billski
Active member
Good to read this message string too.
http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?t=84633
I had never used a boot fitter before (shame on me), but I felt like I skied so crappy last season that I had to do something. If the report seems too personal and detailed, it's because every bit of information is critical.
When I walked into the place (Plymouth NH), I discovered that he does lots of medical fittings, with doctor's RX.
I lost 40 lbs of weight this summer. Then I got some strength training. My arch collapsed and made the feet wider, than the original boot fit.
With an appointment (required), I spent over two hours working with them, and I left with a solution that I really, really liked. I wasn't in the market for new boots, so remediation was in order, and possible.
So here were my complaints: Black toes, occasional cramps, flex forward. lots of room in back, not snug against calf. Couldn't tighten it enough. It also felt like I didn't have control of my skis in and out of bumps. They also weren't that responsive on the groomers.
It became clear that the shop had sold me on what was in the store. Take the liner out, is there a little room in the front (the old push down test). Put on the boot, how does it feel? No measurements at all. Seemed good at the store. Turns out they sold me a boot that met the width requirement, but not the length, or calf. In hindsight, I was very disappointed in the shop.
More measurements showed that I had almost 1" of play front to back. There was about 3/4" gap between the flats of the feet and top of the boot. As they foot slid forward and back, it moved across the arch support.
He put in some Super Feet bases, cut to size, attached all kinds of stuff to the sides and tops. All this took a number of iterations, all in one setting.
Then he brought back "Booster" straps. Holy cow, what a difference. They made the original straps look Mickey Mouse. They come with a steel clamp (dunno the name) that you might find on some tie down straps. Then he adjusted the pads for comfort.
I stood up and flexed forward and to the side. I haven't felt this much control in years. I could have stayed all day in those boots, they are so comfortable.
All of this was done in one sitting. Subsequent adjustments are included. The whole tamale was about $200.
The best part about this is that they are all good skiers. They knew exactly what I was talking about as I described my skiing. They also could predict certain things like tail slide that must have been happening.
As everyone said, it's well worth the money. And the drive. I can't wait to get on the hill and give them a good run.
Bravo to Paul, Brian and Joe!
http://www.myfeetfirst.com/
http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?t=84633
I had never used a boot fitter before (shame on me), but I felt like I skied so crappy last season that I had to do something. If the report seems too personal and detailed, it's because every bit of information is critical.
When I walked into the place (Plymouth NH), I discovered that he does lots of medical fittings, with doctor's RX.
I lost 40 lbs of weight this summer. Then I got some strength training. My arch collapsed and made the feet wider, than the original boot fit.
With an appointment (required), I spent over two hours working with them, and I left with a solution that I really, really liked. I wasn't in the market for new boots, so remediation was in order, and possible.
So here were my complaints: Black toes, occasional cramps, flex forward. lots of room in back, not snug against calf. Couldn't tighten it enough. It also felt like I didn't have control of my skis in and out of bumps. They also weren't that responsive on the groomers.
It became clear that the shop had sold me on what was in the store. Take the liner out, is there a little room in the front (the old push down test). Put on the boot, how does it feel? No measurements at all. Seemed good at the store. Turns out they sold me a boot that met the width requirement, but not the length, or calf. In hindsight, I was very disappointed in the shop.
More measurements showed that I had almost 1" of play front to back. There was about 3/4" gap between the flats of the feet and top of the boot. As they foot slid forward and back, it moved across the arch support.
He put in some Super Feet bases, cut to size, attached all kinds of stuff to the sides and tops. All this took a number of iterations, all in one setting.
Then he brought back "Booster" straps. Holy cow, what a difference. They made the original straps look Mickey Mouse. They come with a steel clamp (dunno the name) that you might find on some tie down straps. Then he adjusted the pads for comfort.
I stood up and flexed forward and to the side. I haven't felt this much control in years. I could have stayed all day in those boots, they are so comfortable.
All of this was done in one sitting. Subsequent adjustments are included. The whole tamale was about $200.
The best part about this is that they are all good skiers. They knew exactly what I was talking about as I described my skiing. They also could predict certain things like tail slide that must have been happening.
As everyone said, it's well worth the money. And the drive. I can't wait to get on the hill and give them a good run.
Bravo to Paul, Brian and Joe!
http://www.myfeetfirst.com/
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