 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
This is my first post, but I've been hanging around the forum for a while and got loads of help & tips from reading other topics, so thanks already for making this such a valuable resource!
I need some advice from you experienced snowheads on ski boots....
Basically, about 12 years ago I was on my third week of skiing and fairly spontaneously decided to buy the boots that I had been renting all week as they were very comfortable and seemed like a good deal at the time. The boots are Lowa SC-100 I think (this is the only picture I could find of them on the web: http://hurt.dobrenarty.pl/upload/products/lowa_sc-146-1.jpg - looks like some fairly well worn rental stock - I'm glad to say mine were in a lot better condition that these and still are!). They seem well made, have plenty of adjustment on the buckles and have the walk/ski mode toggle on the back too, so not complete beginner trash.
12 years on, and sadly not having managed to go skiing every year, I guess I'm at about 10 weeks now, comfortably skiing black moguls and some off piste powder (totally hooked I might add - if I could afford it I'd go skiing several times a year, but life has other priorities such as wife and mortgage etc!). So I've been renting better skis each time, but I'm still using the same boots - largely because they're exceptionally comfortable and feel like a natural extension of my legs when I wear them. I can quite happily wear them for 8 hours without even feeling the need to loosen the buckles at lunch time.
Next ski trip is coming up in March and I want to improve my skiing even more so I've booked some performance skis to give me the best shot at it. But now I've started to wonder whether my super-comfy boots are going to be the weak link in the chain? Are my boots holding me back? Should I be considering a higher performance boot? Does it make that much difference, and what if I end up with something that's not as comfortable as my trusty old boots? Can I get something decent without spending too much (unfortunately the TV is on its last legs too, so I don't have much cash to splash)? Should I consider buying 2nd hand again (I notice a few specialist ski shops sell 2nd hand boots at very decent discounts)?
Any guidance you can offer would be well appreciated.
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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davehas, I love buying things. And when I cant I love helping others buy things.
However if it ait broke dont fix especially with ski boots.
You say they are comfortable, if they have a nice snug fit and hold your foot securely. I'd be very reluctant to change.
If you are looking for an honest opinion you could go to CEM in Bicester. aka www.solutions4feet.com You've probably gussed by now he is the UK based bootfittter of choice on this forum.
If you buy second hand they may not be the right boot for you the liners may be packed out etc etc.
Welcome to  's too.
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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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davehas, forget about buying boots. Take a skills -based lesson or two, or three. One where they do not focus on the terrain, but actually ask you to perform specific tasks. If you can do tasks like one-footed skiing in your current boots, save your pennies and get something nice next year. If you cannot do tasks like balance on the little-toe edges of your skis, then new boots are in order.
No, do not buy second hand just before a trip. Best and easiest way to ruin your 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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davehas, welcome to 's
Hmmm, hard to tell if the boots are knackered or not. I would submit that they're probably not rigid enough to help you do what you want to do now. I would be surprised if they weren't too big as well (most people buy boots too big, including me last time and I really should know better by now, even if there is a story behind it).
Your photo doesn't tell me much except that the boots, much loved and comfortable as they are, are a fairly average rental boot. I.e., Not What We Want When We're Getting Better.
CEM definitely has the edge on UK based bootfitting although Profeet in Fulham are closer and can be good. I had a mixed but ultimately very positive experience with Profeet.
Problem is that new boots are going to set you back a bit. How much TV do you really watch?
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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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