 Poster: A snowHead
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So please excuse the obvious cheekyness, but I need new boots. I'd like to pay Internet prices rather than fitting shop prices. Can anyone give me some hints without abusing me please?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The only comment I will (politely) make, is that the saving you make by getting the boots online, while tempting, could be wiped out if they are not right and they need worked on, or replaced, or are too painful to wear, or become too painful to wear as they are too big....and the chance of that is really quite high.
You are making an investment in boots that are likely to last 12-15 years and will make or break your skiing/enjoyment. So my advice is - do it once and do it right. I suspect anyone worth listening to, won't tell you any different.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Wed 29-01-20 22:34; edited 2 times in total
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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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@Hellstrom, Why do you need new boots?
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@yorkshirelad, chapeau!
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Decathlon , try them on in store , find ones you like , then order from Decathlon online.
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Unless you are very lucky, or know already what exact make, model and size fits you without needing any more than the most minor modification or addition, you'll probably end up paying what you save by buying online by then going to a bootfitter/shop and getting the boot or liners modded.
And then buying a more suitable pair of boots...
Of course, if you already have boots/liners which are a really good fit, then maybe you do have a decent starting point: if you can still get the same ones again.
Why do you need new ones?
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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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| prometheus wrote: |
| Decathlon , try them on in store , find ones you like , then order from Decathlon online. |
Hahaha
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@Hellstrom, it is absolutely true that to buy a boot without trying it is a total waste of time. So do a variation of what @prometheus, says..
Educate yourself by reading online and watching as many videos as you can. How to do a shell check, the myths surrounding flex ratings, recreational v performance v race fit (the last option as an off the shelf is frankly insane but needs must)....be honest with yourself about your skiing style, years of experience, etc, etc.
Then go to some shops and try them on. If/when you find one that feels just right, order it from the cheapest internet supplier. Hope it arrives in one piece and before your next holiday, and good luck. It might never work out but that goes for a fitting service as well. It's all about the odds.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The question to ask, is how many very experienced skiers fit their own boots?
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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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| Old Fartbag wrote: |
| The question to ask, is how many very experienced skiers fit their own boots? |
That is a very good question, which could also be turned around into how many very inexperienced skiers really need to have their boots fitted? Can't be that much worse that the crap they get given in most hire shops.
"How does that feel sir/madam?"
'oh great really comfy!'
"perfect, off you go then"
Next.
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@Hellstrom, I suspect that the vast majority of British skiers:
- don't read up on the huge volumes of expert advice freely available from snowHeads
- have little idea (or even interest) in what a good fitting boot entails
- do not buy from specialist boot fitters
and probably are largely happy with their roomy, warm and comfortable boots!
For my most recent ski boot purchase I did a lot of research and thought that some Scarpa boots would be perfect - the boot fitter just smiled and demonstrated that I couldn't get even my foot into the boot shell (no liner) before providing some boots that fitted really well. 
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You know it makes sense.
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| prometheus wrote: |
| Decathlon , try them on in store , find ones you like , then order from Decathlon online. |
why would you order them online when you have a pair that you tried & found to be a good fit in your hands ?
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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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@Jonny996, Wants to pay internet prices, that gives the option. I never said it was sensible.
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Poster: A snowHead
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I can only remind you what Atomic's boot guru, Matt Manser has been repeating over and over again: go to boot fitter, get yourself custom foot beds!
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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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How much per day does a ski hol cost so what's your opportunity cost when you have to take a forced day off because your feet hurt or somesuch?
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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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we were very lucky when we bought our boots, it was towards the end of the season in Les Deux Alpes, shop we were going to hire from had a 50% sale on of their boots, so me and the missus decided to buy instead of hire. Had the fitting the evening we arrived, heat molded inserts, then had a few adjustments during the week, that was over 10 years ago and the boots still feel great. Another bonus was that because we bought the boots there, he discounted the ski hire as well, so the whole cost was only about twice what we were going to pay for the ski and boot hire.
The key is finding someone who is a good boot fitter who is having and end of season sale in the resort you're going to
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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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Thanks for the guidance chaps. My current boots I believe are too big. My heel lifts very slightly and I definitely have some movement inside the boot that I don't want. Yes, they were an Internet purchase a few years back. I think I'm getting to the point where I'm actually good enough to notice now. 20 years in....
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Hellstrom wrote: |
| Thanks for the guidance chaps. My current boots I believe are too big. My heel lifts very slightly and I definitely have some movement inside the boot that I don't want. Yes, they were an Internet purchase a few years back. I think I'm getting to the point where I'm actually good enough to notice now. 20 years in.... |
I think you've just made the case for getting it right this time, by being accurately assessed and measured.
Good luck with whatever you do.
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If you really want to do it yourself then there's a start point here. https://www.glisshop.co.uk/Action/Rbs/Media/Download?documentId=1310971
Read up about shell check, but you won't know if the boot suits your foot shape etc so I would second all the advice about a decent fitter. I skied in boots too big for far too long, some from recommended resort fitters. My now proper fitting boots are like a different animal, previous best were some I bought as a student 30 odd years ago which I was simply lucky with.
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Thank you guys. Last question, if I were to go to Solutions4Feet would I save a significant amount of money if I were to go in June rather than February?
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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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| Hellstrom wrote: |
| Thank you guys. Last question, if I were to go to Solutions4Feet would I save a significant amount of money if I were to go in June rather than February? |
It may depend on what stock they have left ie. That there is something that fits.
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@Hellstrom,
I'm going to say something different to the crowd. You CAN have success buying boots on the internet but you need to know exactly what you are buying (i.e. have prior experience of the brand / last / etc). My track record has been very patch and the successes have been when I've already skied in something VERY similar and got on very well with it. Then it was HIGHLY successful (more so than a good ski shop to be honest)
If you need to ask the question as to what to buy then you should probably get some advice in a shop.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Hellstrom wrote: |
| Thank you guys. Last question, if I were to go to Solutions4Feet would I save a significant amount of money if I were to go in June rather than February? |
No probably not. If they have the boot that is perfect for your foot that's the boot you need and they have the integrity to not just sell you what's left. We all understand how seasonality and calendar obsolesence works in most seasonal goods but trust us it is largely irrelevant in ski boots. Unless you want to play the self fit lottery. But odds on they won't have that boot in June because their's is not a pile it high sell it cheap model. Self fit at Decathlon for that.
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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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| Hellstrom wrote: |
| Thank you guys. Last question, if I were to go to Solutions4Feet would I save a significant amount of money if I were to go in June rather than February? |
Wrong approach. Your first priority is to have a properly fitting pair of boots. It could happen that the last pair is the one for you. But you will never know until you go there.
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| Quote: |
Hellstrom wrote:
Thank you guys. Last question, if I were to go to Solutions4Feet would I save a significant amount of money if I were to go in June rather than February?
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No. In June it is likely that the next seasons stock will be arriving so maybe you'll get a better range and as the £ has risen since last April maybe even a better price but honestly the price, within reason, is an irrelevance compared to the total amount of money that you will spend on your ski holidays over the life of the boots, probably less than a small beer a day.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Timc wrote: |
| but honestly the price, within reason, is an irrelevance compared to the total amount of money that you will spend on your ski holidays over the life of the boots, probably less than a small beer a day. |
Within reason, this is absolutely spot on. I have suffered from poorly fitting boots in the past, as have many skiing friends, and having well fitted boots can transform a holiday. I'm happy to be a cheapskate in many areas and positively avoid 'branded' items but when it comes to ski boots I don't try to economise. A good pair of boots will last for some years and ensure that the money you spent on your holiday isn't wasted. I may buy my skis online but I'll buy my boots from a decent bootfitter.
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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'll make an appointment with a decent fitters before my next holiday in March and buy some to take. Would you suggest I take my old boots with me in case of bad fitting? Can I really test the new boots without actually skiing on them?
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Hellstrom, Yep, you have nothing to lose by chucking the old ones in the car with you. If you have custom foot beds in them, these can sometimes be reused. No, you need to ski your boots to test them, but you can try them out at a dry slope or snow dome. Make your appointment well in advance, and try to leave enough time before your trip to return for mods if required.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Hellstrom wrote: |
| I'll make an appointment with a decent fitters before my next holiday in March and buy some to take. Would you suggest I take my old boots with me in case of bad fitting? Can I really test the new boots without actually skiing on them? |
I don't think there is a reliable way of testing Boots for comfort in skiing conditions, without skiing. So, imo you have a few options:
- Test them in a snowdome in the UK
- Take a chance and hope they fit
- Bring your other boots as well (my least favourite option if flying)
- Hire in resort if uncomfortable
- Buy the Ski Boots in resort (from a fitter you get a recommendation for, on here) and get adjustments through the week.....this might be the safest option, if you can't try the boots in UK.
Remember, the liners in new boots take a few days to settle down.
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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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Love you guys. Thank you so much.
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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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what you want to buy is a good pair of ski boots that fit you.
you can buy a good set of ski boots cheaper on line than in a shop.
BUT
the premium you pay to a decent boot fitter / shop is to make sure you bought the "right" good boots, and the "ensuring that they fit you" part.
anything else is an expensive mistake.
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