Seeking boot advice to save my skiing days

[lerops]

Here is the deal. I am trying to keep the Momma Bear happy for more skiing. She likes skiing, so doesn't complain or anything. But her boot situation is not great, and she is usually in pain. I am thinking this might be the best investment I can make to increase household skiing days.

We bought our boots and got fitted by The Pro at Hunter. But I felt like he didn't really spend enough time with us to make sure it is right. Maybe us not being his typical advanced skier bootfitting customers, he didnt think it was necessary. Maybe that's not the case. I don't know, but nevertheless it is what it is right now. Just need to get it fixed.

What are the options for reasonably comfortable boots without going up multiple sizes? She has a long toe, and I think that might be causing the problem. I read about the Zip Fit, could that be a solution?

Any advice much appreciated!

 

[Savemeasammy]

This might be too obvious, but... Have you tried going back to the shop where you got them to try for an adjustment? My wife bought boots last year towards the end of the season, and they were causing her discomfort. We considered just buying anew, but before doing that, we brought them back to where we got them. They made some sort of adjustment, and she has been good to go! Perhaps you could call the shop and explain the problem? It may be easily correctable...?


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[billski]

I am sold on going to an Orthotics specialist who skis and sells ski boots. I am surprised that "The Pro" didn't work out for you. Did you get the main man (who is certified), or one of his subordinates? http://www.bootfitters.com/shops/pro-ski-n-ride.



It sounds like you went to what I call a "boot fitter." He's trained to put you into the best match given his inventory. I think you need to step away from that method and look for someone who specializes in feet. Specifically, a certified pedorthist.

I use Paul Richelson out of Plymouth, NH. He subscribes to a service that takes all sort of measurement of every brand of boot each year. It's a two-step process. First, he measures your foot and recommends a brand and model. [IMO almost all boots are of a very good quality these days, I don't see a real reason for a non-high-end or race skier to care much about the brand.] He can get pretty much every brand and sell them at a very competitive price against any shop sale. Second, once the boot comes in, the custom orthotics work begins, depending on your unique pressure points, etc. He's got all sorts of grinders, glues and gadgets in back, and knows how to use them. He skis so he knows what you are talking about when you describe your issues.

I brought my Lange boots in two years ago to try and salvage what I have. He put in a custom footbed, a Booster strap (he chucked the one that came with the boot) and did a lot of grinding of the shell and carving of the liner. He charged me $80 while I waited. I was probably in there for 1 1/2 hours. God, I ski so much better now that my feet are snug and pain free - more control of the skis.

Other than skiing, he makes his living doing custom orthotics for street footwear. When I was in there, a guy who owns a pizza shop came in for his annual pair of custom shoes. He's on his feet 12 hours a day and swears by them. Says he tried rubber mats and other stuff and it just didn't work. There was also a college racer in the shop. He says he comes in 3 or 4 times a year for adjustments and buys a new pair of boots every year. Also swears by Paul.

Paul has medical training and does a lot of work for people with medical issues. A follow-up adjustment if necessary is included at no extra charge. He's wicked busy, so you need to make an appointment weeks in advance. (That's how to find a good one!) I'm sure there are others, but make sure their training is solid.

 

[Hawkshot99]

Kieth Holmquest owns the Pro ski and ride in Hunter. He is a amazing boot fitter and does great work. Dont know if he is who helped you but I would definatly call them and talk to him before doing anything else.
He will make it right.

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[wa-loaf]

This might be too obvious, but... Have you tried going back to the shop where you got them to try for an adjustment? My wife bought boots last year towards the end of the season, and they were causing her discomfort. We considered just buying anew, but before doing that, we brought them back to where we got them. They made some sort of adjustment, and she has been good to go! Perhaps you could call the shop and explain the problem? It may be easily correctable...?


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This. Boot fitting is often a process. You should go back for repeat tweaks and having it right at Hunter seems ideal as you can go for the day and test the fixes right off.

 

[JimG.]

I just bought new boots from Keith this past week. They fit great.

I've been buying from Keith for 25 years, he has fitted and adjusted just about all of my boots. The last pair I bought from him took 4 fittings and 3 blowouts to get the fit right. After the second fitting didn't work out I was ready to burn those boots. Keith kept after it and got it right in the end.

It's a process...go back to Keith and he will be happy to work with you to get her boots right, I guarantee it.

 

[wa-loaf]

Also, make an appointment so you aren't competing for attention with other customers.

 

[Hawkshot99]

Also, make an appointment so you aren't competing for attention with other customers.

In this case especially. Kieth often spends time out of shop iver at the mtn. Not saying his workers are not qualified hut he is very good.

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[JimG.]

Also, make an appointment so you aren't competing for attention with other customers.

+1000

 

[lerops]

Thanks. I didn't mean to complain about The Pro. It has been a while since we got our boots, and it is a little out of the way, but may try to get there.

My wife offered bit of a new insight today. She mentioned that her feet grew after her pregnancy, and that might be why she has more pain now.