Can we please stop asking really dumb questions about ski boots on the forum? As a bootfitter I can’t believe the questions that I read on a daily basis, and I can’t even imagine what more experienced people like @onenerdykid and @tomPietrowski feel like. Boot advice via the internet is NOT the way to buy a boot unless you have absolutely zero access to a ski shop. Even semi-lame ski shops should have at least one employee who can fit a boot. A few examples of questions that should absolutely not be asked, and of advice that should not be given:
Question: “What’s the best park boot?”
There is no such thing as a, “park boot,” no matter what Full Tilt or Dalbello have to say (no offense Tom). Any boot will work in the park, as long as it FITS YOUR FOOT AND YOUR SKIING STYLE AND PREFERENCES. I rode a Scarpa Maestrale RS in the park all last year. If you don’t know what that is, look it up. It’s not a park boot. But it fits my foot, and the flex was within my preferences. I also ride a Roxa R3 130, another touring boot, in the park and on the rest of the mountain. Get to a fitter, find a boot that makes your feet happy.
Question: “Does this boot work well in (insert [the park], [the pow], etc)?”
Sort of redundant, but again, the boot that makes your feet happy will perform best where you need it.
Question: “Does anyone have experience with [boot X]?”
Answer: “Yeah I love it, you should get it.”
Just because Johnny Skisalot loves his Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130, does NOT, I repeat, does NOT mean it will work for you. For members of the forum answering questions with this type of response, stop. Just because it happens to fit on your foot, does not mean it will necessarily work on somebody else’s. Everybody has different feet, and thus not everybody can wear the same boots. If this were the case, there would be a monopoly in the boot market, or manufacturers would offer 1 last, 1 volume. Don’t give advice like this, I beg you. It could lead to someone spending a lot of money on something that does not fit them.
GENERAL ADVICE IF YOU MUST PURCHASE ONLINE
1. Determine what flex/range of flex you would like from your boot. 130-120 is going to be for skiers who want more response, and want to push themselves and ski more aggressively. 110-100 is going to be for skiers who are not overly aggressive/heavy, or who do not want a boot that limits their movement as much as a stiffer flex. 90-80 is going to be for lighter skiers, beginner/intermediate level riders, and skiers who want maximum leverage to do butters, presses, and generally ski like B Dog.
2. Determine what size your foot is. This is something that a bootfitter would be able to do, but the next best thing is to take a good look at your foot. Do you find yourself only buying certain brands of shoes because many of them are too narrow? You probably have a wider foot, and thus need a wider boot. Do you size up because you often have pressure on the instep (top of your foot)? You may need to look at a higher volume boot, or a 3 piece boot. Do you have wide toes, bunions, other parts of your foot that sticks out more than usual? You might need a fitter for that one. You can measure the widest part of your foot, and that may give you an idea for the last (width) that you should be looking for in a boot.
3. Determine what you want your ski boot to do. Do you want to tour all the time? If so, look at a lightweight, touring-specific boot. Do you want to do some touring, but spend a lot of your time at the resort too? Look at 50/50 crossover boots. Do you only want to ski downhill? Look at alpine boots. How light do you want the boot to be? Do you want maximum response, or increased comfort? Do you want the boot to hug your foot for more control, or do you want a softer, warmer liner? This goes hand in hand with the flex of your boot and the size of your foot. Ask yourself these questions when looking around.
4. Determine a list of 3-4 choices. Once you’ve narrowed your list down, take to the internet to read reviews. Don’t go asking for advice on forums like NS or Reddit because you’re lazy, do it once you have a good list and want to hear other people’s opinions. REPEAT, ONLY LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCES ONCE YOU HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE BOOT IN QUESTION WOULD WORK FOR YOU. Ask good questions. “Is there anything about [boot X] that you would change?” “What are the compromises of [boot X] vs [boot Y]?” Excellent sources could include blister.com. @patagonialuke and @cydwhit do amazing work to provide honest, true reviews and THEY ALSO disclaim that everyone should visit a fitter when possible. Newschoolers members @Twig @onenerdykid @tomPietrowski @patagonialuke @cydwhit are also excellent resources (don’t tell them I sent you when you bombard them with messages). These guys know their stuff and in my experience, have always been happy to provide guidance.
This rant has been brought to you by your friendly, neighborhood bootfitter @animator. Feel free to DM me if you have fitting questions, I am always down to talk gear and will do my best to provide honest and accurate recommendations.
**This thread was edited on Oct 31st 2020 at 8:35:57pm
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