 Poster: A snowHead
|
Being in need of a new pair of ski boots and having read on here and taken on board all the advice about going to see a good boot fitter I contacted one of the specialist shops that come recommended by a decent number of snowheads.
Initial contact was done over the phone, I was asked what my current boots were, what size ect and I also mentioned I had a narrow foot. I arranged an appointment (a few weeks time off) and booked time off work to allow me to put plenty of time aside for the fit.
Two days before the fit I rang the shop just to say I'll be there for my appointment and was told they had nothing in my size so as to not waste my time come a week later. I was a little confused as to what seemed a lack of organisation and customer service but figured maybe if the fitter was that good this is what I'd have to put up with.
So coming up to my fit again I rang the shop today to confirm and was told they may have the boot in for me on the day of my fit, (it could arrive the day before, it could arrive the same day as the fit). I asked if they would have a number of boots in my size to try (the boss did mention he'd get k2 and dalbello which fit a narrow foot for me to try) and the reply was no just this one because I'm a small size boot for a man 25.5 and that this boot would be ok for me and they would get me sorted with it.
My question is can a boot fitter be that good they know what boot they are going to put me in before they've even looked at my feet? I'm a little concerned as I'm about to travel a reasonable distance to try one boot and am putting myself in the hands of a shop who appear disinterested. I may have read the situation wrong but having been a retailer I used to work very hard to look after my customers.
Any thoughts or advice on this? What would you do?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@Will77, go somewhere else
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
@holidayloverxx, this is exactly what I was thinking but having a highly recommended fitter just over an hour from my house seemed perfect and I was really looking forward to having my boots properly fitted. It seems they don't want my business which is a shame because I really want to give them my business. My problem is if I don't go there I'm left with snow and rock, ellis brigham or a long drive south to see another highly recommended fitter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@Will77, No idea who this "highly recommended" fitter is, but I know 1 particular fitter always says he needs to see the feet...so maybe you have contacted the wrong one 
As you are in Manchester I'm going to guess Rivington Alpine..which if that is the case your experience is certainly not what you'd expect from reports on here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
@holidayloverxx, which is exactly why I've posted and why I'm confused, it's not what I expected and was ready and happy to go with an open mind, try on lots of boots and listen to the fitter to get the right fit. As I said I was looking forward to the experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
Will77, If you just want to try on lots of boots then go to Snow and Rock or Ellis Brigham.
One way of looking at it could be that a good bootfitter doesn't need to stock a large range, just enough that they can cover different foot shapes. You need to feel that you are communicating with them though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@rjs, agree re not necessarily needing a lot of stock...but he was told there will be 1 boot and they would get it sorted, without having seen his feet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@rjs, I get that, which is why I posted 'can a boot fitter be that good they know what boot they are putting me in before they see my feet'. All the research I did pointed to them being the best in the North West, all I want to do is get my boots custom fitted by a professional not necessarily try loads of boots on. I have an open mind and I still plan to go and see them but I've already been told the boot I'm being put in is the K2 Spyne 130. I just wanted to know if it is normal to be told we know what boot you're buying already before you've already been seen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Go elsewhere. Awful customer service. But then again I bought from a highly regarded bootfitter in the UK 3 years ago and after 8 weeks of painful feet I bought some in resort last week as mine were too small as told to me by 3 separate shops. I am a happy boot fitted skier again now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I just want to add also, this thread hasn't been started to bad mouth anybody or company (I want to make that clear). I just want to know what is right and what I should be looking for in a boot fit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
@Will77, well, if you are going anyway see how it goes...you might be lucky, they might be right, they might be a good fit or can be fettled to fit
I got mine at Profeet. I tried 2 pairs and bought the 1st pair that was offered. They are snug but not too tight and after 3 seasons, 3 or 4 weeks a season still fit well
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Will77, It still sounds to me as if you are talking past each other.
I would expect them to be thinking that they will try their best with the stock that is available at this point in the season. You seem to feel that you have committed to taking away a particular pair of boots. You may find that your idea of a narrow foot isn't the same as their one and they suggest a different boot.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@holidayloverxx, thank you. I'm going to go as I've had more clarification of what is going on, there is only one pair of boots for me to try due to supplier issues, so I'll try these and the fitter can also have a look at my feet and if needs be I will have to go back at a later date to try for another pair. As stated I just want a professional fit and I've now been assured this won't be compromised.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
Sounds like a good plan.
The only difficulty will be if the boot doesn't feel quite right to you, but they say they can blow out the shell or similar to get the fit just right. Personally that would worry me given your experience up to now, as once they do any of that you are committed to buy.
But if it feels good as is then all good!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
@Will77, how did you get on at Rivington Alpine?
I've just had 5 days skiing in my new boots. Snug would be the polite description.
After 2 1/2 days of pure hell I gave in and hired some comfy punter buckets for the last couple of days. I skied like a god 
I will point out that I did not want an out of the box fit and I new I would more than likely have some initials problems. But my big toe nail beds where both bruised on day one and it was game over from them on,bloody painful.
After going back to the shop I bought from today I have had numerous adjustments including stretching the width and both toe pockets and lowering my foot in the boot by a few mm to give a bit more room over the instep. OMG WHAT A DIFFERENCE.
I am now 100% sure I will have a comfortable but still a performance fit for my upcoming Easter trip.
Credit to the team at Rivington Alpine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@hedley, my experience so far with Rivington Alpine has been a good one.
The initial fitting involved me going to the shop a couple of times and the attention to detail and the care taken in trying to get my new boots right was second to none. I was very impressed with both Graham and Andy.
I'm just back from a few days away with my new boots and they are a precise/performance fit, like you say 'a very snug fit'. I had four great days skiing; but as to be expected throughout each day pressure points and pain manifested themselves by the end of the day (I was prepared for this because the boots are new and in my mind there's no way during a shop fit you can replicate what the boots will feel like during and after a full days skiing). In summary the left boot is near perfect the the right was is problem one. I have spoken to the shop and will be heading back there in the next couple of weeks for what I hope will be the final adjustments.
Like you I am 100% sure I will have both a performance and comfortable fit and I am actually looking forward to going back to Rivington Alpine. I will report back after I have skied the boots again.
I recommend the shop very highly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
