Owie, my boots hurt

January 2, 2009 7:10 PM

I'm looking to get a new pair of ski boots in the SF Bay Area, preferably in the South Bay/Peninsula area. Since boot fitting isn't an exact science I'm looking for suggestions for great, not good boot fitters.

I bought a pair of boots at REI about 3 years ago and they have been nothing but trouble. A little too big and at the same time, too tight in certain spots making my foot fall asleep. So here's what I'm hoping to find:

- A great fitter who will put me in a boot that will give me comfort and control
- A store that won't overcharge me
- A store/fitter that will give me unlimited adjustments as necessary (boot punches, inserting foam, etc.)

If you can highly recommend somebody, please let me know. Uncomfortable and uncontrollable boots are no fun to ski with!

posted by laradar to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 comments total)

I've been happy with Sports Basement (in Sunnyvale off Lawrence) but I haven't lived down there in awhile so I can't vouch for that location any more. I also snowboard, not ski. :)
posted by kcm at 7:17 PM on January 2

I would actually suggest you get your boots fitted where you ski.
That way if the fit isn't right you can go back that night (or worst case during the day).
There is no real way to tell how the boots will be until you ski in them.

If South Lake Tahoe is your place, I'd try Tahoe Sports Ltd. They did a good job adjusting my old boots so I didn't even have to buy new ones. (If you happen to be going to somewhere in summit county, Colorado, I'd recommend the former racer's edge in Breckenridge.)

Honestly, I think you'll get a better fit from a more serious skier anyhow, and you're alot more likely to find one of those near a ski area.
posted by nat at 7:55 PM on January 2

I can't help you with SF, but I can pass on the advice they give everyone here in Banff:

Get half a size too small, make sure there is no movement in the ankle. Boots can be punched, but it's a lot harder to tighten a loose fit than it is to loosen a tight fit. In ski resort towns there's sure to be a go to guy for this sort of thing, plan around it, since the season has started and the Christmas holidays are done you should get a half day turnaround or less.
posted by furtive at 8:57 PM on January 2

The best boot fitter in Northern California, and possibly the best West of Colorado is Cosmo at Cosmo's Footworks. He used to be in Tahoe City, but he's now in Truckee (on the way to Northstar). I have an incredibly difficult foot (think: cult of Raichle Flexon), and that for some reason makes Cosmo smile.

Get an appointment.

and +1... no, +3 on the "Get your boots fit where you ski".
posted by toxic at 11:15 PM on January 2