Ski Boots

[tinytemper66]

I want to buy my own boots as I experienced a lot of discomfort last year. I have seen good deals on some websites but have some queries.
I am size 4 but a 23 in ski boots and most sizes [I looked at] start for women at 23.5. I read there is little difference in size. What boots are the best for a 'useless' skier who is going for the fun of it? [School trip]

For comfort I think it is best to buy them in a shop where they hear the insides, you put them in and they mould to your feet as they cool down. If you buy them online I think you run the risk of them being just as uncomfortable as hired boots. It may cost more but I did this 13 years ago and the boots are still going strong and still comfortable enough to wear all day happily.

Thanks. :-)

Yes, definitely go to a shop - this is one of the few times when buying online is not the better thing to do!

Shops vary quite considerably in ability to fit the right boot, and this time of year they're trying to get rid of their old stock from this season. A not very ethical retailer may convince you into something that isn't quite right. In September the new boots arrive and there is a much wider range so if you have unusual feet (e.g. wide, narrow, odd spurs or something) you're more likely to get the right boot for you. That said, there are plenty of bargains around now so if the only thing unusual about your feet is the size you may well be okay!

Shame as other posters have said but definitely get them fitted properly in a shop... for what it's worth Snow and Rock provide a lifetime comfort guarantee service on all their boots.. I bought a pair a few years ago from them, skiied twice in them and they were agony (due to my bad skiing from an injured knee rather than their fitting advice), I took them back a year later and they exchanged them. I think they refund 2/3rds of the original price, but still, I got new boots (a size too big too accommodate my weird skiing style) a year later for about 1/3rd cost of new boots. Worth every single penny that was!

Same not shame!!

Cheers! My local shop - 30 miles away has closed for the summer but will go in October to be measured etc. We do have a Rock and Snow or vice versa but it is an outlet one so unsure if they offer same service but it is another option.

Definitely go and get measured and fitted properly! Another option can be to buy your rental ones if you find a pair that you really like and get on with. A friend of mine did this last year. Bought a super duper pair in the UK, had them all moulded and everything and they still hurt her.. the ski hire shop took her boots off her and gave her a brand new pair out of the box that she wore for a few days and loved.

Cheers

Even better than getting them custom made here, is getting then made up the mountain on your next holiday. Then you can try them out and get them tweaked over the week to fit better.

I got some made in the UK in a pro- shop, absolute agony once I got on the slopes! Used a local resort shop to adjust the boots and help me through the week, wish I'd not bothered with the Uk shop. But I do have 'speciality' feet!

I ski in these...ttps://www.snowandrock.com/p/salomon-women-s-quest-pro-80-J1214085.html?colour=2001 and absolutely love them! I've even been ski touring in them (they have the clip at the back).
I didn't bother with the custom fit and they're still mega comfy just in case you want a cheaper alternative!

If you are near one of the indoor snow slopes many have a ski shop attached and allow you to try before you buy. Or at the ski show in October. Don't try to buy over the internet, false economy.

I am a size 23 but most adult sizes start at 23.5. I will go to the specialist shop in October when they reopen. Thanks for all the advice. Appreciate the time you have taken to reply, especially as it is nearly summer!