 Poster: A snowHead
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Good evening,
Apologies if I'm repeating previous threads but I've searched through and couldn't find answers.
Went skiing this year with the family and struggled with the hire boots, I've got wide feet.
I've read that solutions4feet in Bicester are good but they charge roughly £450 for new boots and fitting.
Then a friend suggested another company (I think it was snow n rock) where they heated the in-soles etc for £250
Can anyone recommend somewhere or how much I should be paying. Happy to pay £450 but didn't want to be told it was too much.
I'm based in Hoddesdon, Herts
Many thanks
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@mjh1972, with both of those shops, the cost will depend on the boots - different models have different price tags, and without seeing your feet, no one can say which models of boots will fit (or what insoles you might need).
They might be a cheap pair, they might be an expensive one!
The one guarantee is S4Feet will put you in the pair that fits, irrespective of cost (even if it is the cheapest pair) and you will have a top notch guarantee of fit. Snow and Rock - they might do you right, or they might try to upsell you to a more expensive boot than needed. They might have a great fitter, they might give you someone with less training... It depends on the store and fitter you get.
Sorry if that's not particularly helpful 
FWIW I'd always go the S4Feet route - but I ski enough that it's going to be worth the cost even if it turns out I do need a more expensive pair (there are limits to my bank account obviously!), and fit is always crucial.
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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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Same for me, Solutions 4 Feet can cost a bit more, especially if you have to travel to see him, but it's 100% worth it
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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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My missus went to Ellis Brigham in MK and struggled.
She has an appointment for S4F in August.
Having said that I've a friend who got some moulded inners done at EB and it worked out.
I've used S4F for a new footbed and a bit of shell work to compensate for bony ankles. They are independent specialists. Not cheap but cheerful.
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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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Colin certainly values himself fairly but you only pay the retail price of the boot plus a footbed if necessary and a fairly nominal fee for bootwork. Given had over 200 days without a problem out of the last pair he fitted for me (beyond new liners and a couple of quid for screws to refix buckles) that's pretty good value being a lifetime of skiing for many.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@mjh1972, if you have "problem" feet I'd agree the advice above to go to S4F. It's not just heated footbeds, it's also about the specific boot you need and things that can be done to accommodate specific problems - for example, Colin gave my boots bunions, to match those on my feet! A generally wide boot would have ended up too wide for my heels, which are narrow.
And yes, if you buy expensive boots at S & R you'll pay a lot more than £250 for them! You are comparing apples and pears.
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Comfortable boots from the first lift til the last ... priceless!!
(Now, I just need to figure out how to reduce the condensation in mine)
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I don't know how many boots I've bought that have actually fitted and I can feel comfortable all day.
The pair I have now are probably the most comfortable, but I know they are a long way from 100%.
So I'm going to try and save up and make the bare foot pilgrimage to Bicester
I don't know what its going to cost me, but I'm sure that the money spent on boots is going to to pay back in dividends to my skiing.
Skis are sexy ... but boots are even more important.
Lets talk about socks now.
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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: |
| Lets talk about socks now. |
Never had much an issue with socks
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If you have very wide feet, Daleboots is an alternative. Have a look at their website or go to see James at Outdoor Traders in Abingdon.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Daleboots are definitely expensive and probably not needed.
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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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If you need Daleboots, Colin will send you there - happened to a friend of mine.
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@mjh1972 I'm yet another Snowhead who cannot recommend Colin at Solutions4Feet high enough. He is one of the best boot fitters in the world, and is know throughout the business worldwide.
And yet he is amazingly good value, even though he is so busy and gets so booked-up. I had a new pair of boots, liners and foot-beds 2 seasons ago, and I could not be more happy. Perfect fit, and just the right boots for me. After the first week of using them on the slopes, I had a pressure point on my left heel. I popped back to Colin, and he instantly knew what the issue was and the nerve that was being pressured. He ground the boot at just the right spot, and the problem was solved.
Remember, with Solutions4Feet and adjustments that maybe required are FREE OF CHARGE. Plus the cost of a good pair of boots with professional fitting, is low compared to the total cost of skiing holidays.
With Snow and Rock or any other chain, you are just rolling the dice. And NOW is the time to book him — the 2016/17 season boots will be with him by the start of August.
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You know it makes sense.
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Many thanks for your replies, I think I'll be booking a visit to solutions4Feet. I'll let you know how it goes....
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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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I used to get sore feet when I first started skiing. I also have wide feet.
Part of the problem is getting used to skiing in ski boots. With the steep learning curve in skiing, you can spend a lot of time doing the wrong things with your feet. This can cause apparent problem with the boots, when actually technique is the issue.
The solutions I tried are as follows
1. Bought a pair of ski boots
2. Got the ski boots stretched so that they were wider (ski shop heated and allowed more room for the foot)
3. Wore thinner socks
4. Wore pop socks (mini tights)
5. Compression sports socks
6. Heat moulded footbed
7. More coffee break stops to rest feet
8. Lost 30kg in weight
9. Skied off piste, and avoided icy pistes
10. Heated Foot warmers
The biggest short term winners for me were 1,2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. Longer term winners 8 and 9. 6 and 7 are optional, but occassionally essential. Try to avoid things which reduce blood flow to feet, like making the ski boots too tight around the calves and wearing socks which have too tight elastic at the top. Feet heaters encourage blood to feet. Massage feet in evenings after skiing.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| mjh1972 wrote: |
Good evening,
Apologies if I'm repeating previous threads but I've searched through and couldn't find answers.
Went skiing this year with the family and struggled with the hire boots, I've got wide feet.
I've read that solutions4feet in Bicester are good but they charge roughly £450 for new boots and fitting.
Then a friend suggested another company (I think it was snow n rock) where they heated the in-soles etc for £250
Can anyone recommend somewhere or how much I should be paying. Happy to pay £450 but didn't want to be told it was too much.
I'm based in Hoddesdon, Herts
Many thanks |
Have you tried the Fischer Vacuums? I`ve got really wide feet and they`re the only ones i managed to get to fit me.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Does anyone have any recommendations for someone similar to that offered by Solutions4Feet in the French/Swiss Alps, preferably anywhere in the region roughly bounded by Chamonix - Geneva - Lausanne - Verbier (& Zermatt at a push), preferably English speaking but French is OK?
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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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@Whitters, Sole Boot Lab in Chamonix would be worth a look.
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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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| clarky999 wrote: |
| @Whitters, Sole Boot Lab in Chamonix would be worth a look. |
What he said  No better place in the French alps. One of the guys occasionally posts here too.
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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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Great, thanks both. My last set of boots that I've had for 5 years have rarely felt completely right, despite being properly fitted and stretched, but losing a big toenail last season was the final straw. I'll give them a call
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Whitters, you may find they're on holiday for the summer, or off up in Finland fitting skate boots, or some such.
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@Whitters, another possibility in Chamonix is The Boot Room at Sanglard Sports. Jules or Damian.
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| Whitters wrote: |
| Does anyone have any recommendations for someone similar to that offered by Solutions4Feet in the French/Swiss Alps, preferably anywhere in the region roughly bounded by Chamonix - Geneva - Lausanne - Verbier (& Zermatt at a push), preferably English speaking but French is OK? |
Colin at Solutions4Feet is so helpful, and knows most folks in the biz, that you could drop him and email, and I'm sure he'd point you in the right direction!
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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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Thanks again all. Sole are indeed closed for the summer so I'll hang on a bit and/or pop into The Boot Room next time I'm in Chamonix
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@Whitters, If you need to make a trip specially we can arrange to open up, however don't have much stock left after this winter, deliveries start again in November.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| mjh1972 wrote: |
Good evening,
Apologies if I'm repeating previous threads but I've searched through and couldn't find answers.
Went skiing this year with the family and struggled with the hire boots, I've got wide feet.
I've read that solutions4feet in Bicester are good but they charge roughly £450 for new boots and fitting.
Then a friend suggested another company (I think it was snow n rock) where they heated the in-soles etc for £250
Can anyone recommend somewhere or how much I should be paying. Happy to pay £450 but didn't want to be told it was too much.
I'm based in Hoddesdon, Herts
Many thanks |
Id just go and see Colin at Solutions4Feet - may cost a little more, but seriously there is no one better. Ive had a lot of boots over the years, and having made the mistake of using snow and rock earlier on in life, I now only go to Colin - There is a reason everyone recommends him
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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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Get some Fischer vacuum fit boots, I have wide forefeet and narrow heels with pokey out heels and I have no problems. I would buy them whilst out in resort so any tweaks can be done whilst you are there........
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surefeet are also excellent
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You know it makes sense.
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| vipul wrote: |
| surefeet are also excellent |
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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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Surefeet, as far as I can see have a relatively limited range of shells. And I have heard mixed reports.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Similar problem for me this year, I have wide feet and ankle bones that are not in line with my feet so inner ankle bone gets some greif
Hire boots for first ski hol, horrible.
2nd hand SX70s for next ski hol even worse.
New salomon sx81 from 1987 to 1996, never right, life's too short to list the things I tried to make them comfy.
1996 I bought a new pair of salomon equipe 8.1 size 355 that have been fab!, sadly the inners are disintegrating and the boots are becoming too slack and it's time to chisel my wallet open again after it has barely healed up after new skis last season, maybe I need to think about the money I have saved by getting 20 years out of a pair of boots.
Looks like first trip next season will be Canada, what is Canada like price wise? I could take my old boots that are skiable but so knackered that I won't begrudge binning them in the resort.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Just had a look on S&R and EB's websites, they have some big discounts on last years models if you have feet the size of a hamster, I guess if I start looking now and learning which boot does what, I might understand what I want by the time I need them? Looking at S&Rs site and the ability level ratings eg 4-7 beginner, 8-10 expert race etc, whilst I am an experienced skier, I doubt that a stiff "race" boot would be any good for me off piste and in the bumps, The solution of extra thick socks and my old boots for another 10 years suddenly seems attractive!
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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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@CH2O, thanks - I live fairly close by and won't be skiing any time soon so I can wait until November, but thanks for the offer. I'll drop you a line or call nearer the time.
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