. ski analyses : Buying Boots - 26 December 2004 - 20:17
If you buy your own equipment, the boots should be the first and foremost consideration. If your feet hurt, you will not ski. It's as simple as that. It doesn't matter which brand or style of boot you buy initially. They all can be custom formed to your feet, and the fit will be more like your bedroom slippers than a ten pound plastic shoe. Spend the extra cash on the boots. Your feet will thank you later.
Remember, the beginner equipment is designed for minimalist needs. The gear will get you into the sport, but will compromise on comfort, and your ability to progress quickly to the higher skill levels will be slowed. The boots for beginners are traditionally soft, but they still do not have the comfort built into the performance boots. Beginner boots, because of their pliability, lose some of the feel between the shoe and the ski. A stiff boot will make the ski react exactly as the foot is moved, while the beginner boot allows some forgiveness. If the foot is moved to much during the turn, the ski will be overturned while using a stiffer boot. Beginner boots are designed for convenience and should be used by beginners.
The plastic shell of the rear entry model is hinged in the back allowing the foot easy entry into the mold. While this convenience is appreciated, the design makes a person's ankle position to be nearly immobile (The ankle must be flexed forward to effectively steer the front of the skis into a turn).
The best advice to any serious want-to-be skier is to go down to the local ski shop and buy an intermediate overlap style boot. This boot is soft enough for the beginner, but it will be useful as you progress to the intermediate levels in the first few years. Also the mid-line or intermediate boot will be more comfortable than the cheapest boots. The skis can be rented every time, but the boots should be purchased and custom fit.
Boots: Choosing the Right Kind Ski boots are the single most important part of your skiing gear. They are your link to the snow and will give you all the feeling necessary to make great turns. They can also dampen your sensitivity enough (if they are not fitted correctly) so you will not be able to quickly and precisely turn the skis.
The only boot to consider is the overlap design boot if you eventually want to cruise like an expert. This boot starts you off in a forward position, which is essential for manipulating the front of the ski and making smooth entries into each turn. The problem with most beginner and intermediate skiers is that they cannot find balance while in motion. Until the basic human need of safety and control is achieved (through balance), the subtle nuances of upper level movement are lost.
John Mukavitz © 1998
Chapter 4 Buying Boots