Buying boots, are they the right size

Searching the web, I foumd a site selling seco d hand gear that seemed to have a good variety and very reasonable prices. Sent an email asking for suggestion of boots apropriate for me, the info I gave was:
I am an athletic beginer/intermediate, and would like a soft to medium stiff
Foot length, 26.5cm , width: 100mm
Desired ski/hike heel release buckle

The answer I received suggested a pair of Salomon Elios 550, seems to be a nice beginer/intermediate model, with the hiking mode option I wanted, but it's a size 27 and 106mm wide. The salesman told me on his email that the boot should be a size bigger, therefore he suggested this model and size.
The carcateristics of the boot seem just right for me, my only concern is the size, none of the videos/texts I find on the web mention the need for a bigger size, most say quite the opposite, that the fit should be snug... I'm not quite sure what to do, any suggestions?!?

Welcome to J2ski :D . You seem to be being sold the boots that the seller has available, not the ones that fit you. You are quite correct that ski boots mostly turn out to be a smaller size than shoes.

Of this particular boot, Levelnine Sports said:

The Salomon Elios 550 ski boot is wide, soft, and comfortable, providing all day comfort to beginner and intermediate skiers. This boot is built around comfort more than performance, although it will do a respectable job in more advanced terrain as long as the speed is on the slower side.

http://www.levelninesports.com/Salomon-Elios-550-Ski-Boots

This boot might suit you now, (so long as it fits), do you intend to improve at all? The write up makes it seem like an over padded Moonboot. If you want this type of boot, fit will be crucial, as there will be a lot of padding, which will settle after a few weeks of use.

Have you seen a Bootfitter to find out your size/width yet?

Have to agree with Bandit. Buying ski boots online or from a shop without specialist fitter is a disaster. Length is not the most important factor. I have substantial ankle so go 1 shell size up to accommodate but have zero movement in boot.

In general they should be "uncomfortably tight" when you first buy them. But to be sure they will settle out you need someone to verify boot actually makes sense for shape of your foot. Normally best to buy in resort (multiple shops and fitters) but not on evening first arrive given feet will be swollen from flight and altitude increase.

If you want to verify if person is not just trying to sell you something in stock point to a boot and say you want it. Anyone even 1/2 decent will ask to see feet and flexibility before even getting onto boots, sizes, what you level is. You will also likely need to have a booking for the very best boot fitters.

Paying a decent amount for boot fitting is money well spent in long run.

Have to agree with the above comments Danieltowersey, I am sure there will be some people who have had a result when buying boots online, but generally I would discourage it.

At best bad fitting boots will be a major discomfort to you, at worst it will be a living nightmare and could totally ruin your holiday. I strongly advise you seek a good boot fitter and have the correct boots for you, fitted properly. They should then give you many weeks of enjoyable use, and the only worry you will then have is which skis you want to buy :twisted:

Welcome to the forum.

This is the first time I heard that boots should be size bigger. Usually they are size smaller or the same size as your feet depending on BSL of a specific boot. Going bigger = needing new boots in two weeks or even after a day of skiing. Plus as Bandit and Ranchero mentioned above, there are other things that you need to pay attention to while buying ski boots and as a minimum you should be able to try them on, but better still see a bootfitter. Buying online only makes sence if you already know which boot exactly fits you well and can get it cheaper online otherwise it may prove too costly - bad days on slopes + wasted money.

Thanks a lot for all the replies, very helpful info to keep me on track and resisting an "aparent bargain". Doesn't sound like such a good deal now.
I live in Brazil, and there are no ski shops and boot fitters here, my next contact with a ski shop will be in winter, since I see that most of the sales, and discounts happen off season I eas tempted to get something online now.
I have measured my feet, seems like I am a 26.5 and 100mm wide, will stick to those numbers when choosing the model. I am abeginer, butquite aquick learner, within a week I was zooming down all blues, and going down reds with the odd stumble but no big deal. Since I have been mountaineering for over 20 years (I am 35) I will surely jump on to any chance of skiing backcountry, provided it is within my ability, so I think a medium stiff boot with ski/hike ankle release should make me happy.
Any information, feedback, hint, you guys can give me will be mostly apreciated.

Best regards to all!

Well plenty of choice out there.

Just remember the average ski boot is fine for ski touring in if your aim is basically to access powder. I have some 130 DIN Lange and these are fine for few hours (2-3) uphill. Only disadvantage is that you are slightly slower than someone in touring boots as stride/slide is always few " less.

If going for Haute Route or similar more substantial touring then I would get something that accepts dynafit bindings. Huge weight saving compared to more traditional touring bindings.

Hi there

I hope this helps......I am wide footed, and a ski instructor advised me to try the Salomon SPK boots for sheer comfort and warmth. I just loved them, and now 2 of my ski pals have the same. Nothing touches them for comfort, so if you are struggling width wise, give these a go. Just like others have said, please don't buy online.