 Poster: A snowHead
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The only I think you will get in on budget is if some of the Decathlon boots suit your feet. Ring your local store and find out who their qualified boot fitters are then go and see one of them.
Oh and welcome to snowheads!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Neville wrote: |
I purchased my first boots from a ski shop for less than 200.
Spent my first trip away (1 week) in agony. had boots adjusted spent a weekend away in agony.
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Em1986, you can avoid Neville's problem in one of two ways:
1) buy your first boot, use it in the snowdome and get it adjusted till it's comfortable for at least 3 hrs at a go.
2) don't buy your own boot but hire in resort in a shop that's close to the lift so it's convenient to go back to change (brand or size) the first couple days till it's reasonably comfortable.
Basically, unless you're truely lucky to fit a boot off the shell, you're going to have to get it adjusted during the first few days. So you can either do that at home (snowdome) on your own boot, or in resort in hired boots. A good shop in resort "should" have several different brand to accommodate differetn foot shape. You won't get perfect fit, but it could get you close enough to enjoy the skiing. And you might even get a sense of how to choose boots when it comes time to buy.
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came home and booked in at solutions4feet and paid up for proper fitting boots
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Some people are luckier than others. Their feet just happen to fit less expensive boot shape. Others find the one that fits happen to cost more. That, you really can't help it. What you're really paying extra when going to a good shop, is the service of the boot fitter!
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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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| Neville wrote: |
Em1986,
You sound just like me before my fist trip 5 years ago.
Keen as mustard and knew that skiing would be my thing.
I purchased my first boots from a ski shop for less than 200.
Spent my first trip away (1 week) in agony. had boots adjusted spent a weekend away in agony.
came home and booked in at solutions4feet and paid up for proper fitting boots ,
just wish I hadnt tried to save the pennies earlier as it cost me more money and two ruined trips |
Completely agree with this. I believe the quality of hired boots in resort should be better than at the snowdome, plus if they cause you any pain then you just take them back to the shop until you get a pair that works. You get no such luxury with your own boots.
Don't get me wrong - getting your own boots is the way forward, but no need to rush, especially as it sounds like you haven't the money to do it properly at the moment. Why not hire boots first time round, get used to feel of the boots over a week of skiing. Then pick up a bargain at the end of the season. Happy days!
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If I was to get some boots fitted at a snow and rock for example properly.... Is it still likely I'd need to get them adjusted even after that?
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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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Buying your own boots is not a guarantee of comfort in your budget range anyway, you are just as likely to have problems unless they are well fitted with custom footbeds. Then you will stuck away in resort and have to hire anyway or get them stretched and fitted. Have some patience try as many pairs as you like from a hire shop in resort until you identify which are most comfortable. You will gain experience about boots and fitting which you can then invest in buying the right pair for you which will then last for years.
With regards to Snow & Rock it is all down to the individual boot fitter. Some SH's give them pelters for being dreadful and others say they are good. I personally had a very good service and excellent fit from them but I also really knew what I wanted and what was comfortable because I had tried and skied in about half a dozen different boots which I had hired. The hire shop was right at the main lift so each day I swapped which they are happy to do if not busy for no extra cost to the initial hire. I also demanded my moneys worth of attention and time from the fitter at S&R. They have some excellent end of season deals. My Atomics were only £140 in sale plus £60 for footbeds and fitting. Start of season the same boot was £275 plus the fitting!!
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| Em1986 wrote: |
| If I was to get some boots fitted at a snow and rock for example properly.... Is it still likely I'd need to get them adjusted even after that? |
maybe. unless your feet are very standard and lets face it most people have a quirk or two on one foot or the other. I was happy with my initial fit at S&R and then after a full week skiing realised they needed relatively minor adjustment so went back and they adjusted them again at no extra charge, no bother and now they fit like a glove so to speak. I am sure that even the finest most experienced fitters like CEM will never guarantee absolute comfort and have to adjust clients boots and refit. It really is a tricky business.
The many good ski instructors on here will also tell you that your ski technique will also affect your foot ankle and lower leg position in the boot and you've already identified foot clenching as a problem so until you have that sorted I personally don't think you should rush into buying a cheap or low cost boot when that money could be used more effectively in a years time. Remember if you are going to ski year in year out for ever more then time really isn't an issue.
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Thank you everyone for your tips.
So the general concenus is until I have the money to buy some decent boots and get it done properly just hire?
Out of interest if I could afford £300-400 on a paid of custom fit boots is it still worth waiting until I have been on a few trips? Or if you can spend that amount am I more likely to get a comfortable pair of decent boots?
Unless Santa really loves me that's very unlikely this time around 
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And it's worth sorting my foot clenching and generally getting more confident skiing before getting a pair of boots?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| Quote: |
So the general concenus is until I have the money to buy some decent boots and get it done properly just hire?
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seems to be. I would also add that until you have sorted the foot clenching problem and tried decent hired boots in resort, you won't know whether spending £300-400 on a pair of boots is top priority for limited funds. Plenty of people with straightforward feet hire boots with no problems. Even if you had that money available right now I'd suggest you go to a good rental shop for your boots and spend the dosh on really good ski lessons!
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| Em1986 wrote: |
| If I was to get some boots fitted at a snow and rock for example properly.... Is it still likely I'd need to get them adjusted even after that? |
The "fitted" is a process!
Yes, you'll need to get it adjusted after skiing in it for a few hours a time. And probably takes a couple times of adjustment to get it sorted "properly".
Whether you want to get it done in a resort or in a snowdome is for you to decide.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| pam w wrote: |
| Quote: |
So the general concenus is until I have the money to buy some decent boots and get it done properly just hire?
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seems to be. I would also add that until you have sorted the foot clenching problem and tried decent hired boots in resort, you won't know whether spending £300-400 on a pair of boots is top priority for limited funds. Plenty of people with straightforward feet hire boots with no problems. Even if you had that money available right now I'd suggest you go to a good rental shop for your boots and spend the dosh on really good ski lessons! |
I agree with PamW, I found Ski lessons a real advantage when I first started, it was only after a few trips with lessons on each one that I stared thinking of my own boots, lessons are the way forward and a great way of meeting other skiers of your ability.
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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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Thanks for your posts!
I do have lessons booked for every morning so this should hopefully improve my skiing 
Ok well that's what I'll do then, I'll wait until I have been a few times and got confident skiing before looking at boots.
Thank you for all your help!
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Em1986, lockwoods are good and they have some deals on. I think they will also sort things out after if there is a problem. I go to CEM.
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You know it makes sense.
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Yeah I had a look online and they have loads of boots reduced from 2-300£ to within my budget. Do these still class as 'cheap' boots or boots that won't be better than hire boots?
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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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| Quote: |
Do these still class as 'cheap' boots or boots that won't be better than hire boots?
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that's not really the right question. The "right boots" are the ones that fit you, whatever they cost (and whatever the colour!). A pair of cheap boots which fit you well will be far better than expensive boots which don't. You are more likely to get boots that fit well in a hire shop (because there will be several different makes to choose from and you can go back and change them if they are wrong) than buying on the internet.
Buying expensive boots doesn't guarantee a good fit. In a sense, the opposite can be true. A foolish person in my family, having once managed to ski down a red run, very slowly and with a fair bit of hysteria, went to buy boots and told the salesman she was a "red run skier" and thought that "most expensive" equated to "most comfortable". she ended up getting rather expensive boots which were too stiff for her, and they didn't even fit well. And the very expensive boots that top racers wear are so uncomfortable you'll see them unclipping their boots the moment they cross the finish line.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| Em1986 wrote: |
Hi Everyone,
So.. I am a complete Beginner, have a mere 14 hours skiing and another 4 booked in at a snowdome... I am planning on going skiing very soon and will be taking lessons out there.
However my question is are ski boots a good idea?
I have heard so many conflicting opinions... friends who ski say yes get your own boots, much more comfortable once you have your own... others say no - you need to go through the pain of hire boots for a few holidays before buying your own boots in order to know what boots you need!
Now I know that a beginners boots are different to an intermediate skiiers boots... but I will be going skiing once a year (hopefully) the occasional snow dome trip... so I can imagine I am going to be a 'beginner' and not classed as intermediate for some time! Possibly 3-4 years...... So buying beginner boots knowing that I may have to buy more boots in a few years doesnt bother me if it means I will be more comfortable the few times I go before then.
So my question is will getting my own boots make me more comfortable on the slopes?
Or is it just a waste of money?
Thanks!! |
I think you've got some good advice here so far, but I'll add to it. First:
Boots are the most important piece of kit you have!
The boots connect your physiology to the skis, and, having skied in rental boots a few years ago when I was a git and left my own home, I can say that rental boots are utter rot.
So, find a boot specialist. One who is recommended on here as someone who understands how to fit boots to your body, not merely your feet. Then, have that person recommend the appropriate boots for you and fit them to you. Be willing to pay for the great work, too. It's more than worth it. Then, hire skis for a few years.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Em1986 wrote: |
| If I was to get some boots fitted at a snow and rock for example properly.... Is it still likely I'd need to get them adjusted even after that? |
My boots came from Ellis Brigham but in general you'll get better service from one of the stores of either chain at a snowdome where ski is all they do, even there be sure to talk to one of the trained fitters.
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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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| Quote: |
rental boots are utter rot
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they might not have suited you, and you were accustomed to your own properly fitted boots, obviously. But it's a bit sweeping to say they are "utter rot". Loads of beginner skiers use rental boots and find them perfectly OK. I've had my own boots for years but had to hire touring boots for a one day excursion a while ago. They were so light, and so comfortable, right off the shelf (and I have shocking feet) that I wondered about buying touring boots, next time I need to change. Even after a whole day and quite a lot of skinning uphill they remained absolutely fine.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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However I did find the rental boots at Hemel "utter rot".
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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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| pam w wrote: |
| Quote: |
rental boots are utter rot
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they might not have suited you, and you were accustomed to your own properly fitted boots, obviously. But it's a bit sweeping to say they are "utter rot". Loads of beginner skiers use rental boots and find them perfectly OK. I've had my own boots for years but had to hire touring boots for a one day excursion a while ago. They were so light, and so comfortable, right off the shelf (and I have shocking feet) that I wondered about buying touring boots, next time I need to change. Even after a whole day and quite a lot of skinning uphill they remained absolutely fine. |
Fair enough. I admit that I'm talking about alpine boots. However, my experience was with some "premium" Head rental equipment. I was shocked at how poorly they skied. I remember thinking, "No wonder so few people ever come back!"
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from a boot fitters point of view
1 don't buy yet (unless you have very specific issues.. monster calves, big bunion super skinny feet)
2 most people buy a pair of boots too big, because it feels good in the shop, not saying it shouldn't feel good but it should be a lot tighter than you think
3 shell check is everything, if a fitter does not take the liner out and have your foot in the empty shell, toes touching front to see how much space there is (and then, when you ask, explain why!) lock your wallet and leave the store
4 do not try everything in the shop, it doesnt work like that, it will confuse you, a good fitter will bring 1-2 boots out possibly a third pair depending on the initial shell check, if the "salesperson" quickly measures your feet and asks you what you like the look of it is again TIME TO LEAVE
boot fit is affected by many things, not just foot shape and size, fitness, technique, hydration, stress, flexibility all affect how your feet will feel inside a ski boot, snow conditions and visibility determine how you stand on your skis, i know that if we have great weather and snow conditions at christmas time we will sell loads of boots in january, if it is icy with bad visibility lots of people will call up to get modificatiosn as their boots feel too small, generally down to leaning back in the bad conditions (boots do not shrink after you leave a store, they only ever get bigger)
good luck getting sorted, but my advice would be as above, unless you really have to rent for the first couple of weeks
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ssh, I have only used rental boots once in the last 25 years, at an indoor snow dome (do you have such thing in N.A.?) and my word, I am amazed that anyone would consider repeating the experience. Worse than useless.
Rental boots in resort seem to be of rather a better standard.
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As usual, excellent advice from CEM.
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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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| Quote: |
don't buy yet (unless you have very specific issues
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as ever,
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excellent advice from CEM
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I now have boots fitted by CEM which are an entire shell size smaller than the ones I have previously had fitted in supposedly good shops (one Snow and Rock, one in resort, taking a long time and with insoles made for me). They are a shell sized 24.0 - 24.5 whereas my "everyday" shoes are 6.5 or 7. Buying a pair off the internet because they were theoretically the right size would have been even worse.
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Thank you for some really good advice.
So for when I come to buy some boots and get them properly fitted - how much roughly do I need to save? £300? £400? I know I may not need it all but what should I get in the bank before heading out to get some properly fitted boots.
This has definitely really helped as I just thought it was a lot simpler - silly me! I realise there is absolutely no point in paying £150 if they will be a no better fit than hire boots.
It's just a case if saving up to do it properly.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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It's also good to hear boots in resort are better quality as the snow dome really sit offer a good selection and also I didn't feel they even knew how try should fit. I asked.. They said do they feel ok... I said yes,
Well I don't know how they should feel!
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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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Em1986, Go talk to CEM, he'll look at your feet, give you good advice and won't pressure you to buy anything. He may well say that your feet are nothing out of the ordinary and you'll be fine for a rental boot and will probably recommend a boot make/style to rent.
Colin builds relationships with people/skiers, he doesn't just flog boots. . . . he'll probably tell you to cut your mails though 
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You know it makes sense.
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First time I went skiing I could hardly walk by lunch time as my feet were so painful under the soles, and this was only in beginner lessons. Exchanged boots and they were better, but they only gave me bigger boots that I now know were too big.
Had boots professionally fitted as soon as we got home and was the best thing I did. Had lifetime comfort guarantee allowing me to go back at any time if they need adjusting, not had to though. Listen to boot fitter, I had a make in mind and ended up walking out with something totally different and also what appeared to be a smaller size than I wear as a shoe size.
Make sure you allow enough time as they do take a long time to fit you properly.
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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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Thanks for that information
Where did you get them from if you don't mind me asking?
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Poster: A snowHead
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I got them in Pembrey Ski centre, which is not far from Llanelli in South Wales.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Em1986, all good boot fitters will work with you on adjustments on your boots if required, the key is to be honest with the fitter about everything, if it feels wrong in some way and they cannot give you a reason then they probably don't know
ski boot fitting is actually very simple (although you wouldn't think it sometimes) there is normally a good reason for things not being as they should be, ie a boot which feels too narrow but has plenty of space in the shell, the foot is probably pronating and spreading out, pain under the ball of foot, lackl of support or tight calf muscles etc etc
initial assessment is key to finding out what is going on, the vast majority of people we see have very few foot/boot issues, today however i have seen people with different sized feet, a club foot, and a large lump on top of each foot... last saturday was a breeze by comparison
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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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| CEM wrote: |
| and a large lump on top of each foot |
Ou of interest what was your "cure" for that. I have one on each foot - i think they're called "bone spurs", basically a big hard boney knobble right on top of foot over the arch. Is that what they had? I snowboard so it's not too much of an issue, but might come back to the dark side one day, so i'd be interested to know.
Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Sat 9-11-13 21:39; edited 1 time in total
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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The most common mistake, not just with beginners but many intermediates) is to get boots which are too big, because they feel more comfortable when you aren't skiing (and perhaps at first even when you are skiing) - but will give you no control over your skis because your movement is inside the boot rather than communicating with the ski. Skiing is easier with closely fitting boots. You shouldn't be able to move your foot around inside the boot (except to wiggle your toes perhaps).
Different makes of boot have a tendency to suit particular foot shapes. Spend a long time in the shop walking about in them - don't be shy to do it.
It is often the case that a boot is the right size except at one point where a bony bit is painfully pressed. In that case take it back and the shop will blow it out for you (and perhaps grind down a bit of the padding). It is thus very important to buy somewhere that can do that sort of thing and really know what they are doing. Go and try them in a snowdome before you go to the mountains for that reason: you want to get all that fixed before your holiday.
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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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Does anyone have an opinion about buying boots from Snowfit in Norwich?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I initially skied for 4 days in hire boots that cut into my shins so badly that my socks had major bloodstains at the end of each day. I then bought boots, but progressed quite quickly and due to having narrow heels soon ended up fastening them so tightly that the flex was blocked and even though they were only an 80 flex I had real problems. I had to resort to boot surgery with a drill, and have the liners padded. But I still got 4 years of skiing with them.
I then went to a certain bootfitter in Cham (some sort of zoo) who put me in a pair of correctly fitting 130 boots, and suddenly I could flex them and my skiing shot up a level or two. The were precise too, move your toe and the ski turns. They would have been way too much to cope with for the first few years and would have held me back a bit though. I do wish I had got a softer, perfectly fitting boot to start with instead of one that was a little too high a volume for my foot to fill.
The moral, as said above, is that it is the fit and suitability that is important, not the label. The boot that works well with your particular physiology and style of skiing will make life easier. Custom liners then take it to a whole new level lol
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I have noticed the boots I wear at the snow dome I can move my toes and feet quite a bit resulting in me tensing my feet a fair bit, I also get very sore calfs so tense after 2 hours they are stiff as a board when I take the boots off & I have to stretch out before I can walk properly!
But like everyone has said this could be my rubbish technique as a complete beginner. That said it does concern me that I will be in this kind of pain when I'm away and 6 days of skiing may be torture!! :-/
But I don't seem to have any pressure points, rubbing, pain in the boots except for foot clenching and calves.
I'm not swayed by make & model as I don't know anything about skiing boots which is good for me but because of this like everyone has said I really need to go to someone who knows what they are talking about 100% or it will be a case of the blind leading the blind!
CEM I think I might come along after Christmas ... I will bring what money I have and have a chat if that's ok?
It may be that I can't afford to get the boots I need this time around but Atleast I will get an idea of how a boot should fit and also get some knowledge. But hopefully I'll get lucky and there will be a pair perfect for me that I can just about afford
I am already re juggling money so I can bring more than I first said as I've realised this needs to be done properly! No point in wasting money on boots that aren't any better than hire boots.
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| Em1986 wrote: |
I have noticed the boots I wear at the snow dome I can move my toes and feet quite a bit resulting in me tensing my feet a fair bit, I also get very sore calfs so tense after 2 hours they are stiff as a board when I take the boots off & I have to stretch out before I can walk properly!
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If you can move your feet (rather than just toes) noticably, then the boots are too big, or not done up tightly enough.
Ski boots will never feel really comfortable, they have to be to tight for that, but a good pair properly fitted will not be uncomfortable either.
| Quote: |
CEM I think I might come along after Christmas ... I will bring what money I have and have a chat if that's ok?
It may be that I can't afford to get the boots I need this time around but Atleast I will get an idea of how a boot should fit and also get some knowledge. But hopefully I'll get lucky and there will be a pair perfect for me that I can just about afford
I am already re juggling money so I can bring more than I first said as I've realised this needs to be done properly! No point in wasting money on boots that aren't any better than hire boots. |
I would agree with others here that it is unlikely to benefit you much to get your own boots before your first trip. At the moment, you can't really tell very well whether you have too much room in them, you will have much more idea by the time you have a few full days of skiing under your belt.
But then when you do buy, the advice given by CEM is excellent.
I bought my own after three ski trips using hire boots - none of which in resort caused me any real problems, although the ones at both Tamworth snowdome and at the dry slope I used were very uncomfortable.
I went to Snow and Rock at Xscape in Milton Keynes, and think I had pretty good service there. I went in with an idea of which boots I wanted (I was fancying a Salomon pair at £220). The fitter there, after hearing the level of skier I was, and measuring my feet, suggested one of two pairs, neither of which were those, and both of which were cheaper!. I finished up walking out of there with a pair of Head boots for £179, which I have now worn for eight trips (over nine years), and am still very happy with them.
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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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Em1986, I have beautifully fitted ski boots and have done lot of skiing. I did a day's ski clinic at Hemel a couple of months ago and had very stiff calf muscles afterwards though my feet were absolutely fine. Your stiff calfs might well have been nothing to do with your boots.
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FAQ
