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Buying Ski Boots.

 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
As I see it, it's no skin off any Snowhead's nose, if someone doesn't take their advice - but because most of us have been there (with uncomfortable boots), the advice is hard learned and well meaning....and comes from experience.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
i am indeed a one week a year skier, i just cruise around the mountain taking in the scenery and stopping for the occassional drink. one thing i would like to add is that a few years ago i did go to reputable boot fitter recommended on this very forum, the advise i got was that a new pair of boots might take a few weeks to bed in and get comfortable, now if your a one week a year skier like my good self that means a few years.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
compostcorner wrote:
i am indeed a one week a year skier, i just cruise around the mountain taking in the scenery and stopping for the occassional drink. one thing i would like to add is that a few years ago i did go to reputable boot fitter recommended on this very forum, the advise i got was that a new pair of boots might take a few weeks to bed in and get comfortable, now if your a one week a year skier like my good self that means a few years.

Hardcore, tight fitting Race Boots might take a week or two....but for the type of skiing you describe (and the Boots you would need), I think 2 or 3 days. I like to get them in resort (I don't live near a Fridge), as I can ski them and return for mods, if necessary. My current boots weren't too bad from word go...but settled nicely after 3 days. The secret is not cranking them too tightly and damaging your foot/shin.


Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Mon 2-10-17 17:42; edited 1 time in total
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@Old Fartbag, Real race boots don't "bed in" at all as the liners don't compress over time.
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@compostcorner I think ski boots, like all boots, will fit better and better the more you wear them. This happens with walking boots too.

The best thing to do for a new pair of boots is just take them to a snowdome for a day.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
rjs wrote:
@Old Fartbag, Real race boots don't "bed in" at all as the liners don't compress over time.

That I can believe.

Maybe I'm talking about Boots at the upper end of the Expert Skier spectrum.

I'm very light, ski one or two weeks a year, so avoid them like the plague.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@nevis1003, “ I have noticed that the advice on snow heads sometimes seems to be almost commercially driven and I wonder just how much is independant. “

Rubbish.

Snobbish flex nonsense? Equally rubbish.

French club kids shopping Decathlon? I may be wrong, but I really don’t think so. The club racers I know in Morzine and Samöens get their kit at club rates from local shops.

As to wearing touring boots? Well, that explains your attitudes to flex. Sure, I know very many hill workers wear touring boots, but they typically aren’t too worried about performance...
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
I thought everyone on here knows that its best to buy previously owned skiing boots on E Bay, that way you know the boots have been bedded in and theres no need to wear them around the house before skiing in them...
and if they don't fit simply put them back on E Bay and buy another pair.
There is also a good selection of touring boots for nevis1003 to try
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Sourgraping, yep, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
nevis1003 wrote:
Dave of the Marmottes wrote:
The price of boots in decathlon is about £60 to £200. Even the branded stuff looks like Special mark up. There is no comparison with a properly fitted pair of boots from a proper pro. By all means buy there if you are confident at self fitting and don't want or need any sort of flex.


More rubbish, Decathalon sell ski boots up to £400.


Not in the branch I looked in a few days before posting that. Unless you mean mail order in which case even better luck. As I said have at it if they meet ypur requirement but REALLY there is no comparizon with a pro modded stiff flex boot.
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
nevis1003 wrote:
I live in the Alps all winter, mostly in Morzine and the number of Brits, who come out with boots which give them sore feet, usually from alleged boot fitters, is staggering, I would say 30% would be a good estimate. None of the boot fitters change the boots if this happens. I am sure any boot fitters who do change badly fitted boots can post their guarantee on here to reassure you I am wrong. Or those recommending the boot fitters can post the guarantees. I have noticed that the advice on snow heads sometimes seems to be almost commercially driven and I wonder just how much is independant.
Some of the snobbish nonsense above about flex is laughable, reminds me of some boot fitters....
Personally, I don't wear ski boots much, I usually wear touring boots, as many who live/work in resorts do. If I do buy ski boots, it's Decathlon for me...the French kids ski race clubs generally all wear them...but what do they know, and none of them will have been near a boot fitter...


Nothing goes down on snowHeads less seriously than somebody trying to add weight to their opinion by saying "I live in the Alps" as if it means anything.

I live in Liverpool but I don't know the first thing about football, Titanic or nicking cars.

How do you know that 30% of Brits have sore feet from bootfitter-fitted boots? Do you personally interview every single British skier who visits the entire mountain range about their boots? Because if you don't then we'll have to presume that your statistic is entirely made up.

Would you mind telling me how my advice is commercially driven? How recommending a boot fitter is commercially driven advice? (I'm not a bootfitter...)

I am perfectly happy to accept that it's possible for a boot fitter to do a bad job. What I am not happy to accept though is that buying a boot off the shelf from Decathlon and shoving it on your foot provides a guaranteed better fit than any bootfitter can provide... on the sole basis that they offer refunds. Which is what you are proclaiming.

Maybe living in the Alps is doing you no good at all and the high altitude is sending you a bit loopy. Shocked
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@dp, damn. There goes my presupposed Titanic expert. Shocked
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
i dont disagree with any of the comments about bootfitting, i"m just suggesting that we dont all have the time and money to do it, the lad from liverpool says he paid £60 on the train to get to his chosen shop, but what if he has to take them back, thats another £60, how much time and money are you prepared to put in for what is a one week holiday once a year. but going off track a bit, someone asked me how many years i have been skiing, and i said 30, he said i must be pretty good, but actually its only 30 weeks with a whole year between weeks, so just when you cracked it the weeks over and next year you have to start all over again.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
compostcorner wrote:
i dont disagree with any of the comments about bootfitting, i"m just suggesting that we dont all have the time and money to do it, the lad from liverpool says he paid £60 on the train to get to his chosen shop, but what if he has to take them back, thats another £60, how much time and money are you prepared to put in for what is a one week holiday once a year.


Can we PLEASE get over this whole concept of taking boots back if you don't like them (and it costing £60)... I don't know anyone who has seen a quality boot fitter and taken their boots back after trying them.

The point that I am trying to make is that if you see an actual proper quality boot fitter (like CEM or Profeet... not just your local snow+rock), you are reducing the chances of getting an ill-fitting boot as far as those chances can be reduced. You're doing everything you possibly can to make sure that those boots don't need to be returned. If they still need to be returned, you're one of a very small minority. So you don't need to plan for that £60 second trip. You can assume that there is a very high likelihood that your trip to the bootfitter will be a once off.

I made this point as soon as somebody mentioned the Decathlon thing: If you're planning on returning your boots from the day that you buy them... you're buying the wrong boots! You should be buying a pair that you're not going to have to return.
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@dp,I don't agree that you should not need to return for adjustment. I know plenty of people who go back to recommended bootfitters for one reason or another. MrHL had to go back but after the tweaking the boots were still agony so he sold them on and went elsewhere. He would not have asked for nor expected a refund but wasn't prepared to spend the time and money on more visits that may or may not have fixed the problem.
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
@dp My boots were fitted by a recommended boot fitter on the understanding that the first fitting was unlikely to be the last. Possibly there's a difference between fitting for those who need it because what they have been using was cripplingly uncomfortable and fitting for those who don't have such issues but want to own their own gear.

@compostcorner There aren't that many fitters that are actively recommended so the chances are that many of us aren't in a position to make repeated visits to one. It was marginal for me but the fact that the fridge for testing them was on the way clinched it.
Old Fartbag did say in his response to one of your comments upthread, one alternative for those that can't get to a recommended UK boot fitter is to go to one in resort.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
holidayloverxx wrote:
@dp,I don't agree that you should not need to return for adjustment. I know plenty of people who go back to recommended bootfitters for one reason or another. MrHL had to go back but after the tweaking the boots were still agony so he sold them on and went elsewhere. He would not have asked for nor expected a refund but wasn't prepared to spend the time and money on more visits that may or may not have fixed the problem.


I didn't say you wouldn't have to return for adjustment. I said you wouldn't have to return to take them back for exchange.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@dp, I know, but even for adjustment is a big investment of time and money
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
dp wrote:
nevis1003 wrote:
I live in the Alps all winter, mostly in Morzine and the number of Brits, who come out with boots which give them sore feet, usually from alleged boot fitters, is staggering, I would say 30% would be a good estimate. None of the boot fitters change the boots if this happens. I am sure any boot fitters who do change badly fitted boots can post their guarantee on here to reassure you I am wrong. Or those recommending the boot fitters can post the guarantees. I have noticed that the advice on snow heads sometimes seems to be almost commercially driven and I wonder just how much is independant.
Some of the snobbish nonsense above about flex is laughable, reminds me of some boot fitters....
Personally, I don't wear ski boots much, I usually wear touring boots, as many who live/work in resorts do. If I do buy ski boots, it's Decathlon for me...the French kids ski race clubs generally all wear them...but what do they know, and none of them will have been near a boot fitter...


Nothing goes down on snowHeads less seriously than somebody trying to add weight to their opinion by saying "I live in the Alps" as if it means anything.

I live in Liverpool but I don't know the first thing about football, Titanic or nicking cars.

How do you know that 30% of Brits have sore feet from bootfitter-fitted boots? Do you personally interview every single British skier who visits the entire mountain range about their boots? Because if you don't then we'll have to presume that your statistic is entirely made up.



Would you mind telling me how my advice is commercially driven? How recommending a boot fitter is commercially driven advice? (I'm not a bootfitter...)

I am perfectly happy to accept that it's possible for a boot fitter to do a bad job. What I am not happy to accept though is that buying a boot off the shelf from Decathlon and shoving it on your foot provides a guaranteed better fit than any bootfitter can provide... on the sole basis that they offer refunds. Which is what you are proclaiming.

Maybe living in the Alps is doing you no good at all and the high altitude is sending you a bit loopy. Shocked


I never said anybody 'shoves boots on their feet', how does a boot fitter know if your boot fits or not, he/she asks you? So, why can'y you work it out for yourself? Are you soft? That's what happens in the boot fitters, the information comes from you anyway.

Regarding the commercially driven posting that is going on here, lots of posters have deliberately lied and posted rubbish about the range of boots in Decathalon, look at the range available and look at the posts. Also the info section on Decathalon boots is quite informative, it states if it is a large or low volume boot and has flex information. It includes details of walk mode etc and what standard of skier the boot should appeal to.
I have said I live in the Alps in season and ski most days because that's what I do, and that is the experience behind my opinion. The fact you can't even tell if a ski boot fits you or not without having to ask somebody else tells me you are a bit clueless and should not really be giving advice to others.
My main hobby is climbing, and the fit of climbing boots is more critical and yet most climbers just buy their own boots, wear them at home extensively first to see if they fit, because the only way you can really tell if a boot fits ,wither it is a ski boot or a climbing boot, is to wear it on the hill. Boot fitters know this, hence they offer no guarantees, or else they would be out of business.

Still waiting for the boot fitters to put post their guarantees on here....

So, that's why I mentioned Decathalon, they are the only shop to change a boot once it has been worn and should be applauded for that. They also undercut boot fitters by a huge percentage....


Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Tue 3-10-17 12:03; edited 1 time in total
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I understand that those specialist actually fine tune it to be as perfect as possible to you feet whereby a regular fitter would just find the boot that fits you better with what they have - there might be the problem, normal stores would try to find a match somehow to make the sale I guess
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
holidayloverxx wrote:
MrHL had to go back but after the tweaking the boots were still agony so he sold them on and went elsewhere.

Has he learned what caused the problem for future reference ? Bootfitting is an interactive process, the fitter needs us to tell them what we feel. Sticking with the same fitter until it works could help in knowing what to ask for next time.

I have bought boots over the internet and would happily do it again. But... I would like to think that I know what I'm doing, I have also been using the same model of boot for nearly 20 years. My current pair were from a recommended bootfitter but the process was just a case of asking them to order me a pair of Brand X model Y size Z, then when they arrived to punch the shells where I asked and grind the toe and heel lugs.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@rjs, yes he has.
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
nevis1003 wrote:

Regarding the commercially driven posting that is going on here, lots of posters have deliberately lied and posted rubbish about the range of boots in Decathalon, look at the range available and look at the posts.

Just out of curiousity, how much are Decathlon paying you to pimp their boots nevis1003?

Nothing of course (I presume...), but can't you see that you are doing the same thing as everyone else - promoting a shop that you happen to think offers a good product / service, because you are a satisfied customer. You are (presumably) no more being payed by Decathlon than others are by the various other shops mentioned in the thread.
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
nevis1003 wrote:

I never said anybody 'shoves boots on their feet', how does a boot fitter know if your boot fits or not, he/she asks you? So, why can'y you work it out for yourself? Are you soft? That's what happens in the boot fitters, the information comes from you anyway.


That's a pretty narrow minded view.

A good bootfitter will know which boot to start with, and use their education, training and experience to interpret the things that you say to help the boot fit you. So sure - you can "work it out for yourself"... but you might need to do it every day for 10 years in order to get the same level of education, training and experience to match that of a bootfitter. The information is easy in life, what is difficult to find is people who know how to interpret it. It's like saying when a doctor prods you and asks if it hurts, you may as well be your own doctor because all the information is coming from you anyway.

Quote:

I have said I live in the Alps in season and ski most days because that's what I do, and that is the experience behind my opinion. The fact you can't even tell if a ski boot fits you or not without having to ask somebody else tells me you are a bit clueless and should not really be giving advice to others.


ahahahahaha you're great. can you come to my house and do stand up on a sunday night?

referring to my above example, if I tell somebody to go see the doctor because they feel ill, is that bad advice because if I actually knew how to tell if I felt ill or not, I would be suitably qualified to prescribe my own medicine?

Quote:
They also undercut boot fitters by a huge percentage....


Decathlon: The price buys you a pair of boots.
Bootfitter: The price buys you a pair of boots; and the knowledge, training and experience of the fitter. If you think the latter has no value, it's no wonder you've got your opinions. But in most projects, expertise is the most valuable resource. It's like saying comparing the price of car parts to getting a job done by a mechanic.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
nevis1003 wrote:


Regarding the commercially driven posting that is going on here, lots of posters have deliberately lied and posted rubbish about the range of boots in Decathalon, look at the range available and look at the posts. Also the info section on Decathalon boots is quite informative, it states if it is a large or low volume boot and has flex information. It includes details of walk mode etc and what standard of skier the boot should appeal to.
I have said I live in the Alps in season and ski most days because that's what I do, and that is the experience behind my opinion. The fact you can't even tell if a ski boot fits you or not without having to ask somebody else tells me you are a bit clueless and should not really be giving advice to others.
My main hobby is climbing, and the fit of climbing boots is more critical and yet most climbers just buy their own boots, wear them at home extensively first to see if they fit, because the only way you can really tell if a boot fits ,wither it is a ski boot or a climbing boot, is to wear it on the hill. Boot fitters know this, hence they offer no guarantees, or else they would be out of business.

Still waiting for the boot fitters to put post their guarantees on here....

So, that's why I mentioned Decathalon, they are the only shop to change a boot once it has been worn and should be applauded for that. They also undercut boot fitters by a huge percentage....


FeXXin hell you really want to make friends don't you - NO THEY HAVEN'T they have honestly represented their experiences. And it's great if self fitting from a supermarket works for you - it's not as if you are forced to use a boot fitter. But to suggest there is some shadowy cabal where we're all in the employ of bootfitters? Is your name Golldsmith?

& it's spelt Decathlon dimwit wink
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
On reflection maybe part of the problem is that nevis1003 is referring to Decathlon stores in France whereas we are talking about stores in the UK - I've not been in any Decathlon store recently that even has the capability to fit bindings or even stocks them or non-system skis. They aren't really a ski store - they are a general sports store with a strictly limited range of hardgoods. No problem with their softgoods & helmets/goggles they are excellent value.

Maybe in France they are much better equipped and sell full ranges from FIS SLs to Big Mountain Freeride beasts with boots to match - just never seen it in 6 or more stores in the UK.
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@Dave of the Marmottes, good thinking

https://www.decathlon.fr/C-586639-chaussures-adulte/N-313929-prix~de-297-a-499.99~euros
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
I regularly go in the Passy design centre and the Albertville Decathlon shop. I think Passy had a slightly bigger range still than the web page last winter, both had touring boots too.
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 You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
This is what Decathlon UK had on their website last January (assuming the waybackmachine is working properly), a fair reflection of what was available in-store. Some of the images won't load but it gives a flavour and you can see there's some overlap with the French site.

https://web.archive.org/web/20161215032912/http://www.decathlon.co.uk:80/C-847948-ski-boots
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 Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Just for balance... ( says a pro fence sitter)

I got my current boots initially at a Snowheads day at Lockwoods. Been getting a bit loose recently, so got them replaced by the boys in Bicester - I was prepared to buy a whole new set, but they said no, not necessary: just new linings and insert will do you. So it cost more to travel than I actually spend on replacement bits. Nevertheless, lovely job. Took time, money and effort, but well worth it. I like CEM & co , and happily endorse them*. (Oh, as does Mrs Roll, who also got hers done there)

We have also been buying boots for my daughter from Ski Barlett over the past 6 years. Not so far to travel. Again, a great effort, great shop, and great boots. And they do PX for a new set. Once more, will endorse their service*.

But, as anyone with teenagers know, they tend to grow somewhat. So it's been new pairs rather too often for the bank manager's liking. So, this year, prior to going to the 'professionals', we looked at the UK Decathlon range (Reading) . Having got 25+ weeks snow experience of what feels good, bad or indifferent, I trusted her. I trusted her so much, I even said (holding breath...) if they don't suit, you don't like them, we will go back to Bartlett and get the expensive fit.

As it happened, with trying the various options in Decathlon, she found a boot that worked. For her. I emphasise, for her. ( Note: not a shop assistant in sight - we sent them away). It wasn't instantaneous, took a bit of Q&A between the two of us. Wasn't the most expensive, wasn't the cheapest. But at least we knew what we were looking for. And it appears to be the right boot: she's done 3 weeks in them this winter, and loves them. Responsive, accurate, and yes, comfortable (it is possible...) . Hope to get Christmas this year out of them too, and depending on the rate of continued growth, might possibly do Easter as well. (But if not, well, there's always renting... )

Point is: sometimes Decathlon can be the right answer. Sometimes a pro boot-fitter can be the right answer. Some people need to take a chill pill


* NO fees were involved in the making of this post
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 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Penry wrote:
This is what Decathlon UK had on their website last January (assuming the waybackmachine is working properly), a fair reflection of what was available in-store. Some of the images won't load but it gives a flavour and you can see there's some overlap with the French site.

https://web.archive.org/web/20161215032912/http://www.decathlon.co.uk:80/C-847948-ski-boots


So leaving aside touring boots which definitely aren't retail shelf stock in most stores in the UK the £60-200 isn't that far off the mark. If your choice is Decathlon boot or random hire boot you'll get about 1 minute to consider then take your time, try on plenty and buy the best fitting Decathlon boot. No problem.
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
As I often say, if this works for you, great.

In 45 years of skiing, I only started achieving real comfort after getting proper fitting about 11 years ago.

I know I have strange feet.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Arctic Roll wrote:

Point is: sometimes Decathlon can be the right answer. Sometimes a pro boot-fitter can be the right answer.


I think the point is also though that Decathlon worked for you because you got a boot that works for you at a price that worked for you.

You're not claiming that the reason Decathlon works for you is basically because CEM is just a chancer who's good at listening and doesn't offer refunds.

under a new name wrote:

I know I have strange feet.


Same here.

The benefit of going to proper bootfitters has largely been that they've helped me understand my problems and what options are out there to deal with those problems. And secondly that they have the specialist equipment and the know-how to perform quality work on the boots that stretches beyond the normal oven and ice pack treatment that the standard shops give you. I'm paying for their knowledge and experience. I don't want to have to exchange boots - ever. So my concern is going to somebody who will select the right boot, and make it fit properly.

Does anyone have normal feet? Who knows. There's 7.5 billion people on the planet and ski boots are designed around probably less than 100 pairs of feet. So if yours happen to fit the standard mould then the law of averages says you're lucky!!!

What I will mention though is that my strange feet were made significantly worse by 2 things... firstly 4 years running around in army assault boots which the quartermaster had neglected to issue with insoles (instead just assuring me that I wasn't entitled to insoles and it was perfectly normal to run 5+ miles a day in boots with no insole). Then 2 years wearing cheap steel toe cap safety footwear to work before I made a more positive effort to look after them better and started buying expensive Lowa safety boots. So do be aware that poor footwear choice can create problems too. I think it's really valuable to see a foot and footwear specialist before putting anything on your foot. I appreciate everyone here is ranting about money, and I bet a lot of you earn more than I do. The point is that you only get one pair of feet (and let me warn you that even when they are bollocksed, the NHS doesn't give you half as much free treatment as you'd think your taxes had paid for - it's expensive business having buggered feet). The real question is... can you afford not to look after them properly?

[quote="nevis1003"]
Quote:
By the way Dave Marmite and Dp, a lot of the staff are very good skiers, you can always say I'm from the uk and can't tell if my boots fit or not, they will find somebody special to help you Smile


That's very interesting but there is a big difference between a skier and a boot fitter. Being good at one doesn't make you inherently good at the other.


Last edited by Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see? on Tue 3-10-17 22:49; edited 3 times in total
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
Dave of the Marmottes wrote:
Penry wrote:
This is what Decathlon UK had on their website last January (assuming the waybackmachine is working properly), a fair reflection of what was available in-store. Some of the images won't load but it gives a flavour and you can see there's some overlap with the French site.

https://web.archive.org/web/20161215032912/http://www.decathlon.co.uk:80/C-847948-ski-boots


So leaving aside touring boots which definitely aren't retail shelf stock in most stores in the UK the £60-200 isn't that far off the mark. If your choice is Decathlon boot or random hire boot you'll get about 1 minute to consider then take your time, try on plenty and buy the best fitting Decathlon boot. No problem.


Actually, it's way off the mark, Decathlon has boots up to 4-£500, the UK site doesn't seem to have updated for the season yet, but the French one has boots at 499 Euros. However, the stores don't even have them on the shelf yet, so the full range will be in later.
By the way Dave Marmite and Dp, a lot of the staff are very good skiers, you can always say I'm from the uk and can't tell if my boots fit or not, they will find somebody special to help you Smile
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@nevis1003, So you reject the evidence of the actual stock Decathlon UK were carrying across all their stores in January to substitute some fantasy range that you imagine will be available.

I can play that game - don't waste your money in Decathlon, Tesco will have the total range of every ski boot ever made for £5 max next week.
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I think there is only one way to solve this. Our "I live in the alps dontchaknow" expert comes down my local Decathlon - takes his pick of the extensive range of skis and boots available, I take my pick of my quiver and we have a ski off.

Then if he is unvanquished we tie him to a chair and dp bores him about his feet for a few hours til he surrenders.
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Dave of the Marmottes wrote:

Then if he is unvanquished we tie him to a chair and dp bores him about his feet for a few hours til he surrenders.


Or you could just take your socks off and bore him about your feet with a practical demonstration...

If he survived at all he'd surrender in seconds!
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Dave of the Marmottes wrote:
@nevis1003, So you reject the evidence of the actual stock Decathlon UK were carrying across all their stores in January to substitute some fantasy range that you imagine will be available.

I can play that game - don't waste your money in Decathlon, Tesco will have the total range of every ski boot ever made for £5 max next week.


In the interests of pointless research, the French Decathlon website had much the same pricing as the UK one at the same point last year. https://web.archive.org/web/20170110102044/http://www.decathlon.fr/C-586639-chaussures-adulte/

So none more than 300 Euros. However this year 2 new boots appear to be added to the range in France, one at 400 and one at 500 Euros

Even so, with only one or two examples at each price point over 200 Euros and massive gaps between those price points, it's not really a range of boots and one would have to be pretty lucky to get a pair to suit if you were in the market for something towards the top end.
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Folks,

can I have your opinion, I'm not experienced and don't know exactly how a boot should fit. If I went to a regular store, tried a boot which seems comfortable and gently tight - no sliding inside, can bend toes up and down but not to sides. Stayed with that for ~ 10 min and felt ok. Tried another one before which after few minutes became painful.

Does that mean much or still very much possible when it comes to real skiing could be a pain ?
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Gustavobs wrote:
Folks,

can I have your opinion, I'm not experienced and don't know exactly how a boot should fit. If I went to a regular store, tried a boot which seems comfortable and gently tight - no sliding inside, can bend toes up and down but not to sides. Stayed with that for ~ 10 min and felt ok. Tried another one before which after few minutes became painful.

Does that mean much or still very much possible when it comes to real skiing could be a pain ?

It's hard to call from here, but the inner lining will pack down after a while....so if that happens, it "may" prove to be a little big.
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