Ski boots sizing dilema - help!

[ketchupkisses]

I've just bought some Salomon boots from ebay thinking they are a size 5, but they've arrived and are actually Mondo 24.5 (UK5.5). The seller has agreed to take them back and give me a full refund but my dilema is this...

The boots actually feel pretty comfortable.

...and I'm now having vague recollections (although I could be imagining it) that perhaps I've worn this size before in ski boots. I've never been a size 5 1/2 ever for anything else before but is it possible that Salomons actually tend to come up quite small? I've read somewhere that they tend to be narrow and I certainly don't have narrow feet.

I specifically went for Salomons because every year I hire boots the first pair I put on feel uncomfortably tight and then the second pair I'm given are Salomons and always fit great, but I don't remember looking at the size.

But then again, I've read other reports saying that if your boots are very comfortable in the shop then they're probably too big.

Does anyone have experience of Salomon boots in particular and do they tend to come up small? Do you wear your usual shoe size? Do the shoe sizes even translate exactly?

Sorry for the rambling!

The last sal"s I had were small fitting.... Unfortunately I didn't fimd out until I got onto the slopes

I guess it depends on socks and such like too, i'd rather have a wee bit big than small, there is nothing worse than uncomfortable boots.

Surely if they are confortable then ther eis no real issue ? . I've got a pair fo Nordica and went up a couple of sizes before they felt comfy.

LIZS - exactly. But I don't think I'll know for sure until I'm on the slopes! Don't they tend to loosen up a bit once you start skiing anyhow?

I'll say hi to Heather for you. When were you last at Alphubel?

Geordie - thanks that's interesting. The last thing I want to do is send them back, and buy another pair that turn out to be too small!

CLearly what I should really be doing is either going to a shop to try some on so I know for sure, or taking this pair to a dry slope. If only I had a bit more time on my hands!

When were you last at Alphubel?

Last stayed there probably summer 2006, but have skiied the area a couple of times since and managed to say hi !

My boots do feel looser in the afternoons. tbh I don't think you can tell if they really fit until you ski in them a bit and fiddle with the settings.

I was last there 2 years ago. Not going until Easter, so I hope there's still some snow left. I can't wait!

We used to go at half term - 3 or 4 years running - and would meet the same crowd, then a couple of times in the summer. We stayed down in the valley with a group last two times we skiied that area - 2006 and 2008 , Both times at end March/April - and had fabulous conditions with fresh snow during the week.

FIngers crossed!

how tight do you need to do them up?
if they fit comfy but everything is as tight as it can be, they may be too big,
but...
if the clips are on halfway or looser (if you see what i mean) and with a pair of ski socks on they feel comfy, i'd say they probably fit well. try wearing them round the house for a morning - not quite the same as skiing but you'll get an idea of whether they are truely comfy.

you need to be able to tighten them after a bit of skiing, so they shouldn't be too tight to be comfy at the beginning.

If they fit keep them.

Do you send clothes back if they fit but the label doesn't say what you want it to?

If you go out and buy a pair of ski boots which are your "size" - they'll probably hurt you. You say you've "read" about ski-boot fitting, but tbh if you're a beginner/low-intermediate you won't know what you're looking for.

Ski boots should be tighter the better you are. I wear size 7 shoes normally and I ski in 24.5.

For what it's worth, the shell on a 24 and 24.5 boot are exactly the same - measure the sole of the boot for proof. The only thing which is actually different in size is the removable inside part.

I don't really think you can wear ski boots around the house, as they are designed to throw your body forwards and really are not comfortable for ordinary wear (unless you usually walk with your legs slightly bent that is). Recalling our fitting instructions they need to be very snug but they shouldn't hurt. Personally I find getting my boots on really quite painful as I've very high arches, but once on they are fine (if a bit weird because of the posture change).

dd has Salomon boots the same size as mine (Rossignol) and I was a bit surprised as her feet are a little smaller than mine generally, so maybe they are a snugger fit, although hers are very old and have a rear entry fitting, so that might be the difference.

AlpinePony - you're normally a size 7 but wear 24.5? That sounds very tight!

Greygirl - good point about the clips. They are in the middle so should be ok.

Nooka - I have been wearing them around the house and have decided that one is definitely a bit too big. But the other seems ok.

So....I'm bidding for a second pair size 24. We're driving this year, so taking two pairs is no bother and I can pick them up quite cheap now seeing as its so late in the season. I can then sell one pair again in December. I might even turn a small profit.