I want to get a new pair of ski boots. What should I look for/get?

Question

I have a pair of Lange X09's right now. I've had them for quite a while. I think it's about time to upgrade. What should I look for when buying new boots. There are sooo many to chose from. Will I get a boot that is the same quality if I spend $200 for a pair that is on sale opposed to a $700 pair.

Answer 1

The Xo9 from Lange was the top end boot when it came out.  If the boot fits your foot well, then I would buy a Lange again.  For many people who have the right shape foot, they will not ski anything but a Lange ski boot.  It all depends on your skiing ability, this year's top end boot is the Lange  World Cup 150.  It is a pure racing boot. They have softer models also available in their racing line.  The off-piste line of boots are called the Fluid.  They are a little softer but with the relatively same fit as the race boots.

But just do not take my word for it.

Your ski boots are by far the most important ski equipment purchase you are going to make.  At your current ability level owning a good pair ski boots is a must if you want to advance in skiing.  I am sure you are aware that the boot is the transmitter of your skiing movements to the ski.  The right boot will help you improve as a skier.  Now unless you know exactly the type of boot you want and need, use the internet and magazine reviews for research only.

Because boots are so important my best advice is to make the price of the boots a low priority.  While it is good to have an idea of a potential limit, you can fore go other ski equipment purchases to make sure you get the right boot. A good pair of boots will last you a long time as you are aware.

Since there are so many ski boots which come in all types and sizes for all types of skiers, the only real way to know which boot is right for your skiing ability and foot shape is to try them on.  I am talking about multiple pairs of boots from different makers.  In order to do this, you need to get yourself to a ski shop.  Now you wouldn't buy your surf board in Nebraska before going to surf in Hawaii, so get your ski gear in a ski town.  The better shops carry multiple brands of boots to accommodate all levels and types of skiers.

Another piece of advice is to look for a ski shop affiliated with America’s Best Boot Fitters, http://www.bootfitters.com/.  The boot fitters at these shops have attended seminars taught by the best of the best in the industry and have the best knowledge to deal with all kinds of foot issues (bone spurs, hammer toes, nerve damage, etc).  They can also help determine what else you may need in terms of canting and foot beds.  Any expert skier will tell to spend the extra money for the custom foot bed, they all use them.

Now be prepared to stay for a while.  Unless you have the perfect foot, a good boot fitting will take a couple of hours, along with maybe a couple of return visits for tune ups. You must go in with the mind set that boot fitting is a process.  It takes time to identify a problem and work it out.  Often times fixing one thing identifies another which needs to be fixed.  So go in prepared.

Lastly and this is important.  Mentally get it into your head that you will not be put into a ski boot which is BIGGER than your street shoe size. Your foot will just be swimming inside of it and it will not help you get any better. Upper level skiers all have boots which are the same as their street shoe or smaller. It is a question of control and performance.

Going in mentally prepared for the process and the time it will take, will make the experience more enjoyable.  The pay off will be happy feet in a ski boot which can help take your skiing to the next level.

Answer 2

FIT,FIT, FIT.  The proper fit of the boot is the most important thing you will get for skiing.  If  a Lang is the right shape for you, great, buy the same brand.  Unless you are a top level racer, you do not need the top level boot.  Buy a second line which will lack only a couple of the bells and whistles that the top line has but is appreciably cheaper.  Consult a good boot fitter, follow their advice.  A top line boot fitter will be well worth the effort.  The new plastic boots do not wear out easily, the liners will break down over time.  Some liners  may be available as replacements.  Footbeds are vital, get checked for cants, also ramp angle will affect your skiing. For $200 maybe just replacement liners. Enjoy the sport.

Answer 3

first u need somthing that will fit. next it deppeneds on how good you are if u are beginer get the cheaper ones. if u are a better skiieer that skiis all agresive terain u might need the more expensive quality. if u get a boot that is too much for u to ski u could get serious have a knee injury.

Answer 4

Boots are where the rubber hits the road so to speak and it is a case of you get what you pay for.  Every boot is different so you have to be prepared to try on dozens of pairs.

I once read in a similar question someone answered that you should be able to walk comfortably in your boots....I've never had a better laugh. Ski boots are made for one thing and one thing only....skiing! You can't walk in a good boot that's buckled up.

They should fit your feet very, very snuggly without any pinchpoints(if they pinch circulation will be bad and you'll suffer from cold numb feet.) If you can't afford custom liners at the very least get them heat molded...any shop worth a darn will do this for free when you buy the boots and it only takes you 5 or 6minutes to do this and you'll barely feel the heat(less intense then dipping your feet in a hot bath),

I don't normally like to make brand or model recommendations but I picked up a pair of Atomic Hawk110 this year and they are unbelievably comfortable and perform really well for a modestly priced boot I like them so much more than my Rossignol Radical pro carbons and at half the price