new skier - can't convince to clamp boots good and tight

[skidweeb.com]

What's the secret to convincing a new skier that boots need to be tight?

My friend won't buckle her boots anywhere past the very loosest setting. Almost loose enough to pull them off without releasing the buckles.

She spent all day (10AM to 4PM) on the kiddy hill Sunday, but couldn't turn or stop with any authority.

Nobody in our group is any kind of expert, but we all find much more control with our boots as tight as we can stand them.

 

[ChileMass]

Get her to take a lesson and hear instruction from a professional instead of just from you. Despite your best intentions, stubborn people and little children sometimes need to hear things form a 3rd-party authority before they will believe something new.

And - is she falls enough she will probably come to the decision to try some new strategy (such as perhaps buckling her boots tighter) or give the sport up once and for all........

 

[teachski]

Offer help buckling her boots and do them tighter. Make sure she has no seams inside the boots, all seams should be above the boot collar. Also...never ask is that too tight, always ask is that tight enough...this gives the sense and the idea that they need to be tight...it's purely psychological, but it works.

 

[riverc0il]

is your friend renting or does your friend own the boots? if renting, that get a size smaller boot. boots don't need to be cranked down, when i was fitted for my most recent boot, i was fitted to the first notch on the boot (given my buckles are the swivel type for added ajustment). boots definitely shouldn't be loose, but nor too tight that they cut off circulation. i would have a professional such as an equipment sales person or instructor explain this to your friend. often times, no matter what someone says, they can not change another persons believes.

 

[beswift]

Ski Boots

For a couple of seasons I sold Ski Boots. Some people can't adjust to Downhill boots used today. They can't accept that they need a tight somewhat uncomfortable fit to control their skiis. Don't let her wait until she sprains an ankle. Sizing down may help, but remember feet shrink in the winter. Women have an added problem in that due to their chemistry, their feet can change as much as two sizes. This would happen before and after pregnancy, but it can be reflected in their cycle. I hated fitting people to boots and am glad I got out of it. You may want to consult a bootfitter if she tells you that she is too uncomfortable with tight boots. Otherwise, if you want to ski and she doesn't, I suggest you find another girl friend.

 

[jimme]

A terrible way to learn, but very effective-- Have her balance on one ski and then turn her body about 360 degrees or until the ankle breaks. This will demonstrate what happens when boots are too loose.

OK, I'm kidding, :lol: What I just described is similar to what happend to me. I spiraled on one leg until it broke. The doctor (who skis) said he thought my boot cuff was too loose, that these type of breaks are rare these days due to the high cuff of ski boots. That had I had them tighter, the binding would have released sooner. If the boots, especially the cuff are not tight enough it allows too much movement within the boot.

My solution to excessively tight and uncomfortable Alpine boots is AT Boots- I find the comfort factor much better even though they lack the stiffness of a good Alpine boot.

Jimme :

 

[JimG.]

My solution to excessively tight and uncomfortable Alpine boots is AT Boots- I find the comfort factor much better even though they lack the stiffness of a good Alpine boot.

Jimme :

The lack of stiffness factor has changed...check out the new Garmont Adrenalin. I've been skiing them since the start of the season and they perform as well as any alpine boot I've ever owned. Plenty stiff but with the positives of other AT boots like comfort, rocker soles, and floating cuffs.

 

[bigbog]

....wear the boots around the house...

skidweeb,
Have her simply wear them around the house and explain to her the issue of the liners packing out with a little time in them....flexing and rolling in them....etc.