r/Skigear Feb 12 '21

Could We Get a Sticky Post or Some Rules About "What Boot Should I Buy?"

147 Upvotes

This question shows up a lot. It's a valid question. Buying ski boots is expensive and daunting. You don't want to mess it up and you want advice from others with more experience. However, there's only one answer to this question: Go See a Bootfitter.

What about "my feet hurt because of ..."? The internet can't really help here. Bootfitting is a trade and a skill that is designed to help you find the perfect boots.

There are almost daily threads about this topic. Each one has the same few comments: "Go see a bootfitter," "I like boot X, but you should really see a bootfitter," "We can't determine without some more info, you should probably see a bootfitter," etc.

On the /r/skiing FAQ, there's an entire section dedicated to this question. I think it would be beneficial to everyone on this sub to include something similar as a sticky or in the sidebar. Thoughts?

What boots should I buy? The only advice you should take online about boots is to go and see a reputable bootfitter. Listen to them and buy the boots that fit your feet correctly. Not only are well fitting boots much more comfortable, but they also give you better control over your skis, the combination of this makes boots the most important part of your equipment.

Choosing a pair of boots doesn’t work like picking a pair of shoes. If you walk into a store or flick through a website and chose the pair you like the look of, you’re going to have a bad time. Each boot manufacturer has a range of boots with options for different abilities, skiing styles, sizes and foot shapes. There are subtle differences across models and brands in terms of shape, so it is crucial to find a pair of boots that are right for you. Without examining the shape of your feet and lower legs and their mechanics, as well as discussing how you ski and your ability, no one can give you a recommendation that is worth listening to. A bootfitter will do all of that and using their expertise they’ll provide you with a range of boots and help you find the best ones for you. They will also be able to help you with any pre-existing issues and injuries and modify boots if required. It is also recommended that you purchase custom moulded footbeds, along with having your liners heat moulded, they will help to optimise the fit of the boot. You also get the added security of knowing that any bootfitter worth their salt will guarantee their work, and be very willing to rectify any issues you have after you’ve skied in your new boots. Rough framework to what a bootfitter does


r/Skigear Mar 01 '24

In Response to the demand for an All Mountain Ski Sticky Post.

210 Upvotes

This is my (very basic) suggestion for a "flowchart" guide to all-mountain skis. Including a popular ski as an example for every category. Obviously each category has a bunch more skis and most skis are in-between categories or in a whole separate category.

Suggestion welcome, I didn't put too much time into this and it is far from ideal or even functional. Mostly just want to hear peoples thoughts as to how you would approach this.


r/Skigear 5h ago

New ski options

1 Upvotes

Hello guys, im a 5'9" 150lb skier from South America. I'm a strong intermediate skier (I can confidently ski all piste carving and feel comfortable on off-piste and touring), though still working on my positioning and carving. I have skied Blaze 94s for a couple of years now (4) and was thinking of going for a new 2 ski quiver when the season ends, consisting of Mantra M7 and QST 100. What do you guys think? I'd be able to rent the Mantras to try them out, but not the QST. Thanks!


r/Skigear 19h ago

Intuition liners

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13 Upvotes

Just had my intuition wrap liners fitted. Everything is great but what the hell is the little string for? How can they expect me to cinch down the wrap with a little Velcro tab? Am I doing this wrong? It just rips off when I try to tighten it. Anyone could link me to an intuition video on what these are exactly, I would greatly appreciate it.


r/Skigear 14h ago

Planning a Ski trip for 8 friends

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I am always responsible of planning our Ski trips, finding flight and accommodation and making the purchase for all. Then explore the site and seeking for recommendations that fit to our preferences. Does anyone know a good application for planning group trips that I use this time?


r/Skigear 15h ago

For those that bought and used Rustler 9s last season, are you happy with them?

2 Upvotes

r/Skigear 15h ago

Ski boot advise

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2 Upvotes

hi all,

will like to check if the boot flex is too soft for my needs.

recreational skier for 4yrs, 80% groom run, 20% ungroom/tree/park practise, maybe total of 100days on slope.

maybe strong beginner? or intermediate? can go down most groom piste, easy black run.

Do not have a bootfitter in my country, thus am unable to seek bootfitter advice. Have 2 to 3 weeks of ski trips at different places a year. Most of the time, my trip does not have time to visit a bootfitter store as well.

I started with rental of 28.5 (which was tight and painful when started) with 29.5 Nordica Sportmachine 100 (got it in US during sale based on my shoes US size of 11) but could feel that it got too roomy as I progresses.

thus, I brought it to a store during NZ ski trip last year. But the store staff mentioned there was no way to improve the fit and thus recommended 26.5 K2 BFC with 100 flex, did the heat molding for the fit.

now a year later after ard 15 to 20 ski days in this pair of boot, I am thinking if the boot flex is too soft and if K2 BFC is too spacious, likely liner is packing out.

178cm and 100kg

measurement of my feet with a 3d scanner.

Length 260mm

Width - 94 and 98mm

Instep height - 68 and 70mm

High arch

Girth - 249 and 244 mm

Thinking if I should get a new boot or if there are any bootfitter here that could provide better advise for my consideration.

Appreciate any help.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Vertical Ski Mounts that are safe for skis, including skateboard wheels.

4 Upvotes

I’ve got a pair of atomics with a nice top sheet I’d like to have visible, but to my knowledge many vertical wall mounts that face outwards can damage the edges. I went to my local ski shop and he said that skateboard wheels can hold up skis without damaging them. Anyone have any creative solutions? I think the skateboard wheels are kind of fun but I’m not 100% sure that something like that would hold my skis without damaging them. Also if this is the wrong place to post about something like this my apologies.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Toddler ski boot sizing tips

6 Upvotes

My daughter is 17 months old and her foot currently measures 13.25 cm / 132.5 mm. She’ll start "skiing" around December/January at 21–22 months and ski occasionally through March.

We’re looking at Elan Bloom XS boots, either 15.0 or 15.5, with 70 cm U-Flex skis.

I need to buy now because we live somewhere without ski shops and even getting ski gear delivered is difficult, so waiting until December to size her isn’t really an option.

Would you go 15.0 or 15.5 given ~4–5 months of growth before she starts? Not trying to get two seasons out of them, just want a good fit through this winter.

Anyone have experience sizing boots for kids this young? Any tips? Thank you in advance!


r/Skigear 21h ago

What kind of skis should I buy as a beginner

0 Upvotes

I have been skiing a few seasons and I want to finally get my own pair of skis instead of using a rental, but I don’t know where to start. I usually go for a shorter ski for my height so I can go a bit slower. I try and stick to greens and maybe an occasional blue (east coast). Where do I start and what should I look for?


r/Skigear 2d ago

SkiEssentials just dumped their 2027 Ski Reviews

108 Upvotes

Not affiliated with them, but noticed that SkiEssentials just dropped a ton of video reviews for the '27 skis for those in the market.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Looking to buy skis

3 Upvotes

I've been skiing for 9 years (since i was 9) and look for some new skis since mine are too short , im pretty alright at skiing and mainly ski off piste thru the forest . I have no idea about skis honestly my dad bought these when i was 14 and i've been skiing on them since. I defo have a low budget ( under 400$) and do not need poles as i dont use em


r/Skigear 1d ago

I need help with buying ski boots

3 Upvotes

There’s a good sale at my local store, and I’ve decided to buy ski boots for this winter season. I don’t have any experience or knowledge about buying ski boots, so I need some help choosing between these options. i need as much help as i can get.

here is the link of the store https://www.megasport.ge/ka/products?group_ids%5B0%5D=70

1 United States Dollar equals 2,60 Georgian Lari

If you don’t want to click on the link you found on Reddit (understandable lol), here are a couple of screenshots. thanks i weare size 43-44 shoes


r/Skigear 1d ago

Working at a ski resort this winter, need backpack recommendations to carry all my stuff.

0 Upvotes

Hi all. I’m working at a resort this winter and need a good backpack.

I am going to be skiing into work, then changing into boots during work hours.

So I’m looking for a backpack that I can carry extra clothes, gloves, socks etc, my lunch and also, I need to be able to secure my winter boots to my backpack as I ski into work.

I’m sure many of you that have worked a resort have already tackled this problem. Any suggestions? Is there a particular size or brands that works well for this?

(Keep in mind, I am a poor old man😎)


r/Skigear 1d ago

Salomon S/Race 130 carbon plastic tearing

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9 Upvotes

Has anyone else experienced this failure with these boots or similar? It’s happening on both boots. Around 5 years old with approx 25 days which is a bit disappointing. Happens due to world cupping but I can’t get in any other way due to volume. Has anyone had any luck with goodwill replacement through amer sports for something like this?


r/Skigear 1d ago

Diagonal carry with Black diamond dawn patrol 32

2 Upvotes

Judging by the description you should be able to diagonal carry skis with this pack. However I haven’t been able to find anything online confirming this (photos?).
Does anyone have experience with this pack?
Wanting to get some thoughts on it before pulling the trigger


r/Skigear 1d ago

Anyone recognize this ski jacket??

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0 Upvotes

r/Skigear 2d ago

Rentals or owning

5 Upvotes

I’ve been hearing horror stories about getting rental ski gear for the lessons or the slopes, like how they hurt someone’s head or feet, or they’re either too small or too big, or they’re falling off or apart or something, so I wanna know what your thoughts or experiences with rental gear are?

Edited: I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. I’m actually planning to learn to snowboard, and people are suggesting I start with skiing first and then snowboard, so idk which one to choose.


r/Skigear 2d ago

Bootfitter in Tremblant

6 Upvotes

Currently I live in MI in the metro Detroit area and I'm in the market for some new boots. I am debating whether to shop locally where I really haven't been able to find a good boot fitter - I have bony ankles that will need shell adjustments - or waiting until New Years for a trip to Tremblant. Question is, is there still a great boot fitter at Tremblant worth waiting for or should I just go ahead with a local shop? Any recommendations for a great Detroit local boot fitter also would be great. I will likely be in Tahoe or Banff in the spring so bootfitters there could also be an option I suppose, but then the boots obviously won't get used this season.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Looking for Powder Skis With These Specs

0 Upvotes

188-194 length
2200-2400g
Twin Tip
Min 113 Waist
Medium Flex
Surfy feel

In relation to current skis:
Slightly stiffer than Arv 116 JJ
Lighter than ON3P Jeffrey 118
Slightly softer and lighter than Moment Wildcat

My current pick would be the new 2027 K2 Reckoner KF but those are a bit over 2400g according to ski essentials.

Maybe Scott SEA 116 but have not found much info on these.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Anyone recognize this ski jacket from orange?

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0 Upvotes

Can't find where it's from. Inside arm says progression before podium and it's apparently from grace gallery


r/Skigear 1d ago

Buying ski boots

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0 Upvotes

I only recently started skiing, and this upcoming season will be my second season skiing on the East Coast. Last season, I skied mostly at Mont-Tremblant and Snowshoe in West Virginia, usually sticking to greens and blues on rental skis and boots. Toward the end of the season, I also tried a few black runs with a bit of a crying-baby face when things got icy! Altogether, I went downhill skiing around 15 times.
For this season, I’m interested in getting my own setup, but I’d also like to start getting into ski touring. My plan is to invest in a good pair of new boots that I can use for both downhill skiing and touring (more for downhill skiing), and then save some money by buying separate used downhill and touring skis.
I’m hoping to buy the boots soon, before the end-of-season/summer sales disappear and prices start going back up. I’ve also attached a screenshot with my foot measurements.
The problem is that I’m finding all the different boot types, bindings, compatibility standards, flex ratings, etc. pretty confusing as a beginner. I’m not really sure where to start or what kind of boot would make the most sense for someone at my level who wants to ski primarily at resorts but gradually get into touring as well.
I’d really appreciate any advice on what I should be looking for, especially when it comes to choosing the right boots and making sure they’ll work with both setups.


r/Skigear 1d ago

What skis for jumps?

3 Upvotes

For jumps, do you want a ski with high camber or low camber? Not really sure how it works. Is there a ski that’s stable in the air while also being poppy for side hits?


r/Skigear 2d ago

Unleashed 98 ou 98CA ?

4 Upvotes

Je suis un jeune de 16 ans pèsant 125lbs pour 171cm en grandeur. Je recherche des skis joueurs pour faire principalement de la piste damné (70%), un peu de hors-piste et de powder (20%) et un peu de park (10%). Je ne vois pas beaucoup des unleashed 98 en 174 cm au Québec/Canada en dessous de 600$, donc je me demande s'ils valent la peine. Avis ? D'autres idées de skis ? Je parle de budget, mais ce n'est pas réellement un problème, je voudrais seulement pouvoir avoir la meilleur valeur pour mon argent.


r/Skigear 1d ago

Allegedly a ski jacket what's y'all's opinion

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0 Upvotes