Boot Recs

Emroch3 · Post by **Emroch3** » Oct 31st, '07, 09:43

While admittedly not wise without a demo, I pulled the trigger on Fischer RX 6 (06-07) at 170 based upon sale price, purported demo availability from local shops and numerous reviews at epic ski and other sites noting ski relatively agile at slower speeds (for skiing with kids) and still has some performance at moderate/higher speeds for when skiing alone (one reviewer noted it is used by many instructer with level I and II classes who free ski on it as well at times).

Any recomendation on what boots I should be trying at my local ski shops... 5' 9" 165- current neophyte with shaped skis-previously reasonably advanced skier (not expert- everything on trail at K fine in all conditions but the very worst -no extensive off trail experience, no serious glades, cliffs, coulours (sp?) etc.) Again, looking for something that will be relatively comfortable skiing with kids, but capable of being firm enough when I ski alone and attempt to figure out these new skis.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

robgoose · Post by **robgoose** » Oct 31st, '07, 11:10

Go to a boot fitter and see which boots fit your feet.

Those will be the most comfortable for you to ski in with your kids, and when on your own.
Unless someone was born with the same size feet as you, there reccomendations will be essentially worthless.

Emroch3 · Post by **Emroch3** » Oct 31st, '07, 11:13

Is it as simple as a proper fit (assuming one will not be demoing), or are there other considerations....

Stormchaser · Post by **Stormchaser** » Oct 31st, '07, 11:16

Fit is most important - brand doesnt matter. Once you have the right fit, it comes down to your skiing style. Generally a softer flex boot for novices, and a stiffer boot for experts, but there are exceptions to every rule. Most parkers and bumpers like a softer boot. Most races go extra stiff. Having a boot fitter will help you select a boot that fits your foot based on your skiing style.

Geoff · Post by **Geoff** » Oct 31st, '07, 11:26

robgoose wrote:Go to a boot fitter and see which boots fit your feet.

+1

It's fine to buy all your other ski gear on eBay or other big discount place. You really need a good boot fitter to properly match your foot shape to the proper shell, adjust the fit as needed, and make your custom footbed.

Do not go in with any brand loyalty. Go with the shell that matches your foot.

I use Ray Garrett at the Basin Ski Shop. In the past, I've used Dave Dutton, the shop manager at Peak Performance. Both these guys are certified pedorthists who have been at it a very long time. The other privately owned shops at Killington like Northern Ski Works and Aspen East are also likely to be excellent but I've never used them.

I wouldn't use anybody in the flatlands for boots. The ZZ Top boys at Strands in Worcester are competent. Richelson's in Plymouth, NH is good. If Gordon Hay is still doing boot work in Boston, he's good.

Dr. NO · Post by **Dr. NO** » Oct 31st, '07, 15:02

Don't pick the shop to buy your boots until you find a boot that somewhat fits your foot. Some shops will not carry what you really need. If Atomic is the boot that is closest to your comfort zone for skiing then find a shop that sells, fits and stands behind that boot. I Dolomite is the one, same for that. Doesn't do any good to buy a boot from say the Basin if it truly does not fit your foot or needs.

John Grush fitted my boots initially. He had me check out several shops to find a boot that closely fit my foot for size and comfort. He then got me that boot, stretched it and made it fit better. Still had another 2 months before it fit right, but I still buy that brand and type boot because I know it will be able to fit me.

b-5 · Post by **b-5** » Oct 31st, '07, 17:44

WOW 4 once no one 2 pick on...Damn....all good advice.
it boils down 2 this "The Best Boot Fits Best"!

laseranimal · Post by **laseranimal** » Oct 31st, '07, 18:54

amen to that

the only time you can be "brand loyal" in ski boots is if you've got a good bootfitter and don't mind spending a LOT of time in the ski shop, even then there are just some boots where square pegs aren't going to fit in the round holes

b-5 · Post by **b-5** » Oct 31st, '07, 19:06

laseranimal wrote:amen to that

the only time you can be "brand loyal" in ski boots is if you've got a good bootfitter and don't mind spending a LOT of time in the ski shop, even then there are just some boots where square pegs aren't going to fit in the round holes

boot fitting...Hummmm?
I have been doing boot fitting for over 20 years.
and the only people that have a need for boot fitters are people with foot probs or racers trying to cram a size 11 into a 9 shell.
It aint rocket science people.
either the boot fits or it does not!
Any ass clown that knows how to read a brannock device and can shell size a foot can fit a boot.
Question, How many here can go into a shop and pick out their own boot?
on the other hand I bet that 70-80% of all skiers are in ill fitting boots!
I would wager that most of you own boots that are at least one half to one whole size 2 big.
well thats about it.
DOWN SIZE ppl.

Emroch3 · Post by **Emroch3** » Nov 1st, '07, 06:26

Thanks to all who responded. I am not going to order the boots on line as I did the skis, but will go by fit with someone who hopefully knows that they are doing. If there is no one local, I will go north.

for b-5-- I do have some foot issues due to old accident, but Ithink it just affects the cant-- we'll see how the local talent responds and decide from there

RustyK · Post by **RustyK** » Nov 1st, '07, 06:36

I have been looking for new boot for about three years.
Nothing fits, nothing out there that make me want to buy it.
Looking at custom made boots now...$1,000...ouch.

b-5 · Post by **b-5** » Nov 1st, '07, 07:15

Emroch3 wrote:Thanks to all who responded. I am not going to order the boots on line as I did the skis, but will go by fit with someone who hopefully knows that they are doing. If there is no one local, I will go north.

for b-5-- I do have some foot issues due to old accident, but Ithink it just affects the cant-- we'll see how the local talent responds and decide from there

It is good that you brought out the injury to your foot/leg.
Have a orthotic made!
The base of the foot is the foundation on witch the rest of the body stands on.
If one or both feet are out of alignment the it will transmit up the body.
just like a house built on dirt alone it will fall apart.

There are a host of shops in Vermont and New England that can preform the work needed to fix the problems that you might have.
just remember this it might take a few visits back and forth to the hill and shop to work out all that bugs!.

if you are in CT check out these guys

http://store.alpinehausct.com/index.html

or visit this web site.

http://store.alpinehausct.com/index.html

I have worked with Bob Gleeson and his crew and they set the standard for all bootfitters.
Paul Out!

Emroch3 · Post by **Emroch3** » Nov 1st, '07, 07:33

I was just at Alpine Haus last weekend, and Ski Market in Avon (Dave). Also heard good things, at least price wise, from bob's in Bristol. If the guy at Alpine Haus is good, I will go with them, unless someone has also had good experiences with Dave at Ski Market or anyone at Bob's?

Thanks again b-5-- and all others

First day at gym today... gotta start somewhere....

Stormchaser · Post by **Stormchaser** » Nov 1st, '07, 07:54

RustyK wrote:I have been looking for new boot for about three years.
Nothing fits, nothing out there that make me want to buy it.
Looking at custom made boots now...$1,000...ouch.

Sneakers and industrial velcro, man.

Emroch3 · Post by **Emroch3** » Nov 1st, '07, 12:41

Sweet-- skis just arrived-- shipping was free (ground) but arrived overnight. I am like an 8 year old on x-mas-- and damn these things are wide at the tip, short and light. Odds I fall getting off the charilift?