Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

A guide to ski Boot Fitting

2»

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    Steve wrote: »
    When you get to the alps, there will we plenty of ski shops willing to help you - intersport etc.
    Go in and explain that you want to 'try and then buy', they will fit you properly, rent them to you, and you can come back every day and try something different it it doesn't suit.

    As a beginner (to skiing) I wouldn't recommend this though, rent your boots the first year and get a feel for what works, don't be shy about going back to the renter and changing them.

    Skis for a first time skiier should be below your eye level when stood up in the shop. Shorter = slower and easier to turn, longer = faster and harder to turn.

    Interski are the worst boot fitters on the planet! It would like getting custom running shoes in champion sports. Very few resorts actually have good boot fitters. The resort I live in for example the nearest decent boot fitter is 40min away! Also a huge premium in resort in terms of equipment when purchasing. Boots are always a good investment, Make the ski experience much better. Ron day one

    Also the ski advice is very outdated and wrong! World Cup slalom skis are 155cm long - 165cm for men. Although shorter turns turn quicker they, are much more unstable and skis that are to short, eject a lot of skiers out the back seat

    Much like the first post in this thread, lots of bad advice going around still!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    Fattes wrote: »
    Also the ski advice is very outdated and wrong!

    Much like the first post in this thread, lots of bad advice going around still!
    What is wrong about it, please tell me? I'm only going on what I hear in Austria every year... if they are feeding me Ziegendrek then please .. the floor is yours. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    Steve wrote: »
    What is wrong about it, please tell me? I'm only going on what I hear in Austria every year... if they are feeding me Ziegendrek then please .. the floor is yours. :)

    Guess for some background first, ISIA full time instructor working in Switzerland as a trainer for a ski school, and a senior instructor.Race and Freestyle coach and ex FIS racer. Trained bootfitter, sponsored athlete & brand ambassador for one of the major ski companies, and will be spending the next week training retail staff in the UK about next years equipment!

    New technology has lead to hundreds of different Torsional stiffness materials such as flax, hemp, plastics and titanium, super fibers, polymod Carbon and Koroyd have changed ski design and performance dramatically.

    Saying shorter skis are slower is wildly inaccurate Slalom skis 165 are stable up to speeds of 90- 100 kph. A punter rental ski with composite core with 165 length will struggle at 60 kph. Different construction but the same length. Lower end Rental skis tend not to be sidewall construction and composite Foam cores. They will be very different to a wood core sidewall ski of the same length.

    Length of ski for beginner varies, depending on build, weight and boot length. Yes rental shops will shovel Kuhscheiße as they just want you to take what they say and get you out. About eye level is a good rule of thumb these days. If the skis are to short yes they are easier to turn, but they are much more unstable and vibrate more, making them more difficult to control, increasing fatigue and impeding technique

    Longer skis can cause more damage in a fall by creating greater twisting forces on the joints. So shops will play it safer as the falls on shorter skis reduce that risk by a marginal %

    The standard Austrian treatment in a rental shop is get them in and out as quickly and as safe as possible, with the skis that give them the biggest profit margin!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    Just reading this back it should read French/Austrian/Italian/Swiss rental shop, as the behaviour is fairly standard.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭hawkwind23


    Fattes ,
    I bought the Rossignol Experience 80 (168cm)
    Im 5ft 6 and 205lbs (fatlad)
    should be ok? as an intermediate i reckon i might find them tough to begin with but room to grow in them?
    did a load of research and they seemed the ski that best suited.


    I had to buy boots off the shelf , spent ages measuring myself and trying boots on without the lining and picked a pair that matched up with what the experts said to look out for.
    My problem was the width , all the higher flex boots had narrow width so the Head boots i got allowed me to adjust that.
    They seem about right although i wont know for sure till i get on the snow , my thinking is i can get them adjusted in resort?
    Ill maybe take them down to Kilternan and get a feel for them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    It's hard to tell without having seen you ski or knowing you but it's the type of ski I recommend most for intermediaries. A 78-84 under foot mountain front side ski, which is what you have there!

    Most high performance boots with Flex of 100 and upwards tend to have a narrower last, but depending on the tow box and construction some can feel roomier. Plenty of company's offering custom she'll technology to help with that.

    Lots of luck and fun with the new kit, if you are up in the ski club let me know. Also like Boris the blade says "heavy is good" it makes gravity your friend and co pilot ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    Just a brief glimpse of how complicated boot fitting actually is! This is 3 of 10 processes over my 2.5 hour fitting today in the hands of an expert


  • Registered Users Posts: 2 al8217


    I'm in the market for some women's freeride touring boots, and looking some advice on where is the best place to get these.

    I'd like to go to a good boot fitter, and get the right pair for my feet. Last time I went through the custom-fitting process was in Canada and there was a good selection of expert fitters. I'm not so familiar with who to go to in the Alps/Ireland/London.
    It's all the more difficult as I'm looking for pin-compatible women's boots, its a pretty small market, there's only a few models that meet my requirements and not many shops will stock them.

    I'm considering an early season trip out to a glacier resort & get boots there - maybe Hintertux- does anyone know a good fitter in the Zillertal region?
    Would also consider other snowsure resorts if there was a good shop with a good fitter and backcountry boot selection.
    I'd also consider London, but I'd prefer to be able to ski the boots and go back to the fitter if they needed any adjustments.

    Any thoughts?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭Fattes


    al8217 wrote: »
    I'm in the market for some women's freeride touring boots, and looking some advice on where is the best place to get these.
    I'd like to go to a good boot fitter, and get the right pair for my feet. Last time I went through the custom-fitting process was in Canada and there was a good selection of expert fitters. I'm not so familiar with who to go to in the Alps/Ireland/London.
    It's all the more difficult as I'm looking for pin-compatible women's boots, its a pretty small market, there's only a few models that meet my requirements and not many shops will stock them.
    I'm considering an early season trip out to a glacier resort & get boots there - maybe Hintertux- does anyone know a good fitter in the Zillertal region?
    Would also consider other snowsure resorts if there was a good shop with a good fitter and backcountry boot selection.
    I'd also consider London, but I'd prefer to be able to ski the boots and go back to the fitter if they needed any adjustments.

    Any thoughts?

    * Disclaimer, I ski on a pro deal with Salomon

    Hey, from a boot point of view you have tons of choice, both Salomon, Atomic, Dalbelli, Scarpa and technical now have pin compatible boots that are compatible or better than traditional brands.

    In Ireland your only real option is Snow and Rock Dubdrum, they are carrying the boot attached, in the pic and if you only need footbeds they are more than capable of doing that.

    In the UK Colin in Solutions for feet Bichester is the best there is or surefeet in London is in.

    In Hintertux the ski rental and sale shop at Tuxer Fernerhaus Top of the 2nd Gondola is really good


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 216 ✭✭Skibunny77


    Fattes, can you recommend a boot fitter in St Anton? I'm going to find it hard to get to Snow and Rock pre holiday and if I knew of a decent fitting service, I'd get myself sorted in St Anton.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,679 Mod ✭✭✭✭Rew


    Skibunny77 wrote: »
    Fattes, can you recommend a boot fitter in St Anton? I'm going to find it hard to get to Snow and Rock pre holiday and if I knew of a decent fitting service, I'd get myself sorted in St Anton.

    We were there last year and a friend of mine wanted his boots adjusted so went to Sporthaus Jennewein. Service was great and the selection of boots in there is impressive. You can take a look inside the shop on Google streetview:

    https://www.google.ie/maps/@47.1270932,10.2637538,3a,75y,131.92h,70.83t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sIuCIN1dSyoQAAAQvxROd6g!2e0!3e2!7i13312!8i6656

    No one I know bought boots so cant fully recommend but saw other random people in there getting fitted and the service looked really good and through. Its a pretty high end shop so probably not cheap!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    I'll be buying a new pair of ski boots in Snow & Rock as soon as they get their gear back in.
    Anyone know if Hubert will be working there this year or is there someone else I should be looking for. Would you go in in advance and ask them when this person would be available or turn up on the day and their bootfitter will be around.

    Don't want to chance getting someone with no experience, they're a big investment


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,189 ✭✭✭hawkwind23


    colly10 wrote: »
    I'll be buying a new pair of ski boots in Snow & Rock as soon as they get their gear back in.
    Anyone know if Hubert will be working there this year or is there someone else I should be looking for. Would you go in in advance and ask them when this person would be available or turn up on the day and their bootfitter will be around.

    Don't want to chance getting someone with no experience, they're a big investment

    Try messaging this page , based in NI but only a short drive from Dub

    https://www.facebook.com/skiserviceni/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    hawkwind23 wrote: »
    Try messaging this page , based in NI but only a short drive from Dub

    https://www.facebook.com/skiserviceni/

    Thanks, alot of recommendations i've read have said go with Snow & Rock so i'd be going with them unless there was a reason not to


  • Registered Users Posts: 104 ✭✭Mafra


    As far as I'm aware that guy left a year or two ago. I had read some great reviews on his service so went myself about a year or more ago thinking he'd be still there but he wasn't.( I'm pretty sure it was the same guy I was looking for). Anyway I went and was a little disappointed that he wasn't there as there was only two very young guys doing the fitting. I have to say though they were very good. They really wanted them to be right for me. It took several hours but they kept at it until the boots were just right.
    My boots have worked out fantastically well. I went for the moulded foot beds too which were more expensive but I love my boots. They did a great job. They earn their money really as it's a bit of a process to fit them properly.
    I couldn't be happier though and dreading if I have to replace them.
    There was a guy though that came in while I was there who had bought boots before going on holiday and his didn't work out so he wasn't so happy, but I think it's part of the service to tweak them or something if there is a problem. From what I observed that day, there were quite a few 'experts' coming in and requesting this and that. Sometimes google and only an ounce of knowledge is a dangerous thing.
    Mine worked out a treat though.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,738 ✭✭✭Jay D


    I was going to go to Snow + Rock too. Was actually there last night checking them out. Was unsure whether to wait till our trip or not but I have been putting off getting my own set for years now.

    Need to make up my mind!! :D

    Some really good advice on here, thanks people.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 732 ✭✭✭Dero


    Hey all.
    So I'm heading to Val d'Isère in February, and as this is my fourth ski trip, I have decided it's time to invest in boots. The question I have is whether there is any significant advantage to getting the boots fitted and supplied in the resort, or to go to Snow + Rock before I go? My thinking in terms of the resort is that I have far greater scope to return to the fitter for tweaks immediately.

    On the other hand, I only get one week of skiing a year. I understand that proper boot fitting is a time-consuming process, and I don't want to be pressurising myself to just get out on the mountain and possibly compromise my decision... If I go to Snow + Rock, can can spend as long as I want getting fitted and not feel like I'm eating a chunk of my ski holiday.

    On top of that, while I am sure there are good (or even great) boot fitters in Val d'Isère, I don't know who they are. Does anyone have any recommendations for a shop with good fitter?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭stecleary


    Dero wrote: »
    Dundrum or resort?

    For me its dundrum.

    While you dont have slope access ( you could use sandyford) you have plenty of time to throw them on for an hour in the evening and walk around the house, sit in them and get a good feel for sore spots, then you can return to S&R for adjustments rather than ski for a week in pain come home and try remember where hurt, or worse lose out on ski time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    I'd go with Snow and Rock. Hubert works in there on Sunday's and is a very good fitter.
    It would be hard to tell too much from a day on the slopes anyway. New boots are sore, you get out the bad pressure points in the shops but they're still tight and it takes a while in them for them to feel right.

    I've been out at least 4 times in Kilternan now and they're only starting to feel good now, better every time. If I tried them all day with the way they felt on day 1 and tried to do 8 hours straight in them, my feet would fall off and i'd want massive amounts of tweaking done to what is a very good fitting boot.

    Heard many say that if they feel comfy from day one you have a boot that's too loose. I wouldn't want to ruin 2 days on the slopes till all feels good


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    When I bought my last boots, I hired them first (been going to the same place for donkeys years so makes it easier), went through a few options and was able to try them on actual slopes with the same skis. Paid premium for the hire to get current new stock boots.

    When I found what I was happy with I bought the same ones the next year - now last years stock and way cheaper.

    I know this won't work for everyone but a suggestion.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 732 ✭✭✭Dero


    Thanks all.

    Yeah, I think I'll go the Dundrum route, with a few sessions in Kilternan before I head off if warranted.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    Dero wrote: »
    Thanks all.

    Yeah, I think I'll go the Dundrum route, with a few sessions in Kilternan before I head off if warranted.

    Would definitely get a few days in Kilternan first. On my first 2/3 days down, I was thinking about returning them for tweaks, glad I didn't now cause they feel like they should now. But they were certainly painful for a while.

    Get the pressure points out in the shop, but when you start skiing, you'll feel more but if they were good in the shop, these should come out


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭stecleary


    Any one ever had heat molded boots remolded?
    My wife needs a bit of an adjustment to hers, I assume it just the same process as when buying?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,584 ✭✭✭✭Steve


    stecleary wrote: »
    Any one ever had heat molded boots remolded?
    My wife needs a bit of an adjustment to hers, I assume it just the same process as when buying?

    Not personally but I know people who've had it done. Yes it's the same process, just heat and stand in them till they cool.

    (As long as they aren't the injection foam type.)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,791 ✭✭✭John_Mc


    I'm heading over to the 3 valleys at the end of February and think I'll buy my boots this time. I live in Limerick and won't be able to buy from S+R in Dundrum as even if I did, I wouldn't be able to go back to them easily looking for tweaks.

    Any ideas of a ball park price for a good set of boots?

    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    Mine we’re about 400 with the custom foodbed but got money off to make them that price.
    I wouldn’t buy off the rack if that’s what you’re planning? If buying over there, try to get a recommendation for a fitter but be aware, they’ll be painful for a while if fitted, even if they’re a great fit there’s still some breaking in to do.

    Ye could go to Hubert in S&R some Sunday. 3 of us got fitted and none of us had to go back so ye’ll probably be grand. Will need to break them in though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,139 ✭✭✭olaola


    Just FYI, you have to book if you want to go to Snow & Rock for a boot fitting.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,679 Mod ✭✭✭✭Rew


    olaola wrote: »
    Just FYI, you have to book if you want to go to Snow & Rock for a boot fitting.

    My wife got a pair at the weekend in there. Really good service and spent ages with her.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 353 ✭✭kal7


    Anyone got a metatarsal arch (the traverse arch in forefoot ie under ball of foot) support in a ski boot before?

    My cousin needs one. Got a great fitting in S&R dundrum, I only noticed his dropped arch after this, while on our ski trip.

    Boots and fit were good, but think this will help.

    Don't know if such product exists. He is going to ask his podiatrist, she is also a skier.


  • Registered Users Posts: 104 ✭✭Mafra


    kal7 wrote: »
    Anyone got a metatarsal arch (the traverse arch in forefoot ie under ball of foot) support in a ski boot before?

    My cousin needs one. Got a great fitting in S&R dundrum, I only noticed his dropped arch after this, while on our ski trip.

    Boots and fit were good, but think this will help.

    Don't know if such product exists. He is going to ask his podiatrist, she is also a skier.

    Not sure but s&r do a custom mould liner which is fantastic. I use arch supports if I’m wearing non supportive or very flat footwear. The custom ones are excellent so might do the trick for individual issues.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 5 aconnor


    Can somebody explain what is a footbed in a ski boot? Do they come in a new boot anyway or are they an extra bit you put in like an insole in your shoe.
    If they are an extra item, what are they for?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,114 ✭✭✭stecleary


    they are an insole. some boots come with them some don't, well worth getting a pair when getting boots, they fill all the extra space in the boot resulting in an even better fit


  • Registered Users Posts: 5 aconnor


    Thanks for that. The boots I have are a fairly good fit anyway. The Salomon ones that are heat-moulded around your foot. The boot fitter gave me a size that fitted my heel properly, then stretched the front part wide enough to fit my caveman foot. Only a small bit at a time though, 3 days in a row, so they are not too big. The opposite of what I normally have to do when buying shoes.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 353 ✭✭kal7


    Hi,

    why do professional ski racers have what looks to be power strap loose on boot in race?

    Read one internet article that said a tight done power strap actually stops ankle flexion. Complicated anatomy reasons, looked like a properly scholarly one.

    THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT POWER STRAPS | The Skier's ...
    https://skimoves.me/2015/02/13/the-shocking-truth-about-power-straps/

    Should you use strap to get into boot then loose it??

    Seem strange to me, might try and see, and would be contradicted by use of strong elastic band used by many racers.

    No anything like a pro myself, but if ankle bend reduced would be bad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 ✭✭✭The man in red and black


    Snow and Rock still the go to place for ski boots. Have problems most years with rental boots, usually too tight on my bigger foot in terms of width and the foot ends up numb. Last year I would say I actually damaged the nerve in my foot as it took 4 months for the vague pins/needles to go out of the outside of my foot from the boot(tried going back to the ski rental place 3 times but no success in fixing the problem.)
    Would like to buy at this stage but just paranoid I'll end up with the same problems.


  • Registered Users Posts: 104 ✭✭Mafra


    I don’t think there are many better alternatives in Ireland. I had boots and moulded insoles fitted there 3 years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve done. Boots are perfect fit for me and all day comfort.
    They give a guarantee that they’ll tweak them if not correct etc. Trouble is in Ireland that you’ve got to go on holiday to try them so it’s potentially a week of ill fitting boots until you can tweak them again. I suppose if you buy them at a resort you can try them for a few hours and have them altered on the spot if you have a problem.
    Snow and rock worked out really well for me and I love my boots. (use a powerstrap them now too).
    The cant on one of mine could probably do with some fine tuning but haven’t gotten round to that yet.
    I bought my skis on resort last year though which I would recommend as I tested about 5 pairs over 3/4 days. Good luck with your boots!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭Rebelbrowser


    Quick question lest someone knows the answer.

    I am hiring for a ski holiday this year (Portes du Soleil) as are my family. From bitter experience for one family member years ago we do place a big premium on comfortable shoes. Obviously when hiring all you are offered is beginner / intermediate / advanced with the price going up as the standard goes up. But does that mean the beginner boots are basic, the intermediates better and the advanced best? I appreciate the type of skis you give to each standard must vary but can you get, say, beginner skis on advanced boots or does it work like that? Happy to pay extra for comfortable boots basically without then getting the wrong skis....


  • Registered Users Posts: 104 ✭✭Mafra


    I’m not sure if everywhere is the same but I think the boots are pretty much the same it’s the ski that changes. As in you get a lighter, softer, shorter ski in beginners package etc While renting I never got advanced boots as only hired skis but I haven’t seen anyone get a choice of boots whereas you do get a choice of skis. Think the boots are generally of decent quality particularly the bigger stores like intersport but a guy working in one told me the boots are good but the liner is a cheaper version for rental boots and that makes a huge difference.
    Everyone has different shaped feet so it’s going to be hard to get a well fitted boot by renting as they’ll be bent out of shape from everyone else’s feet.
    I only noticed how much better skiing was when I had my own. It used the wreck my head choosing skis and worrying about crappy boots. If you like skiing I’d def recommend buying some as your feet won’t grow. Hope u have a good trip!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭Rebelbrowser


    Mafra wrote: »
    I’m not sure if everywhere is the same but I think the boots are pretty much the same it’s the ski that changes. As in you get a lighter, softer, shorter ski in beginners package etc While renting I never got advanced boots as only hired skis but I haven’t seen anyone get a choice of boots whereas you do get a choice of skis. Think the boots are generally of decent quality particularly the bigger stores like intersport but a guy working in one told me the boots are good but the liner is a cheaper version for rental boots and that makes a huge difference.
    Everyone has different shaped feet so it’s going to be hard to get a well fitted boot by renting as they’ll be bent out of shape from everyone else’s feet.
    I only noticed how much better skiing was when I had my own. It used the wreck my head choosing skis and worrying about crappy boots. If you like skiing I’d def recommend buying some as your feet won’t grow. Hope u have a good trip!

    Many thanks. If this trip goes well and it looks like being an annual / bi-annual event then I agree it will be time to buy boots.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 10 shouchin


    Quick question lest someone knows the answer.

    I am hiring for a ski holiday this year (Portes du Soleil) as are my family. From bitter experience for one family member years ago we do place a big premium on comfortable shoes. Obviously when hiring all you are offered is beginner / intermediate / advanced with the price going up as the standard goes up. But does that mean the beginner boots are basic, the intermediates better and the advanced best? I appreciate the type of skis you give to each standard must vary but can you get, say, beginner skis on advanced boots or does it work like that? Happy to pay extra for comfortable boots basically without then getting the wrong skis....

    I was in same boat a few years back. I used SkiHire2u and found them to have good gear to match ski ability and the benefit of bringing it you your front door and +/- sizing in case of fit issues.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10 shouchin


    Mafra wrote: »
    I don’t think there are many better alternatives in Ireland. I had boots and moulded insoles fitted there 3 years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve done. Boots are perfect fit for me and all day comfort.
    They give a guarantee that they’ll tweak them if not correct etc. Trouble is in Ireland that you’ve got to go on holiday to try them so it’s potentially a week of ill fitting boots until you can tweak them again. I suppose if you buy them at a resort you can try them for a few hours and have them altered on the spot if you have a problem.
    Snow and rock worked out really well for me and I love my boots. (use a powerstrap them now too).
    The cant on one of mine could probably do with some fine tuning but haven’t gotten round to that yet.
    I bought my skis on resort last year though which I would recommend as I tested about 5 pairs over 3/4 days. Good luck with your boots!

    I was in same situation last year. FWIW, I ended up doing a day trip over to Glasgow to Snowfactor at Braehead (10-15 mins from airport). I booked into Ellis Brigham for a boot fitting first thing. Very knowledgeable boot fitters and equipment - tried 3-4 options, custom shell fitting and out the door. Let the boots cool over lunch and over to the indoor ski slope (real snow) and skied for 4 hours. I was able to do a minor boot adjustment to address toe numbness on the way out before heading back to the airport for a late flight home. It was a long day but my boots were perfect for our ski week the Italian Alps later that month.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    Quick question lest someone knows the answer.

    I am hiring for a ski holiday this year (Portes du Soleil) as are my family. From bitter experience for one family member years ago we do place a big premium on comfortable shoes. Obviously when hiring all you are offered is beginner / intermediate / advanced with the price going up as the standard goes up. But does that mean the beginner boots are basic, the intermediates better and the advanced best? I appreciate the type of skis you give to each standard must vary but can you get, say, beginner skis on advanced boots or does it work like that? Happy to pay extra for comfortable boots basically without then getting the wrong skis....

    A beginner boot is softer flex with an advanced boot harder to flex.
    A beginner could have the same flex as someone more advanced if they're a good bit heavier though.
    A very flexible boot won't be as reactive as you want if you're a better skier, a boot can also be too stiff for you, if you can't flex it properly you won't have the control you want.

    In reality though, i've seen them hand out some old battered boots as beginner boots. I'd go for the intermediates


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,110 ✭✭✭Donie75


    Looking at replacing my 16 year old Tecnica 7 Senses boots that I bought in Soll when I started skiing first. I think they were pretty basic boots at the time and I have used them every year since. The liner is very badly worn around the ankles so I think it's time for a new pair.
    I called into Snow + Rock recently and tried a few pairs. The Atomic Hawx Magna 110s fitted really well and felt way better than my old boots.
    I'm going to book a fitting very soon. Is there any particular fitter I should ask for in S+R?
    Has anyone else upgraded their ski boots and found a good improvement?


  • Registered Users Posts: 141 ✭✭Inconspicuous


    Donie75 wrote: »
    Looking at replacing my 16 year old Tecnica 7 Senses boots that I bought in Soll when I started skiing first. I think they were pretty basic boots at the time and I have used them every year since. The liner is very badly worn around the ankles so I think it's time for a new pair.
    I called into Snow + Rock recently and tried a few pairs. The Atomic Hawx Magna 110s fitted really well and felt way better than my old boots.
    I'm going to book a fitting very soon. Is there any particular fitter I should ask for in S+R?
    Has anyone else upgraded their ski boots and found a good improvement?


    Unfortunately I can't help with any recommendations, but I'm just about to buy my first pair of ski boots and was going to book an appointment in S&R too. Do they have a decent selection of boots out there?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,110 ✭✭✭Donie75


    Inconspicuous,
    They don't have a huge selection of boots, maybe 10-12 different mens boots but they seem to cover all the types that most people require and they will order in boots if they don't have what you need.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭colly10


    Donie75 wrote: »
    Looking at replacing my 16 year old Tecnica 7 Senses boots that I bought in Soll when I started skiing first. I think they were pretty basic boots at the time and I have used them every year since. The liner is very badly worn around the ankles so I think it's time for a new pair.
    I called into Snow + Rock recently and tried a few pairs. The Atomic Hawx Magna 110s fitted really well and felt way better than my old boots.
    I'm going to book a fitting very soon. Is there any particular fitter I should ask for in S+R?
    Has anyone else upgraded their ski boots and found a good improvement?

    Would recommend Hubert if he’s still there


  • Registered Users Posts: 141 ✭✭Inconspicuous


    Donie75 wrote: »
    Inconspicuous,
    They don't have a huge selection of boots, maybe 10-12 different mens boots but they seem to cover all the types that most people require and they will order in boots if they don't have what you need.




    Thanks! I'll give them a shout later and see about getting an appointment so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 ✭✭✭The man in red and black


    Mafra wrote: »
    I don’t think there are many better alternatives in Ireland. I had boots and moulded insoles fitted there 3 years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve done. Boots are perfect fit for me and all day comfort.
    They give a guarantee that they’ll tweak them if not correct etc. Trouble is in Ireland that you’ve got to go on holiday to try them so it’s potentially a week of ill fitting boots until you can tweak them again. I suppose if you buy them at a resort you can try them for a few hours and have them altered on the spot if you have a problem.
    Snow and rock worked out really well for me and I love my boots. (use a powerstrap them now too).
    The cant on one of mine could probably do with some fine tuning but haven’t gotten round to that yet.
    I bought my skis on resort last year though which I would recommend as I tested about 5 pairs over 3/4 days. Good luck with your boots!

    Thanks for your advice. Bought a pair in snow and rock before Christmas. Going skiing in 2 weeks time so fingers crossed they fit! Thanks again


Advertisement