Massive boot problems-a cautionary tale

Trencher wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Unless of course you buy the perfect fitting boots at a bargain price in resort 8)

Then there is the approach that I would advocate. Do some research and buy cheap (but good condition boots) on ebay. Figure out what works for you on a local dry slope. Even if you get the perfect fit, the boots may not work in terms of performance. There's a lot more than flex index to how a boot works. Then you know what you want in terms of performance and have some experience as to what is a good fit. If you still feel the need to spend some big money on the perfect boots, at least you'll have a clue.
Trencher

It works for you, and that's great but I don't think it would work for me as I have no idea about how to accommodate the knobbly, sticky out bits on my feet, and what to do about the plain fact that there is no weight on one heel when I have a skiboot on, as I'm missing some squashy bits from one foot. Then there's the issue of footbeds. Made to measure or step in..or nothing at all???

I did try on some touring boots the other week at the start of our little jaunt, and I was measured, just like OH. The fitter popped me into a pair and we fastened them up. They were so big on the foot and ankle that I could twist my ankle sideways enough to turn my foot on it's side in the boot :shock: I skinned in my DH boots (Heads).
It's all learning!

Trencher wrote:

Tony_H wrote:Unless of course you buy the perfect fitting boots at a bargain price in resort 8)

Then there is the approach that I would advocate. Do some research and buy cheap (but good condition boots) on ebay. Figure out what works for you on a local dry slope. Even if you get the perfect fit, the boots may not work in terms of performance. There's a lot more than flex index to how a boot works. Then you know what you want in terms of performance and have some experience as to what is a good fit. If you still feel the need to spend some big money on the perfect boots, at least you'll have a clue.

Trencher

Ok, that's assumming you don't have deviant feet )

Does the same apply to modifications like foam injection to get a better fit or am i wasteing my money ?I would love a new pair of boots but now i am stumped as to what to do.


AJ Adele

My last pair of boots lasted 12 years, I must be very lucky with my feet as I have never had one problem in that time, my new pair I have now skied for 7 days no problems yet.
I have skied with friends who play around with there boots all day complaining
of sore feet and ankles. I tend to set my boots in the morning and never change the setting even at lunch !! and one other thing I tend to blame myself and not my equipment for any short comings that may occur during the day.

AJ wrote:Does the same apply to modifications like foam injection to get a better fit or am i wasteing my money ?I would love a new pair of boots but now i am stumped as to what to do.
AJ Adele

From the stuff I have heard and read about foam injection, it's great if you are going to be in your boots most days of the week each season. It's a rather close fit, so performance boots tend to foam well, and there is a running in period to be undertaken which could be uncomfortable.
It's possible to get a great fitting boot without foaming. You need a good bootfitter and the right fitting boot.
If you are considering foamed liners, also consider a Zipfit inner.
Here's a linky which explains what they are:
http://solutions4feet.com/catalogue_products.php?catID=1064
If you want new boots, IMV, the 1st step for you is to get yourself measured and see what's available for your foot shape :D

Although I'm sure that many people do get a good service in the UK, my argument is that I can't see the logic of buying your boots in, say London, when you can only really test them out for the first time, under real conditions, some weeks later in another country. I don't agree with the implication that all resort shops are bad at providing a boot service. It's when you ski in them that you're likely to find problems, and then you're miles away from the UK. So you're forced to go into a local shop anyway, to get them sorted.

I am curious about one thing with regard to your Chamonix boot fitting. How much space between the heel and back of the boot did the new pair have? A pencil width for example? I wonder if there is a rule of thumb for each type of boot and liner. I'm strapping on the boards after a 15 year hiatus and am getting reacquainted with the new hardware, not to mention the new techniques required by the new skis. I'm glad you resolved your issues and could ski with confidence at last. From my own experience, there is nothing worse than footwear that doesn't fit.

disko wrote:I am curious about one thing with regard to your Chamonix boot fitting. How much space between the heel and back of the boot did the new pair have? A pencil width for example? I wonder if there is a rule of thumb for each type of boot and liner. I'm strapping on the boards after a 15 year hiatus and am getting reacquainted with the new hardware, not to mention the new techniques required by the new skis. I'm glad you resolved your issues and could ski with confidence at last. From my own experience, there is nothing worse than footwear that doesn't fit.

The shell test is also known as the finger test. With your toes against the toe of the empty shell, there should be between one and two stacked finger space behind your heel (like when you cross your fingers). So about 15mm to 35 mm.
The next part is to have knowledge of the liner. is it thin or thick. Also to know that shells come in whole sizes only, 24, 25, 26 etc. Liner thickness makes up the half sizes. A 26.0 liner may pack in a little more than a 26.5, simply because there is more room for the foam to pack in. For instance, I find that although a 26.0 may be a tighter fit initially, it may end up fitting like a 26.5. My feet are actually 27.5, but I always use 26.0 shells. Yer, it's weird, but the way it is.

Trencher