 Poster: A snowHead
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Sorry if it's a bit boring - another boot thread. I've seen good reports of somebody at EB Aviemore - a shop I like anyway - they've a cracking selection of skis this year btw.
I was going to go down to Bicester for the proper job but work and other commitments it is looking less likely. One of my chums had a hellish experience at EB at Braehead.
What do we reckon?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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I've had Karla at Craigdon Mountain Sports in Perth recommended by someone very knowledgeable on this here forum.
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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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I predict another 'if you dont get your boots fitted by CEM or SZK' then they wont fit scaremongering thread 
Sure both of them are awesome. But not exactly local.
For touring or telemark boots then Braemar mountain sports is one of the best ski shops in the UK.
Mountain Spirit in Aviemore is another good ski shop - again mainly touring, but the owners are skiers are know their stuff..
Some Glencoe friends use Shona in Blues (Glasgow) for race boots and have been very happy with the results over the years. My girlfriend got boots from Blues in Edinburgh and is really happy with them.
The lads at EB in Aviemore, Fort William and Xscape get generally very good write ups (especially one particular lad in Aviemore)
Would guess Alain Baxter in Stirling knows what he is talking about ? http://www.alainbaxter.co.uk/
Craigdon Mountain Sports is a good ski shop, generally decent stock range, with stores in Perth & Aberdeen.
Snow & Lines / Footworks in Edinburgh are real foot specialists. They dont carry much ski stock these days (internet killed that side of the business). Though recently used them to get 2 pairs of custom footbeds made up for ski boots I sourced I elsewhere. Nice guys and still run one of the best ski workshops in Scotland.
^ none of the above post on snowheads.com daily about 'being the best in Scotland'..
But they are all decent ski shops, worth a look, and generally carry a good selection of kit.
As ever - if you don't like what they are trying to sell you then don't be scared to look elsewhere.
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I've heard very good reports about Shona from Blues in Glasgow and Mountain Spirit in Aviemore.
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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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I've heard good stuff about the main guy (Andy?) at Craigdon in Aberdeen.
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Haggis_Trap, nope, not from me you won't, why do you have this big issue, personally i have never come on here telling people they must visit me nor has SZK, if people want to post recommendations then not a lot either of us can do about it
for Scotland..... Alain Baxter in Stirling for fitting work although he doesn't carry stock of boots as yet, or Karla in Craigdon Perth would be the first two people i would suggest
Fifespud, where are you based, if neither of these are convenient then there are others
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Yep, got to back CEM up here. I enquired after some boot fitting from him and he freely pointed me in the direction of someone closer to home.
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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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IMHO traveling 500+ miles to buy ski boots just isn't practical or economic.
More so if you need to take them back and get any work done (hopefully not - but it happens).
IMHO the biggest problem with buying ski boots in the UK is that most shops (especially the small ones) cant afford to carry a wide range of stock. It just doesn't make commercial sense. Especially now that e-warehouses such as Sport Conrad are slowly killing UK ski shops.
There are however still a decent selection of ski shops in Scotland. Some small, some big.
It is wrong to consider one bootfitter as being 'the best in Scotland' for a few reasons.
1) Boot fitters are either properly trained and competent (or not). Ski boot fitting is not some mysterious black art.
2) Some of the shops have a limited range. Depending on foot shape you may simply have to shop around to find what works best for you.
3) Things changes and people move on. For most people in the UK boot fitting is not a full time profession.
If you get your feet measured (width and length), select the right boot / shell size and add some custom foot beds then chances are that you are on the right path.
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Fri 2-12-11 18:07; edited 4 times in total
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| CEM wrote: |
Haggis_Trap, nope, not from me you won't, why do you have this big issue, personally i have never come on here telling people they must visit me nor has SZK, if people want to post recommendations then not a lot either of us can do about it
for Scotland..... Alain Baxter in Stirling for fitting work although he doesn't carry stock of boots as yet, or Karla in Craigdon Perth would be the first two people i would suggest
Fifespud, where are you based, if neither of these are convenient then there are others |
I'm in North Fife CEM but am a frequent visitor to Aviemore. (as I said I was impressed by EB there - good squad of eager young guys).
Stirling/Perth/Edinburgh are no probs.
I generally get my skis serviced in Craigdon - I will go and hunt Karla out. Thanks all and particularly CEM.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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| Haggis_Trap wrote: |
| IMHO traveling 500+ miles to buy ski boots just isn't practical or economic. |
some seem to disagree, like the guy from norway who flew in a couple of weeks back for boots
thing is it is a decision that the individual needs to make, rather than to be dictated to that there is no reason, if there were no reason then why do people do it
very simple answer is as you describe, there is a lack of "career boot fitters" a lot of the staff in a lot of the shops are there for a season and don't give a dam, a lot of the owners of a lot of the shops don't want to spend money getting their staff trained as "having been in business for 30 years they know best"... that will be the same reason that a load of shops went bust last year had been in business for several years...they failed to move on and keep up to date with the latest thinking and techniques... there are a growing number of shops realising that that their reputation can be enhanced by doing it right which has got to be a good thing.... i would love there to be more boot fitters and more people doing this job well, the more customers that get great service be it in this country or in a resort somewhere the better, there is enough work out there for everyone, the problem comes when people are getting bad advice..the easiest thing in the world is to get a boot a size big, sure it feels great in the shop but how long does this last... unfortunately it is easy to do as it involves less fitting work for the shop and most people don't take a boot back that feels a little loose, but 4 years down the road when it feels really sloppy they buy a new pair, again probably a size big and the cycle repeats.... and you wonder why people are constantly talking about boot problems
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You know it makes sense.
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For me distance is really no object. Were it not because of a lack of time I would happily go to Bicester - in a flash.
I'm now considering Blues in Perth for the Fischer Vacum job. It makes intuitive sense to me, I actually wouldn't know if a boot was a great fit, or a size too small TBH, taking the smoke and mirrors out of the process is appealing.
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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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^ if you have skied a reasonable amount it will be fairly obvious if a boot fits (or not).
measure your feet (width and length) and do a 'shell check'.
then try them on and check for any heel lift (very important) or excessive tightness in any areas.
at the end of the day only you know for sure if the boot fits.
be aware that boots may not fit 'properly' without custom foot beds - something many people forget.
but should be able to try them on with a set in the shop (before they trim them).
dont feel pressured into getting the Fischer Vacum boots with out looking about first.
may be a good option but there could be something better / cheaper that will fit you almost off the shelf.
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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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Fifespud, post back if you do go to Blues, the vacuum boots do sound appealing and I would be interested to know how you get on at Blues. I got my first boots at Blues in Edinburgh and they were massive and they weren't very helpful when I went back after a year. My friend got his last boots at Blues in Glasgow and again had problems, he went back to complain about the footbed and they agreed they had been very badly made so refunded him  nice to get a refund but doesn't inspire confidence that whoever made them was happy to send him out the shop like that.
I think most shops (in my experience) assume everyone is a once a year holiday skier. My first boots were ok for about 30 days skiing then became unbearably loose. If you're only skiing a week a year that's 5 years and you probably would be quite happy with that, for me that was less than one year and obviously I don't want to buy new boots every year.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I've done around 100-120 days skiing in the last 5 years including 2 WS week courses. I'm a 'reasonable' skier, can tackle most piste and inbound off piste with a style inversely proportional to the difficulty.
I've used this analogy before. I started golfing when I was about 5, I hardly play now but given how young I was when I started and how much I've played its fair to say I'm a decent standard. Not only that starting young and being immersed in a sport gives you an innate understanding of technique and equipment, which I just don't have in skiing. I've had one pair of boots my entire career, cheap as chips from the Dundee Snow Shack. The level of fitting was 'minimal'. They don't hurt, only slightly uncomfortable during the first couple of days. Yes my feet move inside them - not much - well I don't think they do - how much is too much? They pass the 'shell' test but I really don't have an understanding of what a really good fit is and I would reckon I'm not alone.
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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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+1 for Shona in Blues in Glasgow. Has fitted the last 3 pairs of my boots and done a banging job. Had my most recent pair fitted in the blues in Edinburgh initially and the fit was crap, so took them across to Shona who fixed them up and now I'm happy as larry. Someone above mentioned career boot fitters, well she fitted my first pair over 10 years ago and has been working with boots since then so a decade of knowledge, training and practice aint a bad place to start.
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flintstoner, shona is one the few career boot fitters, and pretty good at the job, there are a number of them but it is declining and it appears that now it is a job for a season to many people rather than a career
that said i know some who have been in the business for 30 years + and are still crap
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| Quote: |
^ and there you go folks it's that simple ...
... don't even need to be trained, just ski a "reasonable amount" and you too can be an expert! Laughing
You do crack me up sometimes Doug |
^ Roga - You seem to think boot fitting is some mysterious black art that only a few select guru's are worthy of practising.
The reality is that if you get the basics right (i.e correct shell size and proper footbed) then the vast majority of skiers should have no problems. There is far too much hype and scaremongering posted on snowheads.com about boot fitting. Roga is one of the main culprits.
Without doubt it is 110% worth spending money, and time, required to get a decent pair of ski boots. Makes a massive difference. Visiting a knowledgable ski shop is a good idea. With a little effort / thought and education there is no need for many of the drama's that Roga likes to preach as being inevitable (should you dare to purchase ski boots from A.N.other ski store).
Last edited by After all it is free  on Sat 3-12-11 15:46; edited 1 time in total
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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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| Quote: |
| I've had one pair of boots my entire career, cheap as chips from the Dundee Snow Shack. The level of fitting was 'minimal'. They don't hurt, only slightly uncomfortable during the first couple of days. Yes my feet move inside them - not much - well I don't think they do - how much is too much? They pass the 'shell' test but I really don't have an understanding of what a really good fit is and I would reckon I'm not alone. |
Fifespud
Take an afternoon to visit some ski shops. Get your feet measured and be prepared to spend 200-300+ quid on a good quality pair of boots. Be sure to spend a little extra on custom footbeds (without them all bets are usually off).
I promise that you will feel the difference and know when a good ski boot fits well. The shop will be able to help you decide if the boot fits. Basically your heel should feel likes its clamped firmly in place. Your toes might be able to wiggle a little bit. You shouldnt need to do the buckles up supertight to achieve this fit.
If the shop assistant seems to be a total muppet / clueless or bullsh-tter then be prepared to go elsewhere.
With a little common sense & basic knowledge buying ski boots needn't be a minefield or complicated process.
Happy shopping, take time to get it right - and report back.
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I've had good quality service from Rob at Mountain Spirit in Aviemore and he even stayed open later than usual to finish the job. Highly recommended.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Haggis_Trap wrote: |
I promise that you will feel the difference and know when a good ski boot fits well. The shop will be able to help you decide if the boot fits. Basically your heel should feel likes its clamped firmly in place. Your toes might be able to wiggle a little bit. You shouldnt need to do the buckles up supertight to achieve this fit.
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but loads of boots feel like this in the shop when they are all new and shiny and the liner is still plush 
I agree with you finding a decent pair of boots should be easy, surely all it requires is a knowledge of how certain boots fit and the ability to marry that to someones foot when they come in the shop, the reality is that doesn't happen everytime and I think the fact that it should be so easy but isn't is what p1sses me off.
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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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it should be easy, round pegs go in round holes, square pegs in square holes....problem is the hole is often too big for the peg but feels nice and comfy in the shop, so long as you understand shell checking and get into the right size, right shape you are 1/2 way there
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^ +1
CEM gives good advice.
| Quote: |
| but loads of boots feel like this in the shop when they are all new and shiny and the liner is still plush |
The most important thing is selecting the correct shell size. Liners will always pack out over time. This is why you do a 'shell check'. Once you know what a good fitting boot feels like (or it is explained properly by a ski shop) then it is fairly obvious. This link has simple explanation of 'good fit'....
http://www.backcountry.com/store/dc/668/Backcountry-Alpine-Ski-Boot-Fitting-Guide.html#boot_fitting
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You know it makes sense.
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| Haggis_Trap wrote: |
| ^ Roga - You seem to think boot fitting is some mysterious black art that only a few select guru's are worthy of practising. |
Yup and they should be able to turn water into wine, cure the sick, make it snow on demand etc etc
| Quote: |
| The reality is that if you get the basics right (i.e correct shell size and proper footbed) then the vast majority of skiers should have no problems. There is far too much hype and scaremongering posted on snowheads.com about boot fitting. Roga is one of the main culprits. |
Like the other 'scaremongers' I say it as I see it (and I see a lot of clients with boot issues) and if that's a problem for ya then frankly you need to lighten up and/or just accept others having different opinions to you is just part of life 
| Quote: |
| Without doubt it is 110% worth spending money, and time, required to get a decent pair of ski boots. Makes a massive difference. Visiting a knowledgable ski shop is a good idea. With a little effort / thought and education there is no need for many of the drama's that Roga likes to preach as being inevitable (should you dare to purchase ski boots from A.N.other ski store). |
As I say Doug you do crack me up especially when you exhibit your world beating ability to misunderstand and misquote people and embark on a crusade to correct the perceived wrongs *you think* are being perpetrated by said people.
For the benefit of anyone else reading this (because Doug will misread and caricature this whatever I say) I'll say it yet again, there are more than 2 good bootfitters out there but obviously any individual (like me) has only limited experience of fitters. In my case there's only one person I can recommend with no reservations on the basis of my direct experience but there are a number of others who by reputation I can also fairly safely say are excellent. However, as CEM says there's a lot of shops employing people with little knowledge, experience or ability so better to be aware of this and go see fitter that has a number of recommendations. When I'm working at Cairngorm I'm happy to recommend individuals who work at 3 different local establishments (and warn them off one other establishment in particular) on the basis of local knowledge and feedback. If from wider afield I'd be more than happy to recommend Alain in Stirling (in fact I asked him for some cards/leaflets for clients when I saw him in August) and, now I know about her, Karla in Craigdon Perth. I'd also probably now also mention Shona at Blues in Glasgow but I've heard lots of complaints about their Edinburgh branch so couldn't recommend that branch. Note in every instance it's the individual I'm recommending not a particular shop per se and with the proviso that it is only a recommendation by reputation not one on the basis of my direct experience.
For anyone living in Bicester or surrounding areas who I'd recommend is a no brainer 
Shell test etc. yeah it should be easy shouldn't it!
Alternatively anyone reading this could choose the Haggis Trap method and say to hell with these wusses banging on about sore feet, a bit of pain makes you a man - I got big balls and I ski steep and deep (he does although I made the balls bit up ) and I can sort my own feet out ya sissies. Good on you if you do take that road, I'm sure your cojones and other dangly bits are enourmous but just accept some of us are more than happy to live without waving our danglies in public (even metaphorically on forums) and don't feel the need to go off on one every time we find people we *percieve* to be disagreeing with us ... in fact some of us are just happy answering a question without making an argument about it every time!
Ultimately though chill, it's snowing in Scotland so lets be happy! 
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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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^ topic ends as predicted....
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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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^ yip - forecast for next week looks good. should get some snow, maybe enough to get some lifts spinning.
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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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^ hopefully Glencoe can get a nice early opening - seems to be piling into the west so looking good
Need to get over there this season, missed it last!
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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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Get a room you two 
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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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Went to both Craigdon and Blues in Perth for a wee look. Spoke to a very informative and apparently knowledgeable young man who spent a fair bit of time going through boots with me. I have had my eye on those Nordica boots with the 3 straps. The way the middle strap is positioned looks like a pretty good idea to me. In Blues had the Fischer process explained to me, sounds good but I'm not totally convinced the big cuff they inflate can really apply enough pressure to mould the boot exactly as they claim. Calling them vacuum fit is a bit of a misnomer tbh.
Oh dilemmas, dilemmas.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Fifespud, I emailed Alain Baxter as I'm thinking of getting new boots this year and he said he had some in stock and can source others if needed so might be worth adding to your list as well 
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well update maybe a bit later than I intended but I eventually ended up at Alain Baxters. I've not been living in scotland for nearly 3 years and bought boots at the start of the year at Sole in Chamonix. I had a decent amount of work done, mainly on the toes to fit into a pretty small boot. I loved the fit when skiing but the boots had started to really hurt my toes when doing anything but skiing, I have oedema from a thrombosis in one leg so my foot may well be a bit bigger than when I originally bought the boots. I went to Alain Baxter just before Christmas, he ground out the toes of my boots a little more and also ground out a little of the sides where he felt I needed more room. Just got to ski the boots yesterday and they were great, I hardly thought about them at all which is exactly what I want. Between myself and my friends we have tried a few of the main ski shops in Scotland for boots over the last approx. 10 years, I am pretty fussy and have problems with my feet hurting in normal shoes but I would happily buy my next ski boots there if I was living in Scotland and would recommended to anyone, so yeah he is definitely the best bootfitter I have seen in Scotland by far.
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@lynseyf, Agree Lynsey, Ive pointed a couple of people in his direction and he's done a great job with both. As well as being a really nice guy!
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