Ski boot fitter???

[ellie_belly26]

I live in wollongong and was just wondering where i should go to get my ski boots fitted? I dont mind driving to sydney because I wanna make sure I get the right fit, first time...

I usually only ski once or twice a year, but after getting soft tissue damage on my ankles/shins last year I am determined to get a good fit! If i only make it down once a year I really dont want my slide ruined from rental boots...

I am a ballet dancer so i have quite slim feet and ankles, but bulky/strong calves and very high arches... So my feet tend to have lots of movement and I have to do up the top of the boot stupidly tight to feel any control :(
If anyone has a similar problem I would love to hear how you've combatted it!

[Ash]

Some info in this thread

http://www.snowatch.com.au/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000472

Have the same problem with high arches, custom footbeds worked for me.

[The Frog]

Go visit Warren (the owner) at Extreme in Wollongong, he is a masterfit qualified bootfitter. Tell him Snowatch sent you. smile.gif Probably call him to make a booking to make sure you get him.

[ellie_belly26]

Thanks for the replies!


Will try a few boots at Extreme, though a friend of mine said that their boots are generally around $100+ more expensive than Sydney stores?

[Rednut]

i don't know the answer to that ellie, but most ski gear is advertised at RRP and boots, especially from a qualified fitter will be sold at that price due to the amount of time generally spent fitting the boots and the fit guarantee...

[Paul Oberin]

In almost all boot fitting, the customer has to decide if they are going to shop on price or a good fit, it is rare to get both.
Boot fitters who are well trained, have spent a small fortune getting that well qualified over many years, for that reason alone they usually don't discount boots and will charge the Rec retail price suggested by the importers, which should be the same price at all stores.
Shops that do not employ good boot fitters generally have to discount their boots to make a sale, and most times will sell a set of boots at least one size too big, as they go on what the customer tells them are the right size.
Buying the boots is only the first step, quite often a boot that feels great in the shop, will need further adjustments after you have worn them out on the slopes, these adjustments are free at the shop were you bought the boots, but very costly if bought at another shop, I charge $100 per hour for fixing boots not purchased at my shop.
Warren at Extreme is as good a boot fitter as you will ever need to see, phone him and book an appointment with him, and go prepared to buy when you are in there.
Build loyalty with Warren or what ever shop you go too, and once they get to see that you are a loyal customer, you will get looked after quite a lot better in the way of little things that normally cost money, will be a lot cheaper or even free.
A lot of my good loyal customers never pay for ski tuning and waxing, they get better prices on gloves, goggles and clothing than other customers.

[The Frog]

and remember to mention snowatch to him.

[Mikesta]

Originally posted by The Frog:
and remember to mention snowatch to him. subtle,

whose a good fitter for some cheap and nasty boots for a beginner (friend of mine *cough*.. im no punter)

[Tobi]

Good fitter and cheap shouldn't be in the same sentence.

[ellie_belly26]

Thanks Paul! I dont mind paying the money for the right fit, and I thought it was probably just hearsay about the price differences but with being a big purchase I just thought I'd cover my butt and ask... Its wonderful to have your insiders input as the ski retail industry really is foreign to me (I've been a rental girl :S lol)

If anyone wants any tips on a good pointe shoe fit I'm more than happy to return the favour! lol

I definately understand that fit outweighs money... And if I dont have quite enough $$$ for the good fit I'm sure mum will wanna contribute for my 21st! I am a winter baby afterall, its her fault! lol

[ 21.05.2008, 10:27 PM: Message edited by: ellie_belly26 ]

[The Frog]

yeah drag her into the shop.

[Straight_Line]

hehehehe, and go for ski's and outfit as well. Dont forget the helmet, also an important item.