finding a ski boot to match my skiis

Question
A long time skiier and first time buyer of Rossignol Saphir 3 skiis. I thought it would be exciting to own my own skiis, but now i am having difficulties finding a good skii boot. What type of boot should i look for? Does it really matter/make a difference which kind i get? I found a Lange SFT 80 Womens Downhill Ski Boot, but i dont know what it all means.I heard that i need to match the boots with the bindings, but im not sure what to look for.any advice will be greatly appreciated. thanks..  

Answer
Hello and thanx for the question:

Sorry about the first email reply you got - i clicked on the wrong icon ...

Ski boots will make or break your day - think about the times when your boots just haven't felt right, the day wasn't as good as you'd planned or hoped for.

We usually recommend buying boots first - as boots can make a ski ski differently - similar to the way you sit in a car or at the computer - it sometimes just doesn't feel right..

However, when a good ski deal comes along, sometimes you just have to buy.

The buying of boots is very personal and there are ways to make sure you get the best ones for you.

FIRSTLY: allow yourself plenty of time to sit in the shop - at least 2-3 hours if not longer.
When you're in there you want the bootfitter to be able to do everything they can to ensure you get what you are after - boots that really fit.

[it takes me about 3-4hours for each pair of boots i buy and i will visit the store twice before buying and could go back 2-3 times after sales for minor adjustments - there is no need to experience pain in a ski boot for performance]

SECOND: wear the socks you plan to ski in, different socks will feel different in your boot, you may also want to consider the type of sock your wearing. I prefer a seamless sock designed for skiing. They cost a bit more than a regular sock - but i wouldn't change them for anything.

THIRD: there are some skis coming out that require you to buy the ski binding and boot by the same company; whilst this is designed to maximise the ski and boot performance - you can mix and match. And yes there are some bindings with a design to fit specific boots - but remember too that if you find a great boot but it wont fit the binding - ask about changing the binding.

The actual boot you buy will be for your level of skiing or a little above - depending how long you've been skiing and if you plan to improve or will continue to ski at the same level/way.  Most people find that when they get into their own boots and skis they improve and that is due mostly to the boot fitting THEIR foot and not of everyone else who has worn the boot before them.

So buying boots will be a new experience - the boot is new and has no 'packing out' of the liner. You will feel sore spots and it will feel tight, here's where the few hours in the shop start to come in.

Find a shop with a bootfitter, someone who fits ski boots and not just sells them.
They will ask you about your skiing - be honest or you'll end up in the wrong boots. Tell them if you're still learning, plan to improve, type of terrain you ski and how you ski [hard & fast or fun & cruisey].

Then they'll start to look at your foot, this should include a measurement, sore spots, arches, width. This could be a good time to mention your price range ...

Trying on the boot will include taking out the liner to ensure the shell is the correct size for your foot, they will poke and prod the boot. Once they have found one that is the best fit for shell and liner then they will start to make adjustments. You will start to notice the boot changes the way it feels, but remains firm.

Another thing with bootfitting - don't be annoyed or surprised if the bootfitter goes to help another customer - this allows you the opportunity to walk in the boot, flex it[see below], move feet side to side... to really get a feel for it.  Boots have a thermal lining and the longer your feet are in them the better they will start to feel. So use this time to really give the boots a workout.

FLEXING: pushing your knee over your toes as hard as you can to feel how much it gives way - it should require some effort to move the boot, too easy and your boots wont be strong enough on snow, too hard and they will be hard work for you to ski in: ask your boot fitter for advice when your doing this.

I con't say if the Lange boot you mentioned is right for you - i don't know anything about how you ski or your body size ... so it would be wrong for me to pass comment.
[Body size comes into it - as this is what you will nbeed to flex your boots]


I hope this has been of some help, if you'd like more info on buying boots, drop me another question and i'll give you more advice.  Goodluck with finding great boots - it can be a painful drawn out process - but it is worth it by day 4.

Oh and that reminds me, ask early on if you can bring the boots back for adjustments or even an exchange if it all goes pear shape once you ski in them. Adjustments you will probably need. It can take 2-3 days of skiing before your boots REALLY fit.

merry christmas

Lisa