Ski boots

[FoodieToo]

Inspired by the other thread about buying your own skis , would people recommend buying your own boots ?
We are a family of 7 and we ski every year .
Where would people recommend buying boots / what brand etc ?
And does anyone know if they are expensive to transport ? We always fly as we live in Dublin .
Thank you for any help.

[Abra1t]

I wouldn't buy ski boots for children. I have my own and always have done, and get them fitted at a reputable shop about an hour from my home, which can be a long business. They just go in my suitcase when we fly, stuffed with socks, etc. I do have a boot bag but I don't like lugging it around separately or using it as hand luggage, so just use it to store them at home out of season.

[FoodieToo]

Thank you . The 'kids' are aged between 13 and 21 . Looking at online prices it would be a considerable investment for us .

[TheFormidableMrsC]

I bought my own boots when I knew I was going to be going regularly. It was such a worthwhile investment as they are extremely comfortable. Not sure I'd buy kids ones though, you'd be replacing them frequently.

[fleurneige]

If you go regularly, own boots for adults definitely.

[LIZS]

If you do decide to , it is worth going to one of the indoor snowslopes with shops to try before you buy, ime equipment dates fairly quickly so you might only get a few seasons before deciding to change again. Although less so boots than skis.

[AutumnLeaves5]

Yes, if you’re going to go regularly enough. Think when I bought mine I had to use them 4-5 times for it to break even when compared to hiring them. The main benefit is having a boot which fits well without having to go back and forth to a hire shop. I’ve got quite small and narrow feet which can be a bit awkward.

I just chuck mine in the bottom of my case so no issues with carrying them.

[balzamico]

Keep an eye out on EBay for the "kids" I have my own properly fitted boots but got a virtually new pair for my awkward footed son for £80. He has huge and wide feet and legs and I'm not convinced he's stopped growing.
That basically meant that they were free as I was able to use a much cheaper rental place that had said they couldn't provide boots for him.
They just go in our suitcase, we have plenty of room as I always find I don't need a lot of clothes or other shoes when skiing

[RhubarbFairy]

I own my own boots. They've been a great investment for me. I just put them in my cabin case as hand luggage and stuff them with things like underwear and socks.
I never really struggled with hire boots, so got mine from Decathalon in Munich, where I was able to try them on. Had I had any issues, I'd have taken them to a boot fitter for moulding, but they fitted me like a glove from the off so I've not bothered.

We're a family of 4, and I'm the only one who owns boots. Both DCs feet are growing at a crazy rate, so I'm pleased we didn't get them their own. We may when they stop growing.

[StrawberryThief1930]

we have our own for adults. we got them properly fitted and my husband who has awkward feet had them molded.

it makes hire cheaper in resort for skis. plus you know your boots fit!

we take ours in hand luggage in a backpack so no extra transport cost.

[TheTripThatWasnt]

Boots are 100% worth it for adults. Get them from a decent ski shop where you can get them properly fitted.
It was a game changer - they are so comfy compared with hire boots, and collecting equipment in resort is much easier when it's just skis.

I always take mine in hand luggage, so that if the luggage goes missing, then I still have my boots!

I wouldn't bother with skis though - transporting them is expensive, you need to service them, technology changes fast, your needs may change etc etc.

[abricotine]

We all have boots - younger kids just have standard issue decathlon until they are older and need a proper fit. Once mine went astray on a flight and dealing with crappy rentals was not a good start to the next trip!

[turkeyboots]

DH has his own boots, but he has large and awkward feet. I'll use "comfort" rental boots and am always fine.

But in Dublin you'll be hard pressed to find a good local boot fitter. Maybe try the dry slope at Kilternan for advice? Or buy when on holiday?