50USD for a pair of Ski Boots? Seriously?
Yes, this is indeed TRUE!!!
Knowing that discounts are deeper than normal during the current end of season sales, we set out last week in search of a pair of affordable ski boots that Gwen can learn to ski on. We already got a ski/binding package setup online, but knowing that boots are the most important component of a setup, we decided to visit some stores to get Gwen fitted on boots.
Our first stop was the Skirack in Burlington. They are a well rounded shop in the heart of downtown, and we have heard good things about it. A quick glance at the offerings on the wall and our hearts sank. All the boots were on sale, but prices started at $399. When an employee approached us, we reluctantly let him show us some boots. Turns out the kind gentleman was Matt, THE boot fitter of Skirack. For those we aren’t aware, boot fitting is more akin to an art form than a procedure. Boot fitters spend years learning about the science of feet-boot interaction, then spend years more learning how to interpret customers’ fickle needs on the job.
Matt explained that the basic rule of thumb is to feel uniform pressure all around your feet when you’re in the right boots. He also noted that higher end boots tend to be narrower due to the imprecise convention that better skiers like narrower boots (who’s to say a Double EE can’t be an Olympic skier?). Unfortunately, Gwen’s feet were narrower, so we might need pricier boots. After measuring Gwen’s feet, Matt went to the back room to grab several pairs of boots in her size. There was one pair of Langes in particular that had been refunded before, and were essentially “new old stock” because the person never skied in them. This turned out to be the right pair that fit.
When Matt mentioned the price of 50USD, we were both shocked! Gwen glanced at Ian with a puzzled expression. You can hardly rent equipment for less than that these days. Before we left, we noticed posters from the ski brands with pro-skier’s that thanked Matt for his boot fitting expertise. We did so in our own humble way.
So here is the pair of boots! We went skiing/snowboarding the very next day in nice spring-like conditions. Yay!!!
Yes, this is indeed TRUE!!!
Knowing that discounts are deeper than normal during the current end of season sales, we set out last week in search of a pair of affordable ski boots that Gwen can learn to ski on. We already got a ski/binding package setup online, but knowing that boots are the most important component of a setup, we decided to visit some stores to get Gwen fitted on boots.
Our first stop was the Skirack in Burlington. They are a well rounded shop in the heart of downtown, and we have heard good things about it. A quick glance at the offerings on the wall and our hearts sank. All the boots were on sale, but prices started at $399. When an employee approached us, we reluctantly let him show us some boots. Turns out the kind gentleman was Matt, THE boot fitter of Skirack. For those we aren’t aware, boot fitting is more akin to an art form than a procedure. Boot fitters spend years learning about the science of feet-boot interaction, then spend years more learning how to interpret customers’ fickle needs on the job.
Matt explained that the basic rule of thumb is to feel uniform pressure all around your feet when you’re in the right boots. He also noted that higher end boots tend to be narrower due to the imprecise convention that better skiers like narrower boots (who’s to say a Double EE can’t be an Olympic skier?). Unfortunately, Gwen’s feet were narrower, so we might need pricier boots. After measuring Gwen’s feet, Matt went to the back room to grab several pairs of boots in her size. There was one pair of Langes in particular that had been refunded before, and were essentially “new old stock” because the person never skied in them. This turned out to be the right pair that fit.
When Matt mentioned the price of 50USD, we were both shocked! Gwen glanced at Ian with a puzzled expression. You can hardly rent equipment for less than that these days. Before we left, we noticed posters from the ski brands with pro-skier’s that thanked Matt for his boot fitting expertise. We did so in our own humble way.
So here is the pair of boots! We went skiing/snowboarding the very next day in nice spring-like conditions. Yay!!!
3 comments:
That's amazing! I do believe that it' important to seek an expert's advice. It's great you ended up with good quality and affordable boots.
Was it a mistake that they marked it as USD?
Gloria: we really like the experience with the expert's advice.
classybabe: maybe it was!! haha!!
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