Beginner ski boot question
January 2, 2022 9:09 PM Subscribe
Got some questions about picking up a pair of ski boots. Very small feet, don’t ski super often, more inside!
Looks like I’m a 22/22.5 mondo. I’m a women's size 5. I also measured to get my width/last and it’s really narrow — like 80mm. I’ll probably go skiing at most 4 times this year, hopefully more next year but not necessarily. Looking at soft flex boots — I’m comfortable on greens and hope to try out some blue runs this year.
Interested in buying rather than renting because I’ve read that basically any boot you can buy is a million times better than a rental. I also see that most boots for purchase look a lot easier to walk in than rentals, and walking around in ski boots is easily my most hated thing about any ski trip. Anything to improve that would be great.
The big recommendation is to go to a bootfitter, but I have the sense that a) they’ll probably have very little selection in my size+flex level, which will lead to b) me having very limited choice price-wise and feeling pressured (even if only internally) into getting something way outside of my price range. If I shop online, I have the ability to choose between different options in my size.
What I’m wondering is, isn’t pretty much any boot I buy online going to be better than a rental? So if I’m not going to be skiing that much this year or probably next year, why not buy something that’s a step up from a rental even if it’s not custom fit just for me? And then when I feel like I’m more of an intermediate skier and can really put time into this hobby, I can splurge on a trip to a bootfitter.
Or is it really that bad to just buy a pair of boots on sale online and wear them out of the box?
Any tips/suggestions/feedback appreciated!
Looks like I’m a 22/22.5 mondo. I’m a women's size 5. I also measured to get my width/last and it’s really narrow — like 80mm. I’ll probably go skiing at most 4 times this year, hopefully more next year but not necessarily. Looking at soft flex boots — I’m comfortable on greens and hope to try out some blue runs this year.
Interested in buying rather than renting because I’ve read that basically any boot you can buy is a million times better than a rental. I also see that most boots for purchase look a lot easier to walk in than rentals, and walking around in ski boots is easily my most hated thing about any ski trip. Anything to improve that would be great.
The big recommendation is to go to a bootfitter, but I have the sense that a) they’ll probably have very little selection in my size+flex level, which will lead to b) me having very limited choice price-wise and feeling pressured (even if only internally) into getting something way outside of my price range. If I shop online, I have the ability to choose between different options in my size.
What I’m wondering is, isn’t pretty much any boot I buy online going to be better than a rental? So if I’m not going to be skiing that much this year or probably next year, why not buy something that’s a step up from a rental even if it’s not custom fit just for me? And then when I feel like I’m more of an intermediate skier and can really put time into this hobby, I can splurge on a trip to a bootfitter.
Or is it really that bad to just buy a pair of boots on sale online and wear them out of the box?
Any tips/suggestions/feedback appreciated!
Best answer: There's a happy middle-ground. Many ski shops offer season rentals where you can rent a setup for the season. It's typically higher quality ski equipment, and should be more options available. The only real issue is that this is pretty late in the season to be looking, and many of the better options will be sold out.
That being said, buying a pair of boots online or even previously owned is a good option, as long as you know your size/fit. You can even go into a ski shop/sports shop and try on boots to get your sizing if needed. Many are having after holiday sales, and you might find something you like decently priced.
For a casual skier, comfort is key. You can get more performance leaning equipment later if you so feel the need.
posted by wile e at 11:57 PM on January 2, 2022
That being said, buying a pair of boots online or even previously owned is a good option, as long as you know your size/fit. You can even go into a ski shop/sports shop and try on boots to get your sizing if needed. Many are having after holiday sales, and you might find something you like decently priced.
For a casual skier, comfort is key. You can get more performance leaning equipment later if you so feel the need.
posted by wile e at 11:57 PM on January 2, 2022
Best answer:
Or is it really that bad to just buy a pair of boots on sale online and wear them out of the box?
Given your unusual feet issues, Kinda. If they fit bad, they fit bad. Some things can't be fixed by a bootfitter for a reasonable price.
Call them and tell them your sizing and ask what they have in your size in stock before going! Tell them your budget on the phone.
Even having them dial the buckles right for you is a HUGE change in to trial and error on yourself.
One thing you can do is ask them "how much just to buy these boots from you, have you dial the buckles in and do a simple custom orthotic footbed, rather than a full custom liner"?
You can also take your own boots to a bootfitter but as I said, if the shell is wrong or the liner out of what you need, it would cost MORE to unfuck them because of the work involved than buying the right thing.
I can't emphasize how much better good fitting boots are for skiing. Also, if you can go on a weekday or off-season, (if they are open and there) that should remove the pressure on them for time.
Good luck,
posted by lalochezia at 5:04 AM on January 3, 2022 [4 favorites]
Or is it really that bad to just buy a pair of boots on sale online and wear them out of the box?
Given your unusual feet issues, Kinda. If they fit bad, they fit bad. Some things can't be fixed by a bootfitter for a reasonable price.
Call them and tell them your sizing and ask what they have in your size in stock before going! Tell them your budget on the phone.
Even having them dial the buckles right for you is a HUGE change in to trial and error on yourself.
One thing you can do is ask them "how much just to buy these boots from you, have you dial the buckles in and do a simple custom orthotic footbed, rather than a full custom liner"?
You can also take your own boots to a bootfitter but as I said, if the shell is wrong or the liner out of what you need, it would cost MORE to unfuck them because of the work involved than buying the right thing.
I can't emphasize how much better good fitting boots are for skiing. Also, if you can go on a weekday or off-season, (if they are open and there) that should remove the pressure on them for time.
Good luck,
posted by lalochezia at 5:04 AM on January 3, 2022 [4 favorites]
I don't think it's true that any boot you can buy is better than any rental for your particular feet. Can you just put on any pair of size 5 shoes and find that they fit well and are comfortable? I know I can't do that. I can try on a dozen pairs of shoes that are all size 7 and some will be too big or too small or too tight in one spot or just uncomfortable in some way and even among the ones that fit, some will be more comfortable than others. It's just the same with ski boots, only more so because they have they have more potential to really hurt your feet and calves and/or mess up your skiing if they don't fit right. I would not buy boots without trying them on unless you're okay with sending them back and maybe repeating that process multiple times.
posted by Redstart at 7:30 AM on January 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Redstart at 7:30 AM on January 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Great tips, thanks all.
Redstart— yes, I would fully expect to be sending back if needed.
lalochezia — I really appreciate your suggestions about questions to ask the bootfitter! Because I’m a beginner it’s nice to have a sort of “script”.
I think what I’ll do is try to do a season rental as wile e suggested, and then look at buying in the off season, when I also assume that there will be better deals.
Not going to mark as resolved yet, in case anyone has additional advice.
posted by imalaowai at 9:47 AM on January 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Redstart— yes, I would fully expect to be sending back if needed.
lalochezia — I really appreciate your suggestions about questions to ask the bootfitter! Because I’m a beginner it’s nice to have a sort of “script”.
I think what I’ll do is try to do a season rental as wile e suggested, and then look at buying in the off season, when I also assume that there will be better deals.
Not going to mark as resolved yet, in case anyone has additional advice.
posted by imalaowai at 9:47 AM on January 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
My experience is that even if the boots you own don't fit you perfectly, they'll have the same imperfect fit every single time, and it is at least consistent across days, so your body knows what to expect. When you rent different boots every single time, your body has to readjust to how these specific boots feel, and where they are responsive in some dimensions but loose in others.
posted by meowzilla at 10:22 AM on January 3, 2022
posted by meowzilla at 10:22 AM on January 3, 2022
Seconding the season rental this year!
But please get fitted for ski boots, it does materially help the whole experience!
A half decent hack for women, is that small sizes are available in youth(teen) sizes, and those are often cheaper than adult boots, particularly if you look at anything for "park" or "freestyle". These will often be a softer flex that's pretty beginner friendly. You do not want anything oriented towards ski racing (ie. stiff boots), but don't be put off by more youthful oriented gear!
I definitely second calling a few shops and ask if they have your size in stock and make a boot fitting appointment, and very importantly being honest about your skill level and what you are looking to do. If you exercise and use insoles in other shoes bring those with you! I've also used Dr. Scholls inserts to great effect in ski boots. (And frankly to better effect than $200 orthotics, so seconding skipping that at your level.)
And finally, (If you have one) REI has an extremely generous return policy, and I've ordered 4pairs of boots to be delivered to their store and then returned the 3 that didn't fit on the spot. Their bootfitters (if they even have one) will be less skilled than at a local shop, but hey it's an alternative.
posted by larthegreat at 3:35 PM on January 3, 2022
But please get fitted for ski boots, it does materially help the whole experience!
A half decent hack for women, is that small sizes are available in youth(teen) sizes, and those are often cheaper than adult boots, particularly if you look at anything for "park" or "freestyle". These will often be a softer flex that's pretty beginner friendly. You do not want anything oriented towards ski racing (ie. stiff boots), but don't be put off by more youthful oriented gear!
I definitely second calling a few shops and ask if they have your size in stock and make a boot fitting appointment, and very importantly being honest about your skill level and what you are looking to do. If you exercise and use insoles in other shoes bring those with you! I've also used Dr. Scholls inserts to great effect in ski boots. (And frankly to better effect than $200 orthotics, so seconding skipping that at your level.)
And finally, (If you have one) REI has an extremely generous return policy, and I've ordered 4pairs of boots to be delivered to their store and then returned the 3 that didn't fit on the spot. Their bootfitters (if they even have one) will be less skilled than at a local shop, but hey it's an alternative.
posted by larthegreat at 3:35 PM on January 3, 2022
One of my friends used to sell ski equipment and told me that each brand has their own foot lasts (like a form for shoes) that they design around. So while there is variation in models within a brand, some brands run generally wider or narrower.
Anyway, I have narrow feet and Lang works really well for me. My other friend, with narrow and small feet bought the youth size Lang boots because they were both cheaper and fit better. Recreational youth boots probably have a bit more flex since youths are generally smaller and lighter. If you can find a store that stocks them for a fitting it'd be a good place to start. I would say that it was worth spending the extra to buy at a shop and get fitted and have the fitter run around prepping and pulling the boots on and off. Badly fitting boots are miserable and not worth the money.
Also thinnish wool socks are the way to go and made a big difference in my comfort level. Thick loose socks get all bunched up and miserable and weren't really warmer since the boot has to be pretty snug.
posted by captaincrouton at 4:01 PM on January 3, 2022
Anyway, I have narrow feet and Lang works really well for me. My other friend, with narrow and small feet bought the youth size Lang boots because they were both cheaper and fit better. Recreational youth boots probably have a bit more flex since youths are generally smaller and lighter. If you can find a store that stocks them for a fitting it'd be a good place to start. I would say that it was worth spending the extra to buy at a shop and get fitted and have the fitter run around prepping and pulling the boots on and off. Badly fitting boots are miserable and not worth the money.
Also thinnish wool socks are the way to go and made a big difference in my comfort level. Thick loose socks get all bunched up and miserable and weren't really warmer since the boot has to be pretty snug.
posted by captaincrouton at 4:01 PM on January 3, 2022
Add me to the chorus that says buying ski boots online for a novice is asking for trouble. This is doubly so for someone that has unusual foot proportions. Each brand of boots has their own "thing" where that might be wider or narrower or softer or more rigid much like some clothing brands run small or large. The bootfitter at a good shop will know these things and can steer you in the right direction.
Ideally you'll try to get an appointment with a fitter the night before you intend to ski so you can get what is hopefully good enough boots. Then you can ski on them and then come back at the end of the day for adjustments or a return for a different model. If you can't get that kind of appointment, rent...spending $30-$40 is worth it not having the right boots.
Having properly fitting boots is by far the most important thing you can do to ensure that you enjoy your time on the slopes.
posted by mmascolino at 6:02 PM on January 3, 2022
Ideally you'll try to get an appointment with a fitter the night before you intend to ski so you can get what is hopefully good enough boots. Then you can ski on them and then come back at the end of the day for adjustments or a return for a different model. If you can't get that kind of appointment, rent...spending $30-$40 is worth it not having the right boots.
Having properly fitting boots is by far the most important thing you can do to ensure that you enjoy your time on the slopes.
posted by mmascolino at 6:02 PM on January 3, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
For four trips a year, I would rent day 1, and then go to a decent ski shop and try some on. Given narrow feet, they might be able to help you shim them or something, to get the fit you need. Would never buy boots without having tried them on first.
posted by Windopaene at 11:13 PM on January 2, 2022 [1 favorite]