Ski boot demos

[rtibbs4]

Does anyone know of a ski shop that demos boots? I am starting my third season on a pair that have bothered me from day one and I am thinking of scrapping them and starting over. The boots ski great but I can't take the pain anymore. I have had them customized and still they kill me.

Any help appreciated.

 

[RISkier]

Don't know of any place that provides demo boots. Who fit you the last time you bought? I'm of the opinion that finding and working with a good bootfitter is essential. They should closely examine your feet, talk with you about how you ski and what issues you've been having, do a shell fit, and have you wear the boots quite a while in the store. A good fitter can generally identify 1 or 2 boots that have lasts which are appropriate for your foot shape and should be able to resolve any issues regarding pain. You might also ask if they gaurantee the fit? I bought new boots this year at Stan and Dan's in N. Conway. Worked with Dan and was really impressed. The boots I ended up in provide a very secure fit but the first trip out I skied two days with no problems. Surprised me actually. I just assumed there would be some problem areas that would require some work. And I have toes that will cause problems. I had Jeff Bokem (I believe the company is called certified orthotics) in Concord work on my previous boots (purchased elsewhere) and thought he did a really good job. I believe he also has a shop near Sunday River. Other forum participants have also worked with Jeff. I think boot fit starts by finding a good bootfitter.

 

[rtibbs4]

I got the boots at Ski Haus Salem (which has been a topic here lately). I bought a pair for my wife as well. I then went to a boot fitter. I forget the shop but it is in Westwood MA. As I mentioned. The boots ski well and technically they "fit like a glove". I just think my feet don't like a snug fit below the ankle. The pressure seems to cause the pain and numbness. Recently I have been skiing without buckling the arch, toe and usually start the day with only the top and strap. I fully suspect that this is more the fault of my feet than the boot which is why I would like to find a place that demos.

 

[wa-loaf]

I got the boots at Ski Haus Salem (which has been a topic here lately). I bought a pair for my wife as well. I then went to a boot fitter. I forget the shop but it is in Westwood MA. As I mentioned. The boots ski well and technically they "fit like a glove". I just think my feet don't like a snug fit below the ankle. The pressure seems to cause the pain and numbness. Recently I have been skiing without buckling the arch, toe and usually start the day with only the top and strap. I fully suspect that this is more the fault of my feet than the boot which is why I would like to find a place that demos.

Bootfitting is an ongoing process. I don't know how long it's been since you saw the boot fitter, but if you were still uncomfortable after the fitting you should have gone back for more adjustments.

If you are going to get a new pair. go to a boot fitter first and have a conversation about what bothers you and let them examine your feet. They can then recommend some boots that fit your foot type.

 

[Geoff]

I got the boots at Ski Haus Salem (which has been a topic here lately). I bought a pair for my wife as well. I then went to a boot fitter. I forget the shop but it is in Westwood MA. As I mentioned. The boots ski well and technically they "fit like a glove". I just think my feet don't like a snug fit below the ankle. The pressure seems to cause the pain and numbness. Recently I have been skiing without buckling the arch, toe and usually start the day with only the top and strap. I fully suspect that this is more the fault of my feet than the boot which is why I would like to find a place that demos.

Sounds to me like your boots don't fit properly. It's not magic. Any good boot fitter can put you in a boot and footbed that will perform well and be comfortable. I'm baffled why anyone would buy a ski boot from one shop and go to another shop to get fit work done on it. Chances are it was the wrong boot to start with.

 

[RISkier]

I got the boots at Ski Haus Salem (which has been a topic here lately). I bought a pair for my wife as well. I then went to a boot fitter. I forget the shop but it is in Westwood MA. As I mentioned. The boots ski well and technically they "fit like a glove". I just think my feet don't like a snug fit below the ankle. The pressure seems to cause the pain and numbness. Recently I have been skiing without buckling the arch, toe and usually start the day with only the top and strap. I fully suspect that this is more the fault of my feet than the boot which is why I would like to find a place that demos.

I'm not a bootfitter, I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but your feet should not be going numb. Going numb usually means circulation is being restricted. If it helps to no buckle the lower buckles one might speculate there's not enough room for your instep? You gotta get something done if your feet are going numb. Good boot guys might be able to stretch the affected area(s) a bit, sometimes they lower parts of the footbed, and custom footbeds can sometimes help these kinds of issues. And it could be that the last and/or instep volume of your current boots just won't accomodate your feet. I know nothing about Ski Hous except that there was a long thread. When you bought the boots did someone who seemed to know what they were doing fit you?

 

[hammer]

Bootfitting is an ongoing process. I don't know how long it's been since you saw the boot fitter, but if you were still uncomfortable after the fitting you should have gone back for more adjustments.

+1...go back to the boot fitter you went and explain what ails you...

Reminds me...I need to get back to Jeff at some point to see if he can stretch out the "sixth toe" on my right boot a bit more. Just not easy to get a weekday evening to go to Concord and back.

 

[Puck it]

I got the boots at Ski Haus Salem (which has been a topic here lately). I bought a pair for my wife as well. I then went to a boot fitter. I forget the shop but it is in Westwood MA. As I mentioned. The boots ski well and technically they "fit like a glove". I just think my feet don't like a snug fit below the ankle. The pressure seems to cause the pain and numbness. Recently I have been skiing without buckling the arch, toe and usually start the day with only the top and strap. I fully suspect that this is more the fault of my feet than the boot which is why I would like to find a place that demos.

Go back to Ski Haus. They will make it right. They will not change you since the purchase was made there. Steve will do the right thing and fit the boots. It may only be a foot bed or a slight stretch.