Which ski boots should I buy? Salomon Mission 7 or Foil?

Question

I'm looking at buying either the Salomon Mission 7 or Foil ski boots. Here's links to both:

Foil:

http://www.evogear.com/outlet/alpine-ski-boots/salomon-foil-2007.aspx

Mission 7:

http://www.rei.com/product/759013

Here's what I'm using:

Bindings: (mine are B85 though so the brakes fit my 85mm skis)

http://www.americaskiing.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=3071

Skis: (171cm)

http://www.armadaskis.com/product/skis/el_rey.php

I'm a fairly new skier (have been skiing twice, can ride intermediate runs) and am looking for something that'll keep me comfortable but not hold me back when I improve (I really am serious about skiing.) I am a 6' 3" 200lbs. athletic male and plan on riding mostly groomers and a little park in the southern California area.

The Missions are cheaper but the Foils have better reviews and match the colors of my skis. But I'm afraid the Foils are beyond my skill level.

Which boot should I buy? Or should I rent for a season and improve my skills first?

Answer 1

The ski boots are the most critical piece of equipment that you can get. They must fit your foot correctly, and allow a tight, supportive fit all around your foot. Each brand and model are slightly different. The price is not the issue. What fits your foot is what you must purchase.  After the boot is selected, consider foot beds and also get checked for canting and ramping of the boot to suit your balance. The cant is a side to side alignment and the ramp is how high the heel is relative to the toe. All of these items must be correct for you, not for somone else.  You might consider a season long rental with purchase option for the boots. These may help you make the choice.

Answer 2

Go to a bootfitter.  Tell them the truth about your ability and style of skiing.  After that, the only thing that matters is fit.

There is something to be said for renting for a while, but owning your own properly fitting boots is a huge improvement in enjoyment of the sport.  However, at the moment you are on a steep part of the learning curve, and you may outgrow beginner boots quickly.  I have a 13 year old girl, and I end up buying her new boots almost every year. I think the expense is worth it because she skis well enough to deserve good gear.

Answer 3

Like the other posters have said, you need to make sure the boot fits.  My suggestion is to go to a good bootfitter in your area (I would make that your next Yahoo question  "Recommend a good bootfitter near...").   Go in to the bootfitter open minded.  It's ok to have a price point in mind, but expect to spend at least $500 for something decent, including the footbeds.  Footbeds are a custom insole, heated and cooled to the shape of your foot.  They reduce the pain that pressure points can cause and can help with adjusting your cant.  They make the boot way more comfortable.

What is cant?  It is the angle your foot/ankle has over your ski.   Most humans do not have equal feet.  My right leg and foot are smaller than my left one and my cant is so severe that I form what is called an "A-frame" on skis...When I try to turn to the right, my outside ski (my left ski) gets on edge, but my inside ski (my right ski) can only flatten, not get on edge.  This does not make for efficient skiing.  (i.e. I can't carve a turn to the right).  Having my boots properly canted fixed this problem, making my turns much easier to make, resulting in my using way less energy to turn.

The bootfitter will ask you about your skiing preferences and recommend the best fitting boot based on boot stiffness, foot volume (how much room needed inside the boot for your foot) and price.  Expect to spend ~2 hours with the bootfitter.   Bring your ski socks with you...you want to be fitted using the same socks you'll be wearing.  BTW, being a fairly new skier, I want to make sure you put nothing in your boot but your sock and your foot.  Your long underwear does not belong tucked into the boot...roll it up at the boot cuff.   Haing anything else in your boot can cause friction points we call hotspots...sores that make it difficult to ski on consecutive days.

You will most likely need to go back a few times to do some adjustments here and there.  One lesson I learned, if you gain/lose weight or have surgery on either leg/foot, you will need the boots to be readjusted.  The cant will change.

If you are as serious as you say you are, you will forget about the color or if they match your skis.  Your boots are the most important piece of ski equipment you will ever buy.  You can rent/borrow skis, but boots need to be personal to get the most out of your skis.

You will always be improving your skills...unless you plan of racing, buying aboot with a medium stiffness should suffice for a number of years.

PS The most important thing about bindings is will they release when you need them to (and not when you don't want them to) and how old are they?   The technology is pretty even across the board.

Answer 4

If you are a beginner rent. If you are just looking for new ski boots go for the Salomon. I used to have a pair they fit really nice.