So I've decided to buy my first pair of ski boots after years of uncomfortable rental boots. I'd previously been advised on these forum about using Solutions 4 Feet, with their first class service. I've just read on their website that they will charge a consultation fee on top of the ski boots cost, which I understand is for that personal service and time. However, I have my eye on the Saloman S/Pro 100, and have found them online for half the price that the shop is selling them for. With their boot set up/fitting fee from £100, I'll have a fitted boot for under half the cost.
Has anyone any experience of using either/or service? Is the consultation fee and increased boot price worth it? Or is the cheaper price online with fitting service just as good an option?
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Best of luck
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?
The mistake you are making is having your eye on a specific boot. It might fit you and Colin will certainly work with idiots who have bought stuff online if he has time ( I was once such an idiot) but it's not your route to the best fit.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@Roscoe, listen to the end and the benefits will be obvious:
The Boot is a 14 year investment (for a 1 wk/yr skier). The important thing is it fits properly.
The chances of getting a Boot online that is correct for you, is slim to none.....and a Flex of 100 is likely too soft.
Either use S4F - or go to a recommended Bootfitter in resort where there may be no further charges.
Getting the wrong Boot now will end up more expensive in the long run....and may even spoil your precious time skiing.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Not sure all the mocking and negative comments are needed. I clearly don't know so asked the question. Thought this was a forum to help people who are not as experienced as those that are, with positive advice exchanged.
Oh well.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Do you want to save or equipment that works and makes your safer/better? If you want to save money - do not buy, hire instead the cheapest available.
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.
Ok so has anyone brought boots from Snow + Rock or Ellis Bringham, who don’t charge a consultation fee, but offer they’re time and expertise as part of the boot costs?!
Are these places so substandard due to not charging an additional fee?!
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Roscoe wrote:
Ok so has anyone brought boots from Snow + Rock or Ellis Bringham, who don’t charge a consultation fee, but offer they’re time and expertise as part of the boot costs?!
Are these places so substandard due to not charging an additional fee?!
They can be very much of a lottery, as to whether you will get someone good. I think EB may be a better bet than S&R. If you say roughly where you live, someone may be able to give you a name.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
I’m in Bedfordshire so S+R in Hemel or EB in MK would be my nearest stores
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.
Roscoe wrote:
I’m in Bedfordshire so S+R in Hemel or EB in MK would be my nearest stores
Hopefully, someone here will know if there is someone good fitting boots there.
I live in NI and got my last Boots fitted in Tignes (no extra charge - but the Bootfitter has just retired).
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Ski exchange in Dry Drayton. No fitting charge.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
+1 for Ski Exchange in Dry Drayton, nr Cambridge.
Lose any preconceptions you may have as to make/model/colour; it’s all about the fit, fit and fit.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Thanks for the genuinely helpful responses. Will have a look at Ski exchange.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Roscoe wrote:
Not sure all the mocking and negative comments are needed. I clearly don't know so asked the question. Thought this was a forum to help people who are not as experienced as those that are, with positive advice exchanged.......
Well you have been on the forum for a few years and this question gets asked weekly. And IIRC you've asked the same/similar question a couple of times before.
Here's what your getting for your consultancy fee with specialist bootfitters like Solutions4Feet/Profeet/Foundation Lab etc: a very experienced bootfitter that has detailed knowledge of sking biomechanics/podriatry plus detailed knowledge of all the lasts/shapes/volumes of the boot makes/models currently on the market to enable them to select a boot to match your personal anatomy/performance requirements etc. Then there's the knowledge/skill/experience to make you a correct footbed which is the foundation of a good boot fit. Then there's the fully equipped workshop (far in excess of a regular high street store) required to undertake any modification necessary by personnel suitably trained and experienced in doing them.
Personally I think that that's well worth the very reasonable cost.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Don't forget the after sales support!
What did the Bootfitters ever do for us?! Eh?
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?
Old Fartbag wrote:
Roscoe wrote:
Ok so has anyone brought boots from Snow + Rock or Ellis Bringham, who don’t charge a consultation fee, but offer they’re time and expertise as part of the boot costs?!
Are these places so substandard due to not charging an additional fee?!
They can be very much of a lottery, as to whether you will get someone good. I think EB may be a better bet than S&R. If you say roughly where you live, someone may be able to give you a name.
Essentially, it can be a lottery, as mentioned.
Anecdotally, my first boots were fitted at S&R, Chertsey and the guy doing the fitting was outstanding. Never had an issue.
My son’s first boots were fitted by S&R at Hemel. Again, excellent experience plus he was able to trial them on the slope. Only a minor adjustment was required and since then, no issues.
But…it can be a lottery. There have been many posts over the years from some folk who’s experience hasn’t been so positive.
My second pair of boots came from Pro Feet. Without doubt an excellent service with aftercare, when I needed a minor alteration. IMO, it’s worth the extra, given the relationship between properly fitted boots and maximising the enjoyment of, and cost of skiing.
@Roscoe, There's a 31 page sticky just 2 topics down from the top of this part of the forum. You might have read through that before starting this thread and thus generating all the usually responses both useful and "mocking and negative".
However, since you have I'll chip in. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with the advice on going to a decent bootfitter and not setting your sights on a particular boot it is possible to buy decent fitting boots from the likes of EB and SnR. For reasons of convenience and access I've bought the 2 pairs of boots I've owned from my local EB. First in 2007 and second in 2020 (early Jan). Both times the fitter/salesman appeared knowledgeable and seemed to ask all the right questions about my feet and skiing ability and spent time measuring and checking fit of the selection of boots he thought were suitable for my feet. First time he recommended a single brand and second time I had the choice of two brands. Interestingly my new boots are around 2 sizes smaller than my first pair.
First boot needed some shell work on the ankle area after my first trip in 2007 which EB did FoC other than that they were fine until the inners collapsed in 2019 and I left them in the bootroom in Zermatt. The second pair have had 1 week skiing and I've had no problem so far (expecting second and third weeks use in Feb and March).
So, if you can go to a decent bootfitter such as those recommended in this thread and the sticky but it is possible to buy from a "boot supermarket". Happy sliding
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Roscoe wrote:
So I've decided to buy my first pair of ski boots after years of uncomfortable rental boots. I'd previously been advised on these forum about using Solutions 4 Feet, with their first class service. I've just read on their website that they will charge a consultation fee on top of the ski boots cost, which I understand is for that personal service and time. However, I have my eye on the Saloman S/Pro 100, and have found them online for half the price that the shop is selling them for. With their boot set up/fitting fee from £100, I'll have a fitted boot for under half the cost.
Has anyone any experience of using either/or service? Is the consultation fee and increased boot price worth it? Or is the cheaper price online with fitting service just as good an option?
Buy them elsewhere, why waste money. I can work out for myself if boots fit, can't see why anybody cannot do the same. Ive seen people with ski boots that are uncomfortable, all from alleged "boot fitters".
My advice would be that if a boot is at all uncomfortable in a shop or has any pressure points, it is only going to get much worse skiing. Boot fitters will only try to sell you what is in their shop because as well as being 'boot fitters' (whatever that is) they are also salesmen/woman. In the end of the day you tell the boot fitter if the boot fits. I don't think I would buy a boot on line though, without trying it in a shop somewhere.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
nevis1003 wrote:
Boot fitters will only try to sell you what is in their shop because as well as being 'boot fitters' (whatever that is) they are also salesmen/woman. In the end of the day you tell the boot fitter if the boot fits. I don't think I would buy a boot on line though, without trying it in a shop somewhere.
Actually it doesn't take much reading on here to find cases where that's NOT true. Unlike the general winter sports retailers the specialist boot fitters have all their eggs in one basket and live or die on their reputation. If they just start checking people into whatever boots they have in stock/want to get shot of regardless of how appropreate they are for the customer their reputation will suffer and they will stop getting recommended on forums like this, so stop getting used by people ike us. I can remember reading at least one report from someone going to S4F and being told "Sorry, we don't have anything suitable for your feet. Try X or Y.", as they would rather lose a sale than sell someone something that wasn't right.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Bought boots from Snow and Rock, were perfectly comfortable as early intermediate skiers boots, but found that my feet moved so much that I really did not have the desired amount of control of my skis to allow me to advance.
Second time around I went to Solutions for Feet (other boot fitters are available) and was offered a boot that matched my foot shape and ability, but more to the point was 1.5 sizes smaller than the previous boots. After the appropriate fitting, stretching, vacuuming, heating I have a comfortable pair of boots but my feet don't schlock around, so I can advance my skiing.
So I really cannot see that buying boots untried on the internet is a great plan. S&R and EB is a better plan, and you may have a satisfactory solution, but you take pot luck on the fitter. Bootfitters like Solutions for Feet imo are worth the extra, and MAY cost you less in the long run, but it could end up costing you more.
I should also add that the first time around I studied all the reviews and tests and had a preconceived idea of the brand and model I wanted, whereas second time around I gave Solutions for Feet free range. I suspect purchasing on the interweb will push you into the former.
To be fair to your OP, it is not entirely clear whether your plan is to buy your boots on the Interweb at half price and then get them fitted by a boot fitter, or not. Experience would suggest that different manufacturers suit different shaped feet.
I also note from the OP that you have had years of hiring uncomfortable boots ... which might be telling you something.
So as I said previously ... "best of luck"
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.
Decathlon
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
DavidYacht wrote:
Bought boots from Snow and Rock, were perfectly comfortable as early intermediate skiers boots, but found that my feet moved so much that I really did not have the desired amount of control of my skis to allow me to advance.
Second time around I went to Solutions for Feet (other boot fitters are available) and was offered a boot that matched my foot shape and ability, but more to the point was 1.5 sizes smaller than the previous boots. After the appropriate fitting, stretching, vacuuming, heating I have a comfortable pair of boots but my feet don't schlock around, so I can advance my skiing.
So I really cannot see that buying boots untried on the internet is a great plan. S&R and EB is a better plan, and you may have a satisfactory solution, but you take pot luck on the fitter. Bootfitters like Solutions for Feet imo are worth the extra, and MAY cost you less in the long run, but it could end up costing you more.
I should also add that the first time around I studied all the reviews and tests and had a preconceived idea of the brand and model I wanted, whereas second time around I gave Solutions for Feet free range. I suspect purchasing on the interweb will push you into the former.
To be fair to your OP, it is not entirely clear whether your plan is to buy your boots on the Interweb at half price and then get them fitted by a boot fitter, or not. Experience would suggest that different manufacturers suit different shaped feet.
I also note from the OP that you have had years of hiring uncomfortable boots ... which might be telling you something.
So as I said previously ... "best of luck"
Thank you for the response. Some good food for thought. What I will certainly take from the posts is to throw away any decisions I'd made regarding the brand/model of boot I wanted based on internet/video reviews. I'll let the fitter guide me on whats best for my feet, either if thats with an indie specialist or one of the bigger chains.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
nevis1003 wrote:
Roscoe wrote:
So I've decided to buy my first pair of ski boots after years of uncomfortable rental boots. I'd previously been advised on these forum about using Solutions 4 Feet, with their first class service. I've just read on their website that they will charge a consultation fee on top of the ski boots cost, which I understand is for that personal service and time. However, I have my eye on the Saloman S/Pro 100, and have found them online for half the price that the shop is selling them for. With their boot set up/fitting fee from £100, I'll have a fitted boot for under half the cost.
Has anyone any experience of using either/or service? Is the consultation fee and increased boot price worth it? Or is the cheaper price online with fitting service just as good an option?
Buy them elsewhere, why waste money. I can work out for myself if boots fit, can't see why anybody cannot do the same. Ive seen people with ski boots that are uncomfortable, all from alleged "boot fitters".
My advice would be that if a boot is at all uncomfortable in a shop or has any pressure points, it is only going to get much worse skiing. Boot fitters will only try to sell you what is in their shop because as well as being 'boot fitters' (whatever that is) they are also salesmen/woman. In the end of the day you tell the boot fitter if the boot fits. I don't think I would buy a boot on line though, without trying it in a shop somewhere.
My first pair fitted by JoJO in Tignes long ago that I used for 8 years. The pair fitted by JOJo was one size smaller than the one fitted before by a specialist retailer and addressed heal lift. The pair fitted by JoJo was too snug for my inexperienced opinion at the time. JoJo explained everything of how it should the boots should feel, how the fit will adjust in the next couple of days. He also told I may feel pressure in one point but that should go away once liners adjust - it was everything he said. Since then 8 years of proper skiing pleasure. I would not have picked up the same pair myself. My feet are regular and did not require specific alterations.
“Forced” my brother to have fitted pair in Chamonix, assumed our feet a similar, the fitter laughed at that and indeed he got a different style of boots.
Can you do it on your own? Would need to know a lot and be lucky
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.
Roscoe wrote:
DavidYacht wrote:
Bought boots from Snow and Rock, were perfectly comfortable as early intermediate skiers boots, but found that my feet moved so much that I really did not have the desired amount of control of my skis to allow me to advance.
Second time around I went to Solutions for Feet (other boot fitters are available) and was offered a boot that matched my foot shape and ability, but more to the point was 1.5 sizes smaller than the previous boots. After the appropriate fitting, stretching, vacuuming, heating I have a comfortable pair of boots but my feet don't schlock around, so I can advance my skiing.
So I really cannot see that buying boots untried on the internet is a great plan. S&R and EB is a better plan, and you may have a satisfactory solution, but you take pot luck on the fitter. Bootfitters like Solutions for Feet imo are worth the extra, and MAY cost you less in the long run, but it could end up costing you more.
I should also add that the first time around I studied all the reviews and tests and had a preconceived idea of the brand and model I wanted, whereas second time around I gave Solutions for Feet free range. I suspect purchasing on the interweb will push you into the former.
To be fair to your OP, it is not entirely clear whether your plan is to buy your boots on the Interweb at half price and then get them fitted by a boot fitter, or not. Experience would suggest that different manufacturers suit different shaped feet.
I also note from the OP that you have had years of hiring uncomfortable boots ... which might be telling you something.
So as I said previously ... "best of luck"
Thank you for the response. Some good food for thought. What I will certainly take from the posts is to throw away any decisions I'd made regarding the brand/model of boot I wanted based on internet/video reviews. I'll let the fitter guide me on whats best for my feet, either if thats with an indie specialist or one of the bigger chains.
Ski Bartlett isnt too far away from you / much further than Hemel. Proper experienced boot fitters, no additional fee, just a £50 deposit refunded against boot purchase. also happy for you to pop back at anytime for minor adjustments FOC.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So do you think a resort fitter would be a better option? Assume they would provide a service for free alterations post purchase, so would be able to get an instant feel on the slopes. Anyone with both positive & negative experiences?
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
t44tomo wrote:
Roscoe wrote:
DavidYacht wrote:
Bought boots from Snow and Rock, were perfectly comfortable as early intermediate skiers boots, but found that my feet moved so much that I really did not have the desired amount of control of my skis to allow me to advance.
Second time around I went to Solutions for Feet (other boot fitters are available) and was offered a boot that matched my foot shape and ability, but more to the point was 1.5 sizes smaller than the previous boots. After the appropriate fitting, stretching, vacuuming, heating I have a comfortable pair of boots but my feet don't schlock around, so I can advance my skiing.
So I really cannot see that buying boots untried on the internet is a great plan. S&R and EB is a better plan, and you may have a satisfactory solution, but you take pot luck on the fitter. Bootfitters like Solutions for Feet imo are worth the extra, and MAY cost you less in the long run, but it could end up costing you more.
I should also add that the first time around I studied all the reviews and tests and had a preconceived idea of the brand and model I wanted, whereas second time around I gave Solutions for Feet free range. I suspect purchasing on the interweb will push you into the former.
To be fair to your OP, it is not entirely clear whether your plan is to buy your boots on the Interweb at half price and then get them fitted by a boot fitter, or not. Experience would suggest that different manufacturers suit different shaped feet.
I also note from the OP that you have had years of hiring uncomfortable boots ... which might be telling you something.
So as I said previously ... "best of luck"
Thank you for the response. Some good food for thought. What I will certainly take from the posts is to throw away any decisions I'd made regarding the brand/model of boot I wanted based on internet/video reviews. I'll let the fitter guide me on whats best for my feet, either if thats with an indie specialist or one of the bigger chains.
Ski Bartlett isnt too far away from you / much further than Hemel. Proper experienced boot fitters, no additional fee, just a £50 deposit refunded against boot purchase. also happy for you to pop back at anytime for minor adjustments FOC.
Thank you, will have a look
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Roscoe wrote:
So do you think a resort fitter would be a better option? Assume they would provide a service for free alterations post purchase, so would be able to get an instant feel on the slopes. Anyone with both positive & negative experiences?
There are plusses and minuses.
Yes, you get to ski a couple of days and have adjustments made and verify those adjustments. However, it assumes that you can find a recommended and trustworthy fitter in the resort you happen to be skiing. And if it's not a resort you go to regularly you may not be able to return for issues/adjustments after that initial week. In some ways it's down to logistics and preference. And also perhaps familiarity.
Incidentally I inadvertently did something similar to yourself when I bought my second set of boots. I have bought 3 pairs in my life so far. First is a long time ago and was bought from a shop in Bedford that no longer exists. Second time I went towards the end of the season to EB in MK and bought seem at sale price. The fitter was OK and I think ultimately I got reasonable fitting boots. But they had pinch points and used to get some aches on the bottom of my feet. So I went to S4F to get custom insoles and the shell modified to cope with my bony ankles and toe issues. After which the boots were much better. The last time I went straight to S4F.
My missus went to EB and came away quite confused. She then bought some online, sent them back, bought something else and she is OK with them but they aren't a1. Not sure what she will do next time.
For me it's become more important and therefore worth spending a little more on as I've become a more experienced skier, got a bit more money in my pocket and appreciate doing a 7/8 skiing day without any real issue
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Roscoe My first boots came from S&R they were ok at best used them for 8ish years to learn and hopefully improve, my friends will question the last point. I went to Lockwoods for the second pair which are a full mondo point smaller fit better and are still wearable at the end of the day (on one memorable day I was still in them at 11.00 pm don't ask) I was horrified at the cost but have used these boots for at least 8 years and they are still good for a few more years.
As to buying in resort do you speak the language well? will you be returning to that resort if they need any work beyond what you agree in a busy skiing week? I think the maxim 'buy cheap buy twice' applies.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Buying in resort initially loses you half a days skiing, plus any "adjustment" times later in the week.
buy in the UK, you can test them at hemel etc and sort any tweaks before you go, and have someone to go back to in subsequent years when /if your feet change or you get issues.
if you nearly always go to same resort year after year, then in resort may make more sense.
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?
Always tend to go to the French Alps, but resorts vary so maybe best not to buy abroad. Seems the sensible thing is to buy in the UK and have easy access to the aftercare, if and when needed.
Buying in resort initially loses you half a days skiing, plus any "adjustment" times later in the week.
buy in the UK, you can test them at hemel etc and sort any tweaks before you go, and have someone to go back to in subsequent years when /if your feet change or you get issues.
if you nearly always go to same resort year after year, then in resort may make more sense.
We've always managed to get an evening appointment to save skiing time. But there are definitely pros and cons.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
big_ben wrote:
+1 for Ski Exchange in Dry Drayton, nr Cambridge.
Lose any preconceptions you may have as to make/model/colour; it’s all about the fit, fit and fit.
+2.
I've had footbeds done here and some minor boot issues sorted when they fitted my Carvs, and Mrs narbs has had boots and footbeds.
Buy in the UK. Go to a reputable boot fitter not a Snow and Rock. Even if you have to give up a day to go somewhere. Don't go with any preconceptions of "I want this brand or specific boot". Tell them how you ski, what you like to ski and perhaps what you'd like to progress into further down the line. They will pick the boot.
Then take them for a test at a snowdome for a session or two. You can then always take them back for adjustments prior to your trip. Most boot fitters have some kind of adjustment or sure fit guarantee.
IMO better this way than to get them done in resort, give up precious skiing time and have to get them adjusted back in the UK anyway, which you may end up then paying for.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Never had an issue with Snow and Rock fitted boots. 3 pairs bought from Manchester stores over a 20 year period. Excellent fitting, supremely comfortable. Always had custom footbeds.
After all it is free
After all it is free
I had some remedial work done on my boots in Tignes and the first thing the guy said was, 'Did you get these from S&R?'
But in that respect it is a bit of a lottery. My boots were fitted by a reputable fitter and I'm booked in tomorrow (different fitter, same outlet) because IMO they aren't really fit for purpose.
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.
Roscoe wrote:
Always tend to go to the French Alps, but resorts vary so maybe best not to buy abroad. Seems the sensible thing is to buy in the UK and have easy access to the aftercare, if and when needed.
A good fitting boot is about the most important thing for enjoying skiing. Not the place where I would look to cut corners.
If you are going to a decent resort there will be good, experienced bootfitters but you need to find them.
I would always buy my boots in resort so that I can use them immediately and get any issues addressed.
If a problem occurs on a future trip any good fitter will help you solve it for an alteration cost so it’s not the end of the world.
Contrary to the opinion of @Nevis often the right fitting boot will feel very tight when you put it on and may have pressure points, particularly if you don’t have “regular” feet. The inner boot will pack out when you start using it (or you can heat mould it to create more space) and you can have pressure points punched out to create more space.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
This is a fascinating podcast into the amount of knowledge Colin @ solutions4feet has and the huge variables that go into getting a decent boot fitted!
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
