 Poster: A snowHead
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Dear all
I am tempted to go down the 'boots' root. I've paid a visit to Skee-Tex in Battlesbridge in Essex, http://www.skee-tex.co.uk/. They reckon they could kit me out for around the £140 mark in something like a second stage pair of Head boots, i.e. Women's EDGE 8.8 Heatfit, that they think would last this beginner a few years. They spoke about the fitting process, and mentioned the heat moulding process, the problems of pressure points and their resolution, going for a guaratanteed fit and even a 75% refund after a weeks skiing if problems were insurmountable. They also seemed to possess the sort of workshops that looked as tough they could support the processes that they were speaking about. I just thought I would come back here, ask if anyone had any experience with them, whether that sort of cost is reasonable - I don't really know what hiring a pair of boots separately is costing me - last year I just paid what was requested for all of them and didn't see what cost what. What do you think should I go for it yet?
Cheers
(I've added the magic word 'boots' to the title - usually gets someones attention!
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 8-01-07 22:31; edited 6 times in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Megamum, Do buy boots now, but only go to a bootfitter recommended by someone you know.
I bought my first pair of boots 2 years ago before I even went skiing. I have no doubt in hindsight that this was the right thing to do. 2 Years later I am now on my 3rd pair of boots.
It would be nice to say that ridiculous number of new pairs was due to progression. Alas it is because I failed to get knowledgeable advice before buying.
The CHEAPEST option is going to be buying through/from a bootfitter endorsed either by CEM or our resident rodent and fish farmer Smallzookeeper .. you may have noticed that they are both specialists in this area and decent 'chaps' to go with it ! You could of course go to Bicester or Chamonix and meet them yourself ... as I say it will be both cheaper AND you will have correctly fitting/recommended boots to go with it.
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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 & Smallzookeeper have you ever heard of Skee tex? Bicester is going to be a job to do before holiday.
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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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Megamum, I haven't used them but have known the owner for donkey's years (although I haven't seen him for a few years or been anywhere near Battlesbridge for a decade or so). He's been there since the 70s (before CEM was born  ) and he'll want you to be happy... that's how he's been in the ski business so long while many others have floundered. It's an eccentric place though eh? Roy is a deal maker and, even though the price looks good to me, you should negotiate a bit.
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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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Megamum, heard of them, but never had any dealings with them
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks a lot Bode Swiller, This is what I was looking for. Of course I'd use the  favoured two if I could, but some local dealers must also offer a reasonable service, after all the entirety of the British skiing fratentity obviously don't shop at CEM - You'd never fit through the doors! Although I don't know a lot about this skiing lark I must admit I wasn't expecting to see a large, open to view workshop in the shop being manned by folks that looked as though they were doing their tasks competently and without effort. Also, that said workshop had a large number of ski's waiting to be serviced. 'Obviously a popular little spot' I thought, and often this is good news - happy customers are returning customers. Having picked up on a lot of boot jargon here recently, I let the chap (it may have been your Roy) talk to me, and listened to what he was saying. He picked up on many of the points that I see discussed here and seemed well aware of the properties of the boots that he sold. i was told that I may expect to spend anything up to 1hr+ getting fitted, that I would be expected to bed in the boots at home and return if any problems, that footbeds, pads, wedges, would be fitted if/as reqd., as would molding etc. As I say the whole process that I see discussed here. It all sounded good stuff, and thanks to I did have some idea about what I being told 
CEM thanks for your note.
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a.j., Great, that does sound helpful. I'm not going until the 8th Feb so I've got a few weeks left to pay a visit. I'll check back here and be interested in your comments as to the knowledge of those involved. I may not have the luxury of time to be able to read your post trip report if I decide to go for it (depends on when you go and get back I suppose), but will still be interested in how the boots performed.
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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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We fly out the 27th Jan, so you'll probably have done your shopping by then. Forgot to say above but thanks for posting too as saved me a job . I logged in to post same question myself and saw this at the top of my posts list - freaky! 
aj xx
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Not sure if it helps... I have had skis serviced at Skee tex and they did a great job but bought my boots at Ski Plus in nearby Chelmsford and found the guys very helpful.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The promised report: Two pairs purchased, both saloman performa (7 & 8 ) - and all seemed ok to me. No work/alterations/footbeds suggested but then neither friend has had trouble previously so count as straightforward (I did see work being done on another customers boots but didn't see the details). Asked relevant questions (how many weeks, what resorts, what kind of skiing do you prefer, what other sports do you do, how many visits a year, do you still take lessons for example) and listened to the answers Measurements taken, range of boots offered, shell check done, changed the cant on my boyfriends pair which he was very happy with, instantly much better apparantly. We were given plenty of time to wander round in each pair, no pressure to go for the more expensive one, or a certain brand. And a (very nice!) free bag at the end of the process to carry them home in
Staff seemed knowlegeable, mostly mature, fairly permanent (i.e not holiday staff) and not at all hurried - we were in there quite some time without any hint of irritation seeping through from them. Good range of boots, especially over lower intermediate range and cheap prices from £99 up. Free fit guarantee (75% back or alteration work to fix any problems) and price matching. Good advice given (as far as I know!) about aftercare, how to bed in before the trip, how to put them on, how tight to do the clips, how to store them etc etc
The shop was busy but not so rammed you spent ages waiting - overall very pleasent. I don't feel the guys we met had the same level of knowledge of feet/alignment/support/corrective insoles you would find at lockwoods but they know enough to fit most people without trouble imo. The proof of the pudding is when we get to the slopes in 2 weeks though so I'll let you guys know then 
Hope that helps,
aj xx
p.s Hiring is ime usually about 15-25 a week so maybe not much in it +/- over buying. The reason I buy though is for comfort, convienience and performance. Your own boots are SO much nicer than hire boots it's amazing!
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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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a.j., Thanks for your time, I glad that you have been able to provide a largely favourable report. I've checked last year's emails and my Swiss friend had sent me the hire charges - it looks as though it was about £30 per week, so I need to get 5 weeks use out of them to break even if I pay about £140. Apparently that's what I'd pay for a pair the level above the entry level (the £99 jobs). Personally unless I suddenly discover a hidden vein that I am unaware of I can't see me doing anything wizardy to outski a set of boots in 5 weeks. Unless of course I try hypnotherapy to get over the fear factor. I'd just love to swish down the slopes looking as good as I do in my minds eye, but I find it unlikely that it will ever happen (you've all seen the video, the technique might be OK for this stage, but its nothing without the confidence). So I might well pay Skee-tex a visit - I'll have to spring some cash from my ISA, but that's not insurmountable, and is after all what plastic is for . If I could get a fit would the Head boots, i.e. Women's EDGE 8.8 Heatfit, be a reasonable choice at my level? This is where posting that video is useful.
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Glad to be of help! I'm assuming the suitability questions is aimed at szk etc but for whats it's worth I think the 7 or 8 in the head or the salomon irony 5/6 would be the sort of thing you are looking for, they seem to be squarely aimed at low intermediate with 'room to improve' as it were. I thought skee-tex seemed good on boot selection so I am sure they'll steer you right.
In terms of wear I've had about 7 weeks out of mine so far and they are still quite plush feeling (although the last 3 weeks they have been showing that they ARE a size too big dammit). My boyfriend just replaced his after about 10 weeks I think - so you should see some decent wear out of whichever you pick.
aj xx
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You know it makes sense.
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Ignorance showing here - I assume then that the numbers mean something - what please?
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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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OK, so I’m gradually talking myself into this getting some boots thing and might well be taking a trip to Skee-Tek at the weekend. Can someone offer some advice on what good fitting boots should feel like? Obviously this could be my first pair after hire boots. As with most novices I guess I just expect boots to feel ‘tight’, but having read stuff here, there seems to be more to it. The chap in the shop obviously will need my feedback to know if the boots are fitting, but I don’t want to come up with a statement like, “well my toes touch the ends when I lean forward” only to be told that’s what I should expect. Has anyone got any advice, i.e. what on you foot should move in the boot and what shouldn’t, where gaps in the boots should be and where they shouldn’t, should they touch your ankles, or should the boots provide a gap into which the ankles fits, should you be able to wiggle your toes etc.
I know the above might seem odd, but I want to be able to provide productive feedback that will help me to get the best fit, but can’t do that without some idea of what they should feel like. With street shoes I know what feels right, and what is too small, but I can only afford one set of these boots and will have to try and get things right 1st time. Is there anything anyone can tell me that might help?
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Poster: A snowHead
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The numbers: Most boot makers do several ranges, each with a variety of models. Like the difference between a ford fiesta '1.1encore' and a 2.0GTI generally lower number == easier, softer, cheaper more novice boot. For instance saloman Irony goes from 3-9 I think.
Trust the fitter - they can explain far better than we can - and the three I saw fitting all seemed to be giving the right advice. But as I can guess that like me you want answers dammit
Your foot shouldn't really move at all with the liner in, no side to side movement, and little front to back. Your heel might be able to lift if you _try_ to do it, but shouldn't lift as you just flex forward. Toes might touch the front if you lean back, definately shouldn't as you bend at the knee/ankle and flex forward. Trust the measuring scale but if you aren't sure ask to try one size up and down and see the difference, the size too small you will probably be definately 'scrunched' in the toe area. Boot should be snug around ankle and lower leg with the clips done up to a point where it stops being easy - no further. It is good to have a little room around the toe to wiggle them, everywhere else should be snug, verging on tight when tried in the shop. Boots that aren't comfy on first fit might improve after 15mins or so, give each boot a fair run. Bad signs in my experience are pain under the sides of the arches, and feeling like the boot is pressing down too hard on the top of the foot, especially if this gets worse not better over the 15 mins or so. Pain across the ball of the foot or pressure around the toes is easier to fix. Anything that seems to ease as you wander around pretending to ski will probably be fine, anything that gets steadily worse even if you keep moving will probably not. Almost all ski boots will start to hurt if you just sit around in them btw - you have to keep moving to keep the blood flow up.
If the boots they think are right for you are still comfy after about 20mins they will probably judge them a 'fit', agree with you you intend to purchase them and then heat the liner and get you to spend another 15mins in them to mould them. If the fit is not quite right expect them to try either stretching the boot by getting you to wear foam padding and then wear a heated boot, or fit you for a support insole.
If any of the above is wrong my apologies, it's just what I picked up while doing all the faffing trying to get a good fit myself.
At the end of the day, just don't buy anything you aren't 100% convinced by - you can always hire again, there's no rush!
hope that helps,
aj xx
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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a.j., Thanks again for your time - that's brilliant, much more than I would have had without it. Going to copy and paste to something I can print from and examine several times before I go. That's what I think is great about this type of board, loads of folks prepared to give their time to help those less experienced and people whom they'll probably never meet - however, if I ever do I get you a drink in. Cheers.
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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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Megamum, think about a firm hand shake all round your foot, in the boot of the correct LENGTH you will quite probably feel the toes at the front when standing upright, these will draw away as you flex...the reason is down to what is called short lasting of the liner, the manufacturer maked the liner a little short for the shell so that there is no risk of it crumpling when put in in the factory, this is the one single reason why many people end up with the wrong size boot.
one thing i would dissagree with that a.j. says is trust the measurer.....sorry don't trust the mesurer [well trust the guy doing the measuring but not the device he is using ] the majority of devices are inaccurate and all brands are different intrnally the only real test is a shell check.
good luck and enjoy them whatever you end up in
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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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Megamum, Just seen your post, re: Skee-Tex. I live about 2 miles from there, so have freqently visited it. In the past, I have bought boots and skis, and my wife has bought boots. Very friendly service, its run by a guy called Roy, and his son (who's tall, but who's name escapes me, he seems to be about most of the time though). They have been in the business for a long time, and I know they have a lot of returning customers, they will ALWAYS cut you a deal ( I got some Salomon Scream Pilot 10's for a great price some years ago). I also have my skis waxed there, they have just invested in some new machinery, and done a great job with some rock damage I incurred last year, and their rates are cheaper than some big stores I can think of.
You won't find the full range of skis/equipment availiable, due to the size of the business they seem to stick with certain brands, however, I have always found them to be very knowlegeable and informative, Good luck anyway, Sutts.
P.S Just remembered Roy's son's name, it's Justin.
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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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Megamum, Been to skeetex many times bought jackets etc always found them to be very helpful and informative, if you want local another shop is The Alpine Room in Danbury, they have also been there a long time and are very helpful, both seem to know their stuff IMHO!!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sutts, feefee, Thank you both for your posts, its good to know that there are some local s posters near me. I've often seen the Alpine Room in Danbury as I've driven past, and have also been to that place near Icelands and multistorey CP in Chelmsford occasionally for gloves etc. I think I might try Skee-Tex for the boots - no-one yet has spoken badly of them. I think this is where the internet is so useful, a thread of useful (or not!) ski shops in UK and abroad might not be a bad idea with folks various experiences attached.
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As promised a quick post snow report: Both pairs held up in resort - my boyfriend is v. happy with his new performa 8s and they do seem to be helping him get more feel for the skis - he is always an easy fit though so no suprise he hasn't had any probs. My friend in the perfoma 7s is more troublesome fitwise (slim so no natural shin padding! plus a very high instep) and reports slight pain in his knee (not sure it's related) and some general bedding in discomfort early in the week but his main problem of shin rub/bruise is gone, and by the end of the week they seem to have sucessfully bedded in and the discomfort gone.
So sucess all round - hope yours work out too megamum!
aj xx
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sun 4-02-07 21:07; edited 1 time in total
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a.j., Thanks for checking back in - glad you all had a successful trip. I've been regularly wearing mine round the house and OK so far - I'm off next Friday - so I'll also post back here once I return - will probably do a trip report in its own thread as well.
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