Is learning to ski with a race boot a bad idea?

Question

I'm a beginning skier with bad foot mechanics and was having trouble finding a boot that did not hurt. Last season I visited a very reputable boot fitter who suggested a pair of Nordica Doberman Pro 110's due to my specific foot issues. He told me to disregard the fact that they were race boots because he felt that it was more important that they fit well. I bought them and have skied with the a few times this year. They are better than what I had, but I have two issues. The first issue is that although the feel fine the first part of the day, after a few hours they start to hurt noticeably. The most important issue is whether it is a mistake learning to ski with this type of boot. Although I'm starting to feel in greater control, I still feel like I can't control my speed as well as I can control my direction. Is the boot simply too advanced for my ability level? Would an all mountain ski help my skiing along? I appreciate any advice. Thank You!

Answer 1

I'd recommend a pair of Solomon boots. Very good and have wonderful comfort.

Answer 2

It's hard to give advice without knowing more about your "specific foot issues". Race boots generally give better control at the cost of some comfort, so I'm a little surprised that they were recommended to you. However that doesn't necessarily mean that the boot fitter was wrong. He knows more about your feet than I do, and you did say that they were better. He was certainly correct in saying that the fit was more important than the fact that they are race boots. The fit is all-important. My advice is that you take the boots back and have them adjusted until they are right. Any reputable store will do this for free until they fit properly. My store certainly did until mine were good.

There isn't necessarily a problem being a beginner with this type of boot. They can be a bit stiffer (lack flex) and as I said can be less designed for comfort, but they don't make a beginner go faster! That's a function of skis and technique. Afterall, the boot doesn't touch the snow. I have to reiterate - an advanced boot is not what is making you go faster. You will need to learn to control your speed.

I'm also wondering whether your technique is contributing to your soreness. Are your keeping your weight forward? If you have your weight on your heels, you will get sore. Your shins should press gently but firmly against the tongue of your boots. Leaning back also makes control harder.

Finally. an all mountain ski will only help you if your present skis are inappropriate for you (e.g. they are race skis, too long for you, etc). As you are a beginner, I presume you are skiing on the trails, in which case you don't need an all-mountain ski, although you may want to check that your skis are tuned properly for a beginner. If you are are hiring skis you don't need to worry - they are set up right for beginners.

Answer 3

A good fit is probably 3/4 of the equation... without a boot that fits properly, you'll never feel comfortable or in control. That being said, the type of boot shouldn't be overlooked. As others have said, race boots are designed to sacrifice comfort for performance, and this is probably why you are feeling pain after a few hours... it's probably on the tight and stiff side.

I don't think you'll ever regret having learned in these boots, but if they are hurting to the point that it affects your skiing, I'd look for something else.

If you do decide to look for something different, I'd tell you to either visit multiple shops or a shop with multiple boot brands in stock, because each brand fits differently (for instance, I simply can't ski in a SCARPA boot, but find Nordica to be perfect for my feet.)

Also think about some custom orthotics, or at least a decent insole. The ones that come inside of even a $700 pair of boots are often thin pieces of foam, because manufacturers expect you'll replace them.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Since you are using this boot with limited success, but it was recommended as the right fit for your foot, take them back to the shop and have some adjustments made, remove the pain points, and have the boot softened.  This will allow you to more readily flex the boot, and allow a better learning curve to your skiing.  It is not a good idea for most beginners to learn to ski in a race boot. You may be the exception. The boot should fit your foot tight around the foot and ankle, not be painful yet flexible enough at 25 F, that you can bend your ankles.

  Your speed control is more an issue of your turn shape on the hill than the boot itself, round your turns at both ends of the task.  No Z turns, use an S shape instead.

Answer 5

No, it is not a bad idea; speaking from first hand experience.

Race boots are generally the stiffest but I totally agree with your boot fitter that the fit is much more important than boot level. There is no real basis on "the boots are too advanced for the skier's level". Skis can be too advanced for you but not boots. Your speed/direction control problem is more likely due to techniques and skis.

New boots need few days of skiing to be perfect as the linings form into the shape your feet. Some discomfort in the first days is normal. However, they should not hurt or bruise your feet. First, try to adjust all settings, buckles' microadjustments, stiffness, cantings, etc. Second, go back to your boot fitter and ask for custom fitting. Custom fitting can really make a big difference. They will heat/form/shave linings, put inserts, etc. to make them perfect for you.

My first ski boots are race boots from Lange. I picked them for similar reason: They fit the best among the many boots I tried. I never regret the purchase at all. Never needed to upgrade because they were advanced to begin with. They got all the settings I need. Perform really well when I race. Accurate and responsive. And they feel better and better as they get older. I have purchased about 20 pairs of skis but I am still happy with these 19-yo boots. And I ski 20-50 days a year.

Answer 6

fit is most important, but you are not good enough to be pushing a dobermann. take them back and complain that some salesman told you wrong. it will hurt your learning curve. go to a shop like sure foot. based on whatever foot issues you have they can custom build you a boot for your level or at least a softer flexing boot. it's pricey but they'll fit like slippers and have a lifetime warranty. every time i take mine in they tweek em out and redo my custom orthodics free. free. free. my husband has complained for years about me spending a ton of cash on my boots. he's getting some next year cause he knows i'm right.

Answer 7

First off is this guy certified. Check http://www.bootfitters.com/

If he isn't then visit. These guys know what to do

Answer 8

Try freestyle boots like dalbello rampage boots or solomon spk boots.  they are way more comfortable.  i have flat feet (literally no arch) and some messed up bone structure.  these boots have heat molding liners that reshapes the inner liner to account for any pressure points in the feet.  i learned on snoblades and it was great because i learned control at a slow speed , but quickly got tired of the speed, or lack thereof.  i tried an all mountain ski, but my favotire ski so far are twin tip park skis.

Answer 9

For a beginner, the doberman boot line is way too advanced. You should look at something with a lighter flex. 110 is very stiff for a beginner and i doubt that you can flex your boot right now. look at some of the intermediate non-race boot models. Maybe the Beasts or the Speedmachines.