Guide On: How to Buy Ski Boots

12995747:MLJ said:
Soz if this has already been posted, but this is a pretty long thread and I haven't got time to look through it.

So I bought some boots about a month ago because my old boots were way too stiff and a couple sizes too big, and now I'm quite worried that these are a little too small. Should you be able feel your toes in the front alot if you arent really flexing forward? Is toe bang normal for landing backseat, or is that just from having new boots that haven't been broken in yet?

Thanks, and +K for answers obviously.

A lot? Not really, but that is easily remedied. First off, a footbed may help your foot sit properly and move it back into the correct heel position. If you do, then you can also take it to a boot fitter who can grind/punch out sections to give you more room.

Toe bang is normal for backseat landing.
 
12996205:.MASSHOLE. said:
A lot? Not really, but that is easily remedied. First off, a footbed may help your foot sit properly and move it back into the correct heel position. If you do, then you can also take it to a boot fitter who can grind/punch out sections to give you more room.

Toe bang is normal for backseat landing.

Thanks a lot for the answer. I feel my toes in the front a lot if I lean back in my boots. I just don't know if its normal because its completely different from my old boots.
 
12996662:MLJ said:
Thanks a lot for the answer. I feel my toes in the front a lot if I lean back in my boots. I just don't know if its normal because its completely different from my old boots.

Chances are that your old boot was a size too big and you are just not used to a properly sized boot. As asked before, are you using a proper, supportive footbed? If not, then this is 95% your problem.

For more answers, we made an entire thread dedicated to solving problems with your existing boots:

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/thread/768122/The-Official---What-is-wrong-with-my-boots---Thread

Make sure to give that a read if you want to better solve your problems.
 
Step 1- Acquire funds.

Step 2- Go to Surefoot, They will have you try on boots without the liner to see which mold will best fit your foot

Step 3- Spend ALL funds on fully custom boots (Foam injected liners, insoles, any expanding that needs to be done around the does and ankles.

You will not regret this.
 
13082719:617freeskier said:
Step 1- Acquire funds.

Step 2- Go to Surefoot, They will have you try on boots without the liner to see which mold will best fit your foot

Step 3- Spend ALL funds on fully custom boots (Foam injected liners, insoles, any expanding that needs to be done around the does and ankles.

You will not regret this.

One thing I would amend here is Step 2: Go to a reputable boot-fitter who is regarded in your area as the one who does the best job.

Not every Surefoot store is amazing, not every Surefoot store is bad- it depends on the boot-fitter who works there, and this will vary from store to store. It may be the case that the Surefoot near you is awesome (however I do not think their footbeds are that great), it may very well be a different shop is better. The best advice here is to ask around and find out who your friends/coaches/patrolers are impressed with.
 
13083547:onenerdykid said:
One thing I would amend here is Step 2: Go to a reputable boot-fitter who is regarded in your area as the one who does the best job.

Not every Surefoot store is amazing, not every Surefoot store is bad- it depends on the boot-fitter who works there, and this will vary from store to store. It may be the case that the Surefoot near you is awesome (however I do not think their footbeds are that great), it may very well be a different shop is better. The best advice here is to ask around and find out who your friends/coaches/patrolers are impressed with.

Just quoting this for emphasis. Surefoot can have some good fitters but they can't do much due to the fact that the footbeds they use are not as good as the other option available. I can honestly say I have to replace more sure foot footbeds every year then any other brand and that includes pro riders. ask around the town where is good to go and I would hazard a guess sure foot won't come up very often.
 
Hey guys, looking at getting new boots when 2015 gear comes out. Unfortunately being not really near the snow the range of boots offered by my local shop (while quite large) has a very limited selection of freestyle boots (two or three models in a few sizes). Seeing as I'm the only customer they know they'll sell freestyle boots for the rest of this year, they have said they are happy to get in a few different types for me to try on when placing next order.

Issue: I currently have 27.5 2006 Sally 1080's that have been blown out as f*ck (my hobbit foot is 115mm wide, super square and high instep). Original liner was comfortable after a while with custom footbeds, but then packed out too much. I have since got intuition liners, but they haven't packed out enough with multiple heat moulds with double toe boxes and 20 days riding. Ended up taking the footbeds out to try and get more volume last time I was there (allowed me to ride 3 hours before taking feet out in excrutiating pain, rather than 2), but landed backseat once and now have no toenails.

From what I can see best bets I should ask them to get in are:

1. 2014 Salomon SPK (noticed 2015 line up has narrower replacement)

2. Dalbello Voodoo

3. FT Booter

I think regardless of what boot it will need work...are there any other wide/high instep park boots I'm missing that may be good option?

Cheers
 
13092215:Craseyy said:
Hey guys, looking at getting new boots when 2015 gear comes out. Unfortunately being not really near the snow the range of boots offered by my local shop (while quite large) has a very limited selection of freestyle boots

Just STOP. Fucking Stop.

Who gives a flying fuck if you ski in a 'freesytle' boot?

The only common themes in 'freesytle' boots is that they all generally are piss poor versions of an actual boot - designed to be sold to fuckhead retards who buy based on marketing and color matching...

Whatever, at the end of the day, its your money, and feet.
 
13092215:Craseyy said:
Hey guys, looking at getting new boots when 2015 gear comes out. Unfortunately being not really near the snow the range of boots offered by my local shop (while quite large) has a very limited selection of freestyle boots (two or three models in a few sizes). Seeing as I'm the only customer they know they'll sell freestyle boots for the rest of this year, they have said they are happy to get in a few different types for me to try on when placing next order.

Issue: I currently have 27.5 2006 Sally 1080's that have been blown out as f*ck (my hobbit foot is 115mm wide, super square and high instep). Original liner was comfortable after a while with custom footbeds, but then packed out too much. I have since got intuition liners, but they haven't packed out enough with multiple heat moulds with double toe boxes and 20 days riding. Ended up taking the footbeds out to try and get more volume last time I was there (allowed me to ride 3 hours before taking feet out in excrutiating pain, rather than 2), but landed backseat once and now have no toenails.

From what I can see best bets I should ask them to get in are:

1. 2014 Salomon SPK (noticed 2015 line up has narrower replacement)

2. Dalbello Voodoo

3. FT Booter

I think regardless of what boot it will need work...are there any other wide/high instep park boots I'm missing that may be good option?

Cheers

Where are you located? We have a thread now with a list of good fitters in differnt areas. Take a look there maybe.

But inregard to boots are your feet 115mm wide weighte or unweighted? That will make a huge difference. Obviously in a 27 you will never find a boot 115 wide. The widest will be around 108 So if you really are 115 unweighted then you will have issues. What type of footbeds were you using before?

with regards to boots the first that spring to mind are the atomic live fit and possibly the salomon x pro. The x pro has custom shell an I have had some grey success seriously widening them out. However the instep may be a slightly limiting factor. The live fit is one of the go too wide boots. Plenty of flex options so you will be able to find a suitable one. The Lange sx boots are pretty roomy too I found last season.

Overall i I woul not bother ordering any "park" boots yet. Try th wider fits tey have in te shop and I would be surprised if you can't get something to work.
 
13092295:cobra_commander said:
Just STOP. Fucking Stop.

Who gives a flying fuck if you ski in a 'freesytle' boot?

The only common themes in 'freesytle' boots is that they all generally are piss poor versions of an actual boot - designed to be sold to fuckhead retards who buy based on marketing and color matching...

Whatever, at the end of the day, its your money, and feet.

Okay, I'll rephrase - I want boots with around 100ish or under flex. Happy?
 
13092331:tomPietrowski said:
Where are you located? We have a thread now with a list of good fitters in differnt areas. Take a look there maybe.

But inregard to boots are your feet 115mm wide weighte or unweighted? That will make a huge difference. Obviously in a 27 you will never find a boot 115 wide. The widest will be around 108 So if you really are 115 unweighted then you will have issues. What type of footbeds were you using before?

with regards to boots the first that spring to mind are the atomic live fit and possibly the salomon x pro. The x pro has custom shell an I have had some grey success seriously widening them out. However the instep may be a slightly limiting factor. The live fit is one of the go too wide boots. Plenty of flex options so you will be able to find a suitable one. The Lange sx boots are pretty roomy too I found last season.

Overall i I woul not bother ordering any "park" boots yet. Try th wider fits tey have in te shop and I would be surprised if you can't get something to work.

Cheers. I'm in Brisbane, Australia, so only have the one shop I'm using currently which has decent bootfitters, but is low on stock at this time of year (so waiting for the influx of new stock). It is 115 unweighted, and unsure of footbed brand but it is a moulded one that was to provide arch support/try and stop my foot from being so wide. It was made by my previous boot fitter who was excellent but has since moved on.

By park boots should have said softer flexing boots for primary use in the park. Already have B120's which I use (rarely) for general riding. They are stiff as shit and don't enjoy using them jibbing.
 
13092445:Craseyy said:
Cheers. I'm in Brisbane, Australia, so only have the one shop I'm using currently which has decent bootfitters, but is low on stock at this time of year (so waiting for the influx of new stock). It is 115 unweighted, and unsure of footbed brand but it is a moulded one that was to provide arch support/try and stop my foot from being so wide. It was made by my previous boot fitter who was excellent but has since moved on.

By park boots should have said softer flexing boots for primary use in the park. Already have B120's which I use (rarely) for general riding. They are stiff as shit and don't enjoy using them jibbing.

Soft boots will not always be better no. Most pros are ridin 120 and above I myself ride a 130 in the park. More important then flex is fit, well both are important but without a good fit even an apropriate flex boot will suck.

What do you not like about the b120 for park?
 
13092521:tomPietrowski said:
What do you not like about the b120 for park?

In his defense, the B120 flexes like a stove pipe so I can see why he might not like the feel of it. Tom is right though in saying that you should not rule out modern boots in the 120-ish category if they are appropriate for you.

With a wide foot like yours, you will need to have some shell modification done. Try to find a good starting point with your local fitter and go from there.

If the B120 suited you well but you just don't like the flex pattern, give the new Hawx 2.0 series a look. They have a starting 100mm last but use our Memory Fit technology that allows the shell to be expanded up to 106mm simply with the pressure of your own foot. A boot-fitter can do way more with traditional tools and the boot will survive that torture for sure. It also has the ability to adjust the flex and forward lean for a real total custom fit experience.
 
I bought a new pair of Lange RS last ski season after getting fitted for them (impulse buy that I instantly regretted). I had been in a soul sister full tilt for the previous 3 seasons, and don't know what my first pair before those were and had a REALLY difficult time adjusting to everything about the langes. I went down two shell sizes and spent countless hours working with the boot fitter to try to make my feet not feel like death when skiing. I feel like they "fit" now, but got unreal toe bang, like I can deal with being in them but now I'm getting anxious as ski season returns about dealing with them again. I guess my point is, did anyone learn to ski in not race boots and then switch to them later? Love them, hate them? Trying to decide if I should cut my losses and return to a full tilt/dalbello fit or try to give the racer boots some more time?

In short, went from FT's to Lange Race boots, hated myself, lost toenails and confidence in skiing abilities. Wondering if anyone else has a similar experience/ended up loving race boots?
 
13200882:twoodwardo said:
I bought a new pair of Lange RS last ski season after getting fitted for them (impulse buy that I instantly regretted). I had been in a soul sister full tilt for the previous 3 seasons, and don't know what my first pair before those were and had a REALLY difficult time adjusting to everything about the langes. I went down two shell sizes and spent countless hours working with the boot fitter to try to make my feet not feel like death when skiing. I feel like they "fit" now, but got unreal toe bang, like I can deal with being in them but now I'm getting anxious as ski season returns about dealing with them again. I guess my point is, did anyone learn to ski in not race boots and then switch to them later? Love them, hate them? Trying to decide if I should cut my losses and return to a full tilt/dalbello fit or try to give the racer boots some more time?

In short, went from FT's to Lange Race boots, hated myself, lost toenails and confidence in skiing abilities. Wondering if anyone else has a similar experience/ended up loving race boots?

Firstly, I doubt you are in the 92mm actual race boot but rather in their "commercial" lasted 97mm boot, unless you can clarify which one you are in (Lange also makes an RS Wide, which is 100mm). But it just sounds like you are not in the right boot for your foot. I am generally not a fan of "making a boot work" which is what your situation sounds like. I would go back to the shop again and explain you are ultimately not happy. They should have a boot-foot guarantee that allows you to do a one-time-exchange or something. If not and you are not satisfied with their service, I would look at other shops in your area. Ask around, ask your friends/coaches/local patrolers where they got their awesome boots at and inquire at said shop. You will have a much better success rate when looking for the right boot-fitter rather than looking for the right boot.
 
13201842:onenerdykid said:
Firstly, I doubt you are in the 92mm actual race boot but rather in their "commercial" lasted 97mm boot, unless you can clarify which one you are in (Lange also makes an RS Wide, which is 100mm). But it just sounds like you are not in the right boot for your foot. I am generally not a fan of "making a boot work" which is what your situation sounds like. I would go back to the shop again and explain you are ultimately not happy. They should have a boot-foot guarantee that allows you to do a one-time-exchange or something. If not and you are not satisfied with their service, I would look at other shops in your area. Ask around, ask your friends/coaches/local patrolers where they got their awesome boots at and inquire at said shop. You will have a much better success rate when looking for the right boot-fitter rather than looking for the right boot.

I do believe you are correct! The boots are the RS 130's, although we played with the flex with them. I think my boot fitter and I got too aggressive with the choice. I'd feel kind of uncomfortable going back though after working with him so much and deciding that I could make them work. Feel kind of guilty trying to take back from them, even though they were steep but really don't want to try to make these boots work all that much anymore. Anyways, after trying them back on and talking with another boot fitter this morning I think it's time to try something different that works better with my foot. He said he'd only be in that aggressive of a fit, ( I wear size nine street women's, and the langes are 23.5's) if I was just racing in them. I appreciate your opinion! Really going to be thoughtful and get more than just one opinion on this upcoming purchase.
 
13201929:twoodwardo said:
I'd feel kind of uncomfortable going back though after working with him so much and deciding that I could make them work. Feel kind of guilty trying to take back from them, even though they were steep but really don't want to try to make these boots work all that much anymore. Anyways, after trying them back on and talking with another boot fitter this morning I think it's time to try something different that works better with my foot. He said he'd only be in that aggressive of a fit, ( I wear size nine street women's, and the langes are 23.5's)

It never hurts to ask, especially after you tell them how appreciative of their work you are but they just aren't working for you. If you are truly a size 9W street shoe, chances that a 23 shell being comfortable for all mountain/park skiing are pretty slim. That's a rather aggressive downsize for world cup even. I would ask them what your options are. I bet worst case scenario, they give you a discount on a new pair.
 
13202048:onenerdykid said:
It never hurts to ask, especially after you tell them how appreciative of their work you are but they just aren't working for you. If you are truly a size 9W street shoe, chances that a 23 shell being comfortable for all mountain/park skiing are pretty slim. That's a rather aggressive downsize for world cup even. I would ask them what your options are. I bet worst case scenario, they give you a discount on a new pair.

Alright, I think I will go talk to them. Thanks, you've been really helpful!
 
13216697:.otto. said:
Are custom footbeds good for fulltilts?

Footbeds are good for your feet regardless of the boot. Boot I designed to fit when your foot is sat in a neutral position. For most people their foot will not sit I neutral without help from a footbed. So to get the best fit in any ski boot you will need some kind of footbed.
 
I've got a newb question.

So I've had the atomic overload startup for about a year and a half now, when first bought I got it done at a shop, heat moulded, custom footbeds, the all. So trusting the guy that fitted the boot for me it was was fitted properly, but now I think I've broken into it fully I use the tightest buckles and its just not tight enough. (I never had the problem of shinbangs or toebangs but doesn't fell secure enough)

Is there a way of making the boot tighter by leaving all the buckles on overnight or should I go back to the shop I got it refitted? I can't really afford a new pair of boots atm... I appreciate any response!
 
13233222:S0DA said:
I've got a newb question.

So I've had the atomic overload startup for about a year and a half now, when first bought I got it done at a shop, heat moulded, custom footbeds, the all. So trusting the guy that fitted the boot for me it was was fitted properly, but now I think I've broken into it fully I use the tightest buckles and its just not tight enough. (I never had the problem of shinbangs or toebangs but doesn't fell secure enough)

Is there a way of making the boot tighter by leaving all the buckles on overnight or should I go back to the shop I got it refitted? I can't really afford a new pair of boots atm... I appreciate any response!

With this version of the Overload, it used the same shell/cuff as our Live Fit series but it used a rather basic liner (hence its lower price point). This liner has probably packed out after a year and a half. Your boot-fitter could add certain foam pads to help take up some of the slop that has developed, but this won't help a ton. Your best bet would be to have your fitter call up Atomic USA (or whichever country you are in) and see if they have any Live Fit 130 liners available. This would be a far cheaper option than buying a new boot or aftermarket Intuition liner but for sure provide a snugger and longer lasting fit than you have now.
 
13233252:onenerdykid said:
With this version of the Overload, it used the same shell/cuff as our Live Fit series but it used a rather basic liner (hence its lower price point). This liner has probably packed out after a year and a half. Your boot-fitter could add certain foam pads to help take up some of the slop that has developed, but this won't help a ton. Your best bet would be to have your fitter call up Atomic USA (or whichever country you are in) and see if they have any Live Fit 130 liners available. This would be a far cheaper option than buying a new boot or aftermarket Intuition liner but for sure provide a snugger and longer lasting fit than you have now.

Amazing, I'll go back to my local boot fitter asap and get it sorted out!

Thanks!
 
Is it a stupid idea to put a random Dr Scholls Sport Insole in my boot? Im probably getting a custom one in the near future but was wondering if it could serve as a placeholder for the time being?
 
13241062:Grilled.Steeze said:
Is it a stupid idea to put a random Dr Scholls Sport Insole in my boot? Im probably getting a custom one in the near future but was wondering if it could serve as a placeholder for the time being?

Not necessarily stupid, but not a good idea. The more squish you have under your foot the more it can lead to problems for ski boots. Your ultimate goal with a footbed is make the best interface between your flexible foot and the rigid environment it is inside of, and this will only be achieved through proper support.

Squishy footbeds allow the foot to flex and move more than what is desirable for being inside a ski boot and using them could result in more toe bang, shinbang, and simply movement in general which can lead to discomfort.

If you're not experiencing any fit problems currently, I would just run your boots as is until you can get proper footbeds. If you are experiencing fit problems, you can try them, but it might make things worse. Your best bet is to save up the coin and get proper footbeds as soon as your timing allows.
 
Comfort is king.and price point.so many marketing gimmicks i could barf.footbeds that are ergonimic are key to having the correct volume filled.you want something snug but not tio snug...BTW IF YOUD LIKE TO GET A DEAL ON SOME 27.5 GHOST 130'S FROM THIS YEAR NEW IN BOX HIT ME UP?$375
 
13241690:onenerdykid said:
Not necessarily stupid, but not a good idea. The more squish you have under your foot the more it can lead to problems for ski boots. Your ultimate goal with a footbed is make the best interface between your flexible foot and the rigid environment it is inside of, and this will only be achieved through proper support.

Squishy footbeds allow the foot to flex and move more than what is desirable for being inside a ski boot and using them could result in more toe bang, shinbang, and simply movement in general which can lead to discomfort.

If you're not experiencing any fit problems currently, I would just run your boots as is until you can get proper footbeds. If you are experiencing fit problems, you can try them, but it might make things worse. Your best bet is to save up the coin and get proper footbeds as soon as your timing allows.

Thanks for the answer man. I don't really know a whole lot about footbeds, anything I should know before I go in to the store? I've seen waay too many guys working in stores who have no clue what they're doing, so I'd like to be able to assess his knowledge and get out fast if he's just makin shit up..
 
13243635:Grilled.Steeze said:
Thanks for the answer man. I don't really know a whole lot about footbeds, anything I should know before I go in to the store? I've seen waay too many guys working in stores who have no clue what they're doing, so I'd like to be able to assess his knowledge and get out fast if he's just makin shit up..

Before you go into a store, I would ask around and do a bit of homework as to which shop/who is the best fitter in your area. Skiing friends, patrolers, coaches, interweb (where are you? perhaps we can help point you in the right direction), etc. I find that word of mouth is one of the best ways to find the best person in your area.

If that can't happen, call up shops and ask them straight up. Ask how long they have been fitting boots for, who are their main fitters, and what kind of custom products (shell modification, foam liners, footbeds, etc) do they do. You can get a good feel for it over the phone as to how competent they are, especially if they are the type of shop that takes appointments.
 
The only thing I disagree with on this entire thread is the stiffness rating. Every boot manufacturer rates their stiffness level differently. For example, a 130 flex on a Salomon may only be a 100 on a Lange. So don't go off of that. Also, a 70-80 stiffness in just about any brand is incredibly soft. Literally. It's butter. A 90-100 is a good flex for an intermediate. If you are looking to throw down though (and you can do this in the park, BC, moguls, anywhere) a bit stiffer won't hurt. I'm on The Quest Max 130, and it's VERY stiff. But it works in all conditions. The great thing about the new Salomon and Atomic boots is that they are 100% fully moldable. Shell AND liner. They are heated up and naturally form to your natural posture, creating a boot that is both comfortable and perfectly form fitting. If you are in the market, go check out these boots. They are well worth the $.
 
So I had a boot I really liked the feel of in the shop. I was hesitant about the shell size but the dude was adamant that they were what I needed. I used them for maybe an hour today and I had to cut the day short because my feet hurt in every possible way, Like how I used to feel sometimes trying out running shoes. Now I'm sitting with them on in my living room and hate them and hate myself for the money I just dropped on these.

I don't really have a question. I just hate buying boots, hate the salesman that sold these to me, and don't know what I'm gonna do now and needed to vent.
 
13272784:~~~~~~~~ said:
So I had a boot I really liked the feel of in the shop. I was hesitant about the shell size but the dude was adamant that they were what I needed. I used them for maybe an hour today and I had to cut the day short because my feet hurt in every possible way, Like how I used to feel sometimes trying out running shoes. Now I'm sitting with them on in my living room and hate them and hate myself for the money I just dropped on these.

I don't really have a question. I just hate buying boots, hate the salesman that sold these to me, and don't know what I'm gonna do now and needed to vent.

So let's find out if the shell is the right length for your foot. Take the liner out, step into the shell with your (thin) ski sock on, slide your foot to the front so your toes just barely touch, and measure the space behind your heel. If you have 1cm of space it is considered a high performance fit, 2cm is normal, 3cm is too big. Let us know how much space you have.

Also, did you get footbeds with the new boot? If not, this is certainly related to your problem. Definitely make sure to get these as they ensure your foot is properly positioned in the shell and your pain will be better solved with these.

But it is common for a brand new boot in the right size to feel a bit uncomfortable when your first ski them. There is always a fix, we just need a bit more information from you first.
 
Last season I bought new Lange boots. They seemed to fit pretty good, a little snug, but not painfully so in the shop. The tech was insistent that I get this size, as one up would have been a bit big in his opinion. My feet haven't grown in the past year so this is where it gets odd.

Fast forward to 50+ days ising them this season, and my feet are in so much pain. I havent been able to feel tip of my big toe in two days, my feet are bruised, and I have severe pain down the right side of my foot. i have custom insoles, and have had them heat molded. my feet freeze in them, and then hurt. If I'm lucky they'll feel alright all day.

so, did I buy boots that are too small? Can I ask for them to be punched out?
 
13283151:moist said:
Last season I bought new Lange boots. They seemed to fit pretty good, a little snug, but not painfully so in the shop. The tech was insistent that I get this size, as one up would have been a bit big in his opinion. My feet haven't grown in the past year so this is where it gets odd.

Fast forward to 50+ days ising them this season, and my feet are in so much pain. I havent been able to feel tip of my big toe in two days, my feet are bruised, and I have severe pain down the right side of my foot. i have custom insoles, and have had them heat molded. my feet freeze in them, and then hurt. If I'm lucky they'll feel alright all day.

so, did I buy boots that are too small? Can I ask for them to be punched out?

Since there is no such thing as half sizes in ski boots, you have to make big jumps in length. Generally speaking (and without seeing your foot in the boot) I would probably agree that going up a size was not a good idea.

Now given that you are most likely in the right size, the boot can still be modified to fit the unique curvatures and shapes of your foot. If your footbed is still correct (high chance that it is), then you can have the toe box and lateral sides of the boot stretched very easily. If this is done properly, they should feel great.

If this is done and they don't feel better, then sometimes it's simply not the right boot for you. A boot-fitter in good faith tries to put you in the best option and it simply doesn't work. It's rare, but it does happen from time to time. Brace yourself for that possibility, but I bet the stretching in your key areas will help tremendously.
 
Thanks so much man. Gonna see if getting them molded a little better to my foot works. I love Lange, would be pretty bummed if they were t the right boot, but what happens happens.
 
So I'm buying boots for the first time. Potentially from somebody on here (full tilt bumble bee pros) I ski in 28.5 at my hill (minnesota) so should I even worry about the sizing since the boots haven't been heat molded yet. I'm not sure about what my foot is. I'm assuming it's most likely narrow since I don't wear wide shoes. I fit fine in nike's and I have heard that they're narrower or should I not even worry about that since the boots would be heat molded?

Thanks
 
13301305:mattymagoo757 said:
So I'm buying boots for the first time. Potentially from somebody on here (full tilt bumble bee pros) I ski in 28.5 at my hill (minnesota) so should I even worry about the sizing since the boots haven't been heat molded yet. I'm not sure about what my foot is. I'm assuming it's most likely narrow since I don't wear wide shoes. I fit fine in nike's and I have heard that they're narrower or should I not even worry about that since the boots would be heat molded?

Thanks

Buying boots blind (what you are potentially going to do) is probably the worst way to get boots. You always want to have a boot-fitter assess your foot and see if the boot is a good match for your biomechanical needs. If you really are getting a good deal, and want to buy this boot, you should go to a boot-fitter first and explain your situation. They can size you and perhaps you can try some on- but you need to tell them you won't buy them from them. They should charge you a slight "sizing fee" for their time and you'll at least know if the boots in question will be good for you. After that, any fitting services you need (like footbeds, heat molding, and stretch work) will be charged accordingly. If you buy from a shop, 99% of the time they will include any boot-work for free since you are buying from them. More times than not, it works out in your favor vs buying them used/online without a service package.
 
13301464:onenerdykid said:
Buying boots blind (what you are potentially going to do) is probably the worst way to get boots. You always want to have a boot-fitter assess your foot and see if the boot is a good match for your biomechanical needs. If you really are getting a good deal, and want to buy this boot, you should go to a boot-fitter first and explain your situation. They can size you and perhaps you can try some on- but you need to tell them you won't buy them from them. They should charge you a slight "sizing fee" for their time and you'll at least know if the boots in question will be good for you. After that, any fitting services you need (like footbeds, heat molding, and stretch work) will be charged accordingly. If you buy from a shop, 99% of the time they will include any boot-work for free since you are buying from them. More times than not, it works out in your favor vs buying them used/online without a service package.

I will do that. Thanks for the help.
 
13301305:mattymagoo757 said:
So I'm buying boots for the first time. Potentially from somebody on here (full tilt bumble bee pros) I ski in 28.5 at my hill (minnesota) so should I even worry about the sizing since the boots haven't been heat molded yet. I'm not sure about what my foot is. I'm assuming it's most likely narrow since I don't wear wide shoes. I fit fine in nike's and I have heard that they're narrower or should I not even worry about that since the boots would be heat molded?

Thanks

as mentioned, everything about this sounds like a bad idea. From the process to the boot choice.
 
Is there some sort of up to date, definitive guide to the differences between the different Full Tilt's? And I'm not just talking measurements. I can only find threads of random info, usually from a couple years ago.
 
Very Helpful Guide!

Ski boots are an important part of your clothing when it comes to skii or any other snow game. So, proper comfortable boots are an important aspect.
 
13301464:onenerdykid said:
Buying boots blind (what you are potentially going to do) is probably the worst way to get boots. You always want to have a boot-fitter assess your foot and see if the boot is a good match for your biomechanical needs. If you really are getting a good deal, and want to buy this boot, you should go to a boot-fitter first and explain your situation. They can size you and perhaps you can try some on- but you need to tell them you won't buy them from them. They should charge you a slight "sizing fee" for their time and you'll at least know if the boots in question will be good for you. After that, any fitting services you need (like footbeds, heat molding, and stretch work) will be charged accordingly. If you buy from a shop, 99% of the time they will include any boot-work for free since you are buying from them. More times than not, it works out in your favor vs buying them used/online without a service package.

Hey man, first and foremost myself as well as all the guys at my shop are huge fans of atomic and the boots you guys make. We are a huge account for you guys on the east coast. Ive been meaning to ask since like last winter or so, but whats with the micro adjustment on the boots in the hawk series? Its almost like they dont turn with ease and almost feels like they are getting stripped. Im not sure if youve addressed this issue already or if it hasnt even come to mind, but just something we've noticed as well as customers when fitting the boots. Aside from that, the memory fit is fucking prime, and havent had any issues with it at all.
 
13477909:JayDope said:
Hey man, first and foremost myself as well as all the guys at my shop are huge fans of atomic and the boots you guys make. We are a huge account for you guys on the east coast. Ive been meaning to ask since like last winter or so, but whats with the micro adjustment on the boots in the hawk series? Its almost like they dont turn with ease and almost feels like they are getting stripped. Im not sure if youve addressed this issue already or if it hasnt even come to mind, but just something we've noticed as well as customers when fitting the boots. Aside from that, the memory fit is fucking prime, and havent had any issues with it at all.

Thanks for the props! And glad to hear you guys are liking the Memory Fit stuff! IIRC, we turned the micros all the way (or most of the way) out because some shops in Euroland were complaining about them being too far in (tight) for their customers. I'll honestly have to double check if we are still doing that, so let me get back to you. But we also have a bit of thread lock on the micro threads to prevent the buckle from rattling around and feeling shitty when it's unbuckled. This can be a little stiff at first, but after a couple of wind ups/downs it shouldn't be as hard to spin.
 
13477953:onenerdykid said:
Thanks for the props! And glad to hear you guys are liking the Memory Fit stuff! IIRC, we turned the micros all the way (or most of the way) out because some shops in Euroland were complaining about them being too far in (tight) for their customers. I'll honestly have to double check if we are still doing that, so let me get back to you. But we also have a bit of thread lock on the micro threads to prevent the buckle from rattling around and feeling shitty when it's unbuckled. This can be a little stiff at first, but after a couple of wind ups/downs it shouldn't be as hard to spin.

sounds good, thanks for the response! Was just wondering if anyone else brought that to your guys attention.
 
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