 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello, I haven't been on here before but after spending the afternoon browsing boots on the internet and becoming completely confused by all the lingo I thought I better find some people who know a bit more about it! Before I go into a shop and start trying on every boot they had I wanted an idea of what I should be looking for. I guess I would call myself an intermediate-ish skiier I've been on three trips skiing and now we go regularly every year I thought I'd rather have my own boots than have my legs cruxified by the hire boots!
I've been looking at the new Saloman Divine range and quite like the sound of the 10 and CF models but have no idea really whether they are realistic for me. I don't really try and do anything too adventurous on the ski slopes i'm not fused on moguls (an incident with a fence finished that idea off!) so I just want something comfortable and easy. My biggest problem usually is I struggle massively getting the clasps shut and end up having to get someone to do it for me, so a model designed to make this easier would be a god send!!
Cheers!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Nossy, There is lots of good advice in the sticky thread at the top of this forum - it might be a good starting point.
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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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Nossy, welcome to snowHeads! 
If you get yourself to a good boot-fitters they will asses the shape of your foot and your skiing ability (from what you tell them) and then come up with a couple of possibilities. Don't go in with any pre-conceived idea of the boot you like as it may well not be suitable for you. A good fitting may well take a couple of hours, especially if you are having foot beds done or any alterations.
If you can let us know what part of the country you're in I am sure some recommendations for good boot-fitters will come your way.
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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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Hey thanks for that guys, I have read through that sticky thread about boots already but still wanted to ask anyway! I live in Cardiff so if anyone knows a good shop/boot fitter in the area that would be great. I have heard of a good shop in Barry not sure what its called though.. 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Hi Nossy,
I recently got a new pair after my old pair fell apart.
I went into Ellis Brigham with a list in my head.
Found that half of them didn't suit my foot shape. However by being honest about what i wanted them to do and listeneing to staff there i came away wih a pair that i wouldn't of thought of.
They fit my feet a treat!
I could of had a the 'full-on' pair i liked but they wouldn't have fitted half as well!!
I was in there for about 3 hours but it was well worth it.
Try and go in the week when they are quiet.
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| Nossy wrote: |
| Hey thanks for that guys, I have read through that sticky thread about boots already but still wanted to ask anyway! I live in Cardiff so if anyone knows a good shop/boot fitter in the area that would be great. I have heard of a good shop in Barry not sure what its called though.. |
The Barry shop is called the Ski Lodge http://skilodge.co.uk/home.html
Cardiff Sportsgear on Whitchurch Road also do ski stuff in the winter.
I haven't shopped at either, so I have no idea what the service levels are like.
After that, there is a shop in Cowbridge, or there is Snow & Rock in Bristol.
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http://www.coyoti.com/ in Cowbridge should be OK, judging by the success of the local school in ESSKIA races recently.
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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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Nossy, Buy in resort, end of.
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| SMALLZOOKEEPER wrote: |
| Nossy, Buy in resort, end of. |
WHY !! As many have posted above it may take hours to find the right boot, These are Nossy's 1st boot so He/She probably doesn't know what they want. Nossy will probably have no idea about what is right or wrong and may well get something that is totally inappropriate depending on the reputation of the store.
I have bought boots from Ellis Brigham's in the past and from experience I can tell you they will NOT sell you anything which doesn't suit (at least from the Manchester Store & Ski Rossendale clearance outlet, cannot vouch for any others )
Whatever do NOT buy off Ebay, yes you might save a few quid, but when buying boots it is the experience and the service of the boot fitter you are paying for, not just the boots and you don't get this off Ebay.
My wife got some ridiculously cheap Technica boots from the EB clearance centre at Ski Ross, I think she paid about £90 for them, the rrp in previous years catalouge was £250. They wanted the liners moulding and the toes blowing out a touch, no problem take them into Manchester store and they will sort for you. They did it took them about 1 1/2 hours no charge. I do rate EB over S&R theres one in Bristol see website.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Nossy,
Just re-read your post, you mentioned that you struggled with the buckles, in a modern well fitted boot you do not clamp the boot up tight, as this stops circulation. If the boot fit's you can close the buckle with hardly any pressure at all and the liner will hold your feet in position, If you've only ever used rental tat, you may not be aware of this, which endorses my point regarding the reputation of individual stores in resort.
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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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Kel, Why? Because there isn't a resort on the planet that can't do the job better than a fitter away from resort in the current business. Finding them and getting an appointment maybe difficult.
That maybe a gross generalisation, but however so true for the most part. You need the right person, you have more chance of that in the mountain than in the UK, when i'm Primeminister of France and i move you lot in and the French out then i guess you Brits will be happy. Why oh why can you find a good shop in the Uk but not in resort? A bit 'That's Life' that last bit. 
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, for me it would be a matter of time - I only have a week in resort. I don't want to spend part of an expensive holiday trying on boots, getting them fitted, going back for adjustments etc..... If I had more time out there - yes great! But otherwise I would go to a recommended boot-fitter in the UK. Sorry! 
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You know it makes sense.
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cathy, so what's really missing from the resort bootfitters' is the drinks and bar help for a true apres experience?
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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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cathy, Your cash. Keep taking lessons to improve your skiing when a REALLY proper fitted boot might just enable you to learn through your feeling and response. As i have pointed out, i may have just been in both situations myself at some point, just trying to help, trust me i've seen this situation over and over again and heard your point over and over, in the long run it works. I'll put a poll up. Looking forward to a soaking there in.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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SMALLZOOKEEPER,
It's the time element, someone arrives Sat 5 PM, they want to be skiing at 9 am on Sunday. Where do you go if you are not in the know, I am sure every resort has a number of reputable boot fitter's and I KNOW people who have little knowledge have been sold boots off the shelf in a resort and had to get them fit properly when back in blighty.
I can only speak from my own experience, I went into EB to buy my 4th pair of boots, I had my eye on some Atomic boots with thermic liner. When I took my shoes off the fitter looked at my feet and knew that they wouldn't be right for me. After trying a dozen or so pairs I went for a pair of Technica Diablo's and had a conformable foot bed fitted. This was 3 years ago and I have had about 11 weeks in these boots, they fit me like a Saville Row suit from day one and are still just as comfy.
Hey I can see you obviously know more about this than me, but Nossy is by own admission an intermediate skier, I am sure a reputable store in UK could sort him/her out so that he /she could just get on with skiing when they go on there hols. Have to agree that a well fitted boot makes a hell of a lot of difference though, probably the best investment an intermediate could and should make, just make sure you get it right.
BTW no commercial interest in EB ( you might think so the number of times I have mentioned them) , I just think that for a main stream store they have always served me well and NEVER mis-sold for the sake of getting a sale, in-fact on the contrary. Or may-be the fitter in the Manchester store just knows his stuff, it might not be the case in every other EB store in the UK.
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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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SMALLZOOKEEPER,
Nice pole, 2nd to vote and the other person agrees with me  .
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Megamum, 100%, which is the real reason we are not going to do the clinic anymore. Given the average level of skier on this forum, (sorry if that takes the breath away from some of you, it's all about smiles.) but we felt the need to showcase the skills rather than the true depth of bootfitting. We assessed all the skiers coming to the clinic by reading their histories. We understood how far we could go and what was needed, this is why we came back for a second year and worked with some of you outside of the clinic because of specific needs. For the most part of the public, the manufacturers serve you well, the product is excellent, but it's about shape and volume, the problem is the years of experience of making mistakes and fine tuning one's hand to eye co-ordination. That is why Colin and i felt comfortable doing this. Colin is really the ONLY person to see in the UK. OK, he hasn't been in resort all his career, but is one of the brightest and smartest people you will ever meet. He can do a 1,000,000 piece jigsaw without ever having seen the box. The problem lies there in. Colin and i have worked together for many years, we battle, argue and drink Pi$$, but it all comes down to the pursuit of perfection. If your guy is in town but doesn't have Colin's drive and experience, then i would question his integrity, he/she would, of course move to resort. Colin is still in the UK because of his lovely wife Helen. She is the one that provides them with the lifestyle they want, Colin gave up his high paying job to be a Bootfitter because he is passionate. Helen has helped him indulge his passion, it is only now Colin is working as hard as he always has to repay her and be the best man in 'Town'.
He is.
Snowheads has evolved. When i first stumbled upon it people were asking, "What boot should i buy for XYZ?" The replies were "XYZ, i have a pair, buy them otherwise you'll never ski with a smile."
This was so far from the truth.
Now the answers are catagoric. "See a Bootfitter."
Ok, now i'm pushing for the 'Resort Fitting' because in 8/9 yrs i have seen the progress, worked with it, nurtured it and helped build it. (Sorry if that seems a spot like 'Me time', but i have worked hard, often against the grain.)
Resorts now see what we do as a great service and are as such investing heavily, at last. People like me are being trained, maintained and retained. This is great for you, the public.
The industry is suffering, weather and environmental issues, economic problems will, i believe shut down the UK market in the next 5yrs and only a few true specialists will remain. You're Patriotisim will not stop it.
Go see Colin, otherwise get yourself to the bar in resort and ask a few locals.
Peace and Grow up the lot of you.
 
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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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Sorry Col', just how i see it, respect Dude. XX
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Kel, What sauce would you like with those words?
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While the zookeeper speaks a truth that a good in resort bootfitter will get through many more pairs of feet in a season than most stockists in the UK the difficulty lies in determining which shop where offers the best fit or service to the mere punter (obviously there are some heavy clues out there re Sham o nicks ). If we're cynical about the abilities of the Saturday boy in Slush n Rubble how do we know le Samedi garcon in intersport in Resort X is any better, and shares the values of SZK? If you do track down the best guy in town what odds you'll be able to get in to see him between 5-8pm on Saturday?
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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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fatbob, The good guys in resort work Saturday to Wednesday if that helps, in most cases, although you 'Weekend Warriors' are on the up so times are changing.
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fatbob, the answer is that you look for the one who will be available to fix whatever needs to be fixed on Sunday or Monday at 4pm and again on Wednesday at 4pm and again on Thursday at 4pm.
Not available for follow-up work apres ski -> don't go there.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, Respect
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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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SMALLZOOKEEPER, i don't even like jigsaws
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, While I do agree with alot of what you are saying and would not dream of having my boots fitted outside of a resort I think there is a big diffrence between a 1 week a year piste cruiser and a hardcore powder hound/racer in what they need.Well obviously
Nossy, says above that she does not do anythig to mad on her holidays so how well fitted do her boots have to be? I am only asking because I have a genuine respect for your opinion and I take alot of what you say here as gospel
I gues what I am asking is a half decent boot fitter in S&R or E&B or whereever should be able to fit a 1 week piste warrior with a decent fit no?
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You know it makes sense.
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Ordhan, Sorry mate as a bootfitter i don't see the difference in what i do for a Racer or Beginner. Lasagne can require just as much care as a *** Michlelin Menu if in the right 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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Nossy, Simple answer is - you pay your money, you take your choice....
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Poster: A snowHead
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, Dont apologise was just asking for the professional opinion of somthing I thought. I am there is no comparison between you fitting and say even the best S&R fitter there is no question there. Was just wondering how essential you skill set would be for a normal beginner or piste cruiser with normal feet.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ordhan, comfort is comfort, biomechanics is biomechanics, put round peg in round hole, square peg in square hole...the difference between a beginner and a racer in terms of boot fit is that a racer understands what should be going on, a beginner does not, the job of the good bootfitter is to explain to the client what they should expect and often how to interpert it...the main reason that people end up in boots too big is because shops don't shell check, they believe what the measuring stick tells them...secondly when a customer puts their foot into a boot which is the correct size they will feel it is too small... the bootfitter needs to manage expectations of the customer, explain to them what is going to happen before they put their foot in it.... your foot will go straight to the front of the boot, you will feel your toes on the end...when the boot is clipped correctly and you flex this will start to reduce....wearing the boot for 10 mins and your foot will settle back into the ankle pocket the pressure will reduce still further etc etc....if they are not told this and they put the foot in the boot ..toes hit the front they will never be happy in the boot and ususaly opt for the larger [too big] size
the "piste cruiser" will often be quite happy plodding away in a boot too big.....but will never really progress more with their skiing...if that is what they want then fine...but they should have the opertunity to make that decision with the correct information to hand, having tried the smaller size, the footbed etc etc with the advice of someoen qualified to give the advice, rather than the saturday lad...... mind you the saturday lad in Lockwoods had done 2 seasons in chamonix before he came back and got a so called " proper job" so he was a bit of an exception to the rule
at the end of the day it is a personal choice, all the fitter can do is guide the client to the best of their knowledge it is the knowledge that is important not the location... most of the initial fit of the world cup boots is done by a fitter in the factory before the skier even sees the boot... it is based on records rather than just guess work BTW
ski boot fitting is a mix of art and science.. the thing is none of us really know how much of each it really is
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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, Your last sentence just about sums up what I've always suspected
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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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CEM, Thanks a mill like I said I love and have someone I use and would not dream of using anyone else. But I just needed to hear the justification behind a boot fitter for a beginner. As I said I would not doubt your opinion or knowledge just curios for the reason Thanks
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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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| halfhand wrote: |
However Nossy, buying in resort surely needn't eat in to your ski time? Most boot fitters/shops appear to be open in to the early evening so it is not beyond the wit and wisdom to fit and buy boots in the evening; ski in the morning - ooh these pinch a bit, are a bit uncomfortable here; get' em looked at over lunch or even at the end of the day; try again etc.... |
Yes.
I am thinking at least part of the objecting sentiment "wasting time in resort" is more a concern with ticking all the boxes before one leaves.
If the body's not prepared, at least the gear checklist is.
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SMALLZOOKEEPER, Just out of interest, how much does it cost for a bootfitter to fit a pair of boots? For example, a £300 set of boots, and 3-4 hours of the bootfitters time and expertise, how much is that going to cost?
Only asking as I have never used one, as I have got 'stock' salomon feet, and custom insoles (€40 and about and hour sorting them), and I will be looking a pair of stiff race boots soon for the eurotest.
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freestyleandy, Firstly mate you do not have stock Salomon Feet. If you do, which means they change shape 6 times a day then you won't have in around 5 years when all the lasts have changed.
My services are free, provided you buy the boot i chose.
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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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freestyleandy, What SMALLZOOKEEPER, says would appear to be the case where ever people seem to buy boots. When I bought in the UK mine cost me £120 (beginners boots), I spent 2-3 hours in the shop making sure they were comfy (biggest concern at my level - though fit will be paramount next time - someone will now tell me you can have both together ) the fitters just don't seem to ostensibly charge extra for their time, I've always expected that the shop staff time is somewhere in the total price of the boot you buy.
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Megamum, yes you can have a really good fit with comfort, it should be one in the same
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FAQ
