My boot story

G

gnarley_marl

Member
It all begins 2 long years ago, when I first descended into the caves of freeskiing. I ventured into the place called the "Ski Shop".
I encountered a terrible beast inside, an inexperienced boot fitter. I walked out about 5 minutes later with new skis (k2 silencers, 07') and new boots (28.5 dalbello raves). I am happy and satisfied, not aware of the folly I partook in.
I ride in/on my boots for a good year, learning about the wonderful ways of skiing, it's many aspects. Park, groomed, off-piste were all my playground. Somehow I managed and wasn't even aware of missed potential. I never once got toe bang, but somehow always ended up with my shins beat to smithereens. I usually just attributed it to my bad for and inexperience.
I began to alert my ski mates of my boot experiences, every strap but the shin strap being clipped down as far as possible, the huge amount of heel and foot travel (+- 2in), and the horrible shin bang.
They figured I was just exaggerating.
Another year of skiing later, I finally decide to put on my friends Il-moro's w/ intuition liner just for kicks. They are a 26 mongo. Not only do they fit comfortably, but I am able to strap more than halfway down the clips. Wearing his boots and skis, I am able to play around a little bit on my summer setup. I feel far more in control, but wondering if it is just my perception?
It really comes down to my desire to know how much properly fitted boots really affect skiing performance. So I ask, how much of a difference should properly fitted boots make on the slope? Can I expect at least SOME improvement?
TL;DR: boots 2.5 sizes too big, will properly fitted boots make a huge difference?
 
for me at least, boots dont greatly affect my ability to perform on the mountain for any given trick or line. But to be able to ski all the time, and all day, you need properly fitting boots. Shin and toe bang's a problem when it happens over and over and over and your legs aren't given time to recover.

However, I dont know really how badly your last boots fit. If they're really two and a half sizes to big, then boots that fit properly could be night and day.

Either way, definitely invest in some better fitting boots. A bootfitter is a great asset when purchasing new boots, but dont rely purely on their advice and knowledge. Do your own research so you have an idea what boots are likely to fit you properly.
 
boots are the most important part of your setup....
so yes, they make a huge difference...
 
Well i've always felt like it gets to the point in some ski conditions, where my feet are just bouncing around in my boots and no amount of foot flexing can bring it back.
i'm definitely excited to see the effects of a pair of properly fitted boots
 
ME TO!! im going sure foot next week for some full tilt hot doggers with a custom liner, the liner is pricey but i have had so much griff with boots in the past. Also shin bang from boots that are to big is a bitch!
 
it's like you are 5'10" asking if going from a 140cm ski to a 180cm will yield more edge hold and stability- of course it will. this is not just your perception at the time, this is the reason people pay lots of money and spend lots of time to get their boots to fit correctly. If it didn't matter, you wouldn't keep seeing threads about it.

do your research on what shop around you does the best boot-fitting and go in and try some on. go back a few times if you have to, and ask what boot-fitting services are included with a boot purchase. trying to figure out what boot will fit you based on reviews/suggestions will most likely end in fail.
 
How do you know you're getting hot doggers if you haven't tried them on yet? That's kinda backwards if ya ask me.
 
That's what I want if they don't fit my foot I won't get them, I've just heard good things about full tilt. Wind your neck in
 
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