high at all, but makes a big difference to my skiing.
Ms T.
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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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Guys, I’m booked in for a proper ski fitting! I will let you know how it goes. Will go to MK on the same day to try them out.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| viciousvulture wrote: |
| Guys, I’m booked in for a proper ski fitting! I will let you know how it goes. Will go to MK on the same day to try them out. |
Excellent news, hope it goes well 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Any EU members have experience buying boots on our side of the channel? Looking at Netherlands/Germany/Austria (which would then have to be this coming trip in Easter). Interested as to what prices run on average for a decent intermediate/advanced male boot + insoles and fitting.
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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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I've just bought Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro online (from Germany) and was decided to get them customized if they don't fit well, but they gave me pain just during the first ascent/descent (1500m), the second peek I went on that day (800m) was already without any pain. If you are not buying your first pair of boots, the chance you would buy something so far from your proper fit, that it couldn't be customized later, is low. Especially if you can order more pairs and keep these best fitting ones and send the rest back.
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Evening - I am going to Tignes Le Lac on Xmas eve for a weeks skiing and I want to buy some ski boots. Can anyone recommend the best place to be fitted and purchase from in Le Lac?
I have only been on 2 ski trips both this year and go to the chill factor about once a month to try to improve. I am a very early intermediate - comfortable on most blues but have a lot to learn. I’m too risk averse and need to relax more when skiing to help me improve but again, I will be booking a weeks worth of morning ski lessons at Classe 2 with ESF. Any advice with respect to the appropriate boot fitting and retailer in Le Lac would be most welcomed. Thanks
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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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@Moorzee10, can't help but shops will likely close early on Xmas eve so if you were hoping for boots then and straight into ski school the following day it might not work out
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| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| @Moorzee10, can't help but shops will likely close early on Xmas eve so if you were hoping for boots then and straight into ski school the following day it might not work out |
Hi @holidayloverxx that is a good call thank you. On a bens bus from Geneva departing at 10am. Hoping to be in resort for 2pm. I might send a few emails in advance to a recommended retailer if anyone knows of any.
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@Moorzee10, if your close to Chill then you've got one of the best fitters in the UK (if not in Europe) just up the road at Rivington Alpine (Grahan Pugh) in Chorley. If you go october / november time when they're fully stocked you'll get the right product and 1st class service. it'll give you time to try at chill, you won't be wasting time in resort and you'll get a fit guarantee from a local company (no need to try to go back to tignes for a re-fit in future years!) And you'll be supporting a british business, surely something we should all be trying to do in these tough times......
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Get them in the UK. Will be less of a panic particularly if you buy in Sept or Oct.
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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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I think it’s time for my ski boots to be replaced now, I’ve had them for 8 years but since the Birthday Bash the fit doesn’t feel as good anymore, I did make the likely mistake of putting them on the hotels heated boot rack (they are custom moulded with custom footbeds) and I was getting cold feet on days where it was not even that cold after doing so.
Chorley is closer to me but I do know CEM (solutions4feet) has a great reputation too.
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| RichardB wrote: |
| I think it’s time for my ski boots to be replaced now, I’ve had them for 8 years but since the Birthday Bash the fit doesn’t feel as good anymore, I did make the likely mistake of putting them on the hotels heated boot rack (they are custom moulded with custom footbeds) and I was getting cold feet on days where it was not even that cold after doing so. |
Have you tried them since? I ask because I know from experience that the boot heaters on the BB are not always turned on, so cold feet can be the result of the boots still being a little bit damp from the previous day, no matter how warm the air temperature is. Otherwise, replacement footbeds are a lot cheaper than new boots (though it does sound like you're looking for an excuse to buy new shiny shiny here...)
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Scarlet wrote: |
| RichardB wrote: |
| I think it’s time for my ski boots to be replaced now, I’ve had them for 8 years but since the Birthday Bash the fit doesn’t feel as good anymore, I did make the likely mistake of putting them on the hotels heated boot rack (they are custom moulded with custom footbeds) and I was getting cold feet on days where it was not even that cold after doing so. |
Have you tried them since? I ask because I know from experience that the boot heaters on the BB are not always turned on, so cold feet can be the result of the boots still being a little bit damp from the previous day, no matter how warm the air temperature is. Otherwise, replacement footbeds are a lot cheaper than new boots (though it does sound like you're looking for an excuse to buy new shiny shiny here...) |
I tried them yesterday and I seemed to have the same issues and I was tightening them up which I don’t think is a good sign, I’m going to the Snow Show next month so I might decide to do one of those boot health checks.
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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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@RichardB, Colin and Graham work closely together, they shared a stand at the ski show last year and I believe they're doing the same this year. You won't be short changed by going to Chorley...!
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I've had a twenty year break from skiing and have just started up (beginner) lessons again at MK before hopefully getting out to some bashes with you guys. Despite having owned my own pair of Salomon boots in my teenage years, I'm uncertain whether it would be a good idea to visit a boot fitter now, without having done much skiing in the recency, or get at least a season in on rented boots so that I can (slightly) better advise a boot fitter of my abilities, technique and comfort?
I guess if you were a complete beginner who had never skied before, boot fitting this early on in the re-learning process would be quite a risk in case you realise that skiing isn't for you. In my case, I know I enjoy the sport (and apres) and will recommit for years going forward, I just won't know (remember?) how to judge what feels right during the boot fitting process and be entirely relying on the boot fitter's advice and measuring.
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You know it makes sense.
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@EViS, if you go to a good/trusted/recommended boot fitter there shouldn't be an issue. I guess you know your feet reasonably well so can answer any questions that may come up.
Where do you live? People can then recommend places.
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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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Could I request some help?
Skied yesterday on my 7 year old boots and realised it’s time for change. They were custom fitted when I was looking for higher performance by Sole in Chamonix - they are still great for that but not comfortable for pottering about in now(K2 Pinnacle 110, 26.5 Mondo for my UK9 feet).
Looking for something more comfortable custom fitted preferably in Tignes Le Lac over New Year, expect I’ll have to go up a boot size and have my bindings adjusted to suit.
Any recommendations for a good boot fitter in Le Lac, and/or equipment to think of? Need high volume boot /100mm or so last.
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Poster: A snowHead
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expect I’ll have to go up a boot size and have my bindings adjusted to suit.
have your feet grown?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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My feet haven't grown but my last boots were fitted for performance when I was skiing much more (40-50 days / season, before kids came along) and pushing much harder on/off piste.
Now I'm doing ~20 days a season and mainly ski round on blue / red / mild off piste with my wife (basically just enjoying being on the mountain) so looking for more of a comfort fit than ultimate performance.
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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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That sounds perfectly sensible to me - vanishingly few of us need "ultimate performance" and boots that feel comfy all day are great!
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Had my boots adjusted at Mountain Story in Le Lac last week. Was very impressed with service from the fitter. He spent over an hour grinding base board and punching shells - result was a perfect fit. Best 45 Euro I’ve spent in a long time.
And also good to see him sending another customer away as the senior fitter was not in that day and he felt this customer’s feet needed more specialist attention.
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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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| kerb wrote: |
Had my boots adjusted at Mountain Story in Le Lac last week. Was very impressed with service from the fitter. He spent over an hour grinding base board and punching shells - result was a perfect fit. Best 45 Euro I’ve spent in a long time.
And also good to see him sending another customer away as the senior fitter was not in that day and he felt this customer’s feet needed more specialist attention. |
Do you happen to know the name of the Bootfitter and Senior Bootfitter? The reason I ask, is I am deciding where to take my Daughter to get boots in January. Mountain Story is right beside our accommodation.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Old Fartbag wrote: |
Do you happen to know the name of the Bootfitter and Senior Bootfitter?. |
Sorry can’t be very specific. I had a late twenties guy with black hair. The senior guy might have been called Sebastian but that’s only a vague memory of an overheard conversation! But I do know the senior fitter was older with greying hair as I saw him the day before fitting a couple of middle aged French instructors.
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| kerb wrote: |
| Old Fartbag wrote: |
Do you happen to know the name of the Bootfitter and Senior Bootfitter?. |
Sorry can’t be very specific. I had a late twenties guy with black hair. The senior guy might have been called Sebastian but that’s only a vague memory of an overheard conversation! But I do know the senior fitter was older with greying hair as I saw him the day before fitting a couple of middle aged French instructors. |
Thank you. That is all useful info.
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Quick follow up - had a good recommendation for a local boot fitter so had new boots fitted up in Switzerland (SB Sport, Gland, Adam the fitter).
Went for Head Formula X (110 flex) mainly for the boot / toe box shape. Did try a newer K2 and also a Lange HV but this just seemed the best overall. Also a moulded 26.5 boot but so much more space and comfort in the shell, especially after moulding. My feet are high and wide so the shells felt very different.
Feels like night and day, at CHF 560 all in (including new footbeds at chf 130) not cheap but well worth it I think.
Problem is, I’ve now seen some new skis against my 6 season Salomons… scope creep has definitely set in! (Stockli Stormrider 88s in 175 length anyone?  )
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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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Just had new boots at Soleboot Lab in Chamonix - Seb did a fantastic job but be prepared for a long process. My new boots are amazing - total game changer.
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I have been skiing for 40 odd years and still think a boot has to fit when you first put it on right off the shelf.
I have got Waymakers now and used to love my rear entry Salomon SXs. I wish these came back.
I decided when I got the Waymakers to try boot fitting in England - shop near an indoor ski slope - and left rather disappointed. I had described my skiing level, what I wanted and a young guy tried to tell the Mondo 27.5 was my size and he needed to mould the boots. I am normally a size 9.5 to 10. There was no grinding involved, just heating up - not very pleasant. My son now has the 27.5 Waymakers and I just bought a 28.5 off the shelf. They fit, I can bomb down the slopes and walk and sit very comfortably.
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