Finding a ski boot

Question
Hi,
I'm a novice skier and recently moved to Idaho, so I'm buying my first pair of skis after renting for a few years.  I purchased the 2008 K2 sweet luv skis.  I tried on the Lange exclusive 80 FR boots and really liked the look and fit.  But they were a little more expensive than I wanted to spend.  I found the Lange exclusive 80 boots online for a better price.  Do you know if these are a comparable boot?  Would I notice a difference?  Or is there another boot that might be better for me?  I will be mainly doing groomed green/blue slopes, nothing fancy. :) (I am 5'5").
Thanks for your help,
Leah

Answer
Hi and thanks for the question.
I have answered this topic on numerous occassions, were you able to find those to read thru?

Personally i wouldnt buy ski boots unless i had tried them on and walked around the store in them. You didnt say if the ones you are buying online are new or second hand - dont buy second hand as those boots have been molded to that persons foot and they will never fit you well.

Boots need to be the correct base length for your foot, they also need to be the correct flex for your height/weight and ski ability/style.

The taller/heavier you are the firmer the flex you need - the 'harder' you need to ski. Another determinant is the height of the cuff and its size - different boots fit differently around your calf/shin and if it is too firm/tight you will only last about 2hours before you need to get them off - leaving your shins bruised.

Buying boots from a local store means you are paying for the service of having them fitted correctly - they will shave bits off and pad bits up to make them perfect for you. Even after you have gone skiing - they should be encouraging you to come back again to have a refit and to make finer adjustments.  I will sometimes go back 2-3 times, spending anywhere upwards of 5hours to have my botts fit well.  In the end, my ski boots would fit better than any street shoe!  

You could buy the cheaper ones then go and pay for a bott fitting service - but im not sure if you will save money in the end.

Save money buying skis and bindings as they are not as crucial as the boots. Hence it is always best to buy boots first and spend wisely.

I am not able to comment on boot brands/stykes as i do not know enough about you and your feet - and without being able to ask you plenty of questions while you have them on.  Can you try on the boots your considering at another store to get a comparison?

Good luck in your search - and dont worry, instructors dont like having to get new boots either.  If you need any more help, feel free to ask.

lisa