I went to the Giants Stadium sale last night just to try on different boots and educate myself. Now I know why the experts say that most skiers have boots that are too big. My shoe size is a 13 and I asked one clerk what that would mean in ski boot size. He said, ?30.?
Well, knowing what I know now about boots needing to be very snug, and a size smaller than we feel is comfortable, I tried a ?29? in a few models. And guess what, it was the ?28.5? that seemed to be the ideal.
28.5 is the one that fit closest like a glove and yet according to the employee and according to the charts and the labels right on the boots, I should not be using that size.
28.5 boots?which fit me snugly and appropriately?have labels on them that say they?re for size ELEVEN U.S. shoes. I couldn?t fit into a size 11 shoe if you paid me!
So, no WONDER most people get boots that are too big. When a store employee and when the industry itself (via labels on the boots) is giving you misinformation, what do you expect?
There was one other employee there from Utah who was very helpful. He knew the deal and was telling people to go very tight.
I?m on a mission for the perfect boot. I think I?m going to splurge by going to one of the bootfitter specialists recommended on http://www.bootfitters.com and from their suggestions continue my search.
Knowledge is power. I?m CRINGING now at my complete ignorance these past 3 winters of skiing, where I knew nothing about the equipment.
Thanks to you all!
p.s. My first 3 winters on skiis were the past 3 winters and now I realize I've been in boots a SIZE AND A HALF too big each and every time on the slopes.
p.p.s It wasn't easy getting into a size 28.5. I had to open the boot wide and then really flex my leg hard to get it in the boot, and yet if felt really snug and good. I'm sure it's the right size for me (my big toe was not crushed). So that tells me another reason most boots are too big for people. Who is going to bother working so hard to put a boot on? They probably feel there's no way it could be the right size. But they're wrong.