Seeing how some people on the list have asked for thoughts on buying boots
and getting fitted properly I figured I would add my 2 cents.

I have been skiing in the same boots for almost 10 years and even though I
usually get in only about 25 days a season my boots were pretty trashed.

I had been putting off buying new boots because I knew it would not be cheap
for me as I have extremely hard feet to fit (very narrow and very low
volume) along with having severe pronation in both feet.

After asking around this past year along with reading recomendations on the
list I found myself at Stratton Mountain's First Run ski shop.  I had called
a few days earlier and talked to Greg Hoffmann about my fit problems and
made an appointment to see him.

Greg spent a good amount of time just examining my feet and checking my
flexibility along with asking about any problems I might be having (I told
him I often end up in the backseat no matter how hard I try to stay
balanced).  Next he then spent some time determining just how much
correction and support I could take without causing any other problems and
to address the issue of being off balance.

After all this we finally got to match up a boot (just the shell without any
liner or footbed) to my feet.  I ended up with the Lange L10 (a race boot
fit but with a softer flex).

Next up was getting fitted for orthotics and finally a foam liner (this
ended up being a Strolz liner which is what I have been skiing in for the
past 10 years).

The final result was a boot that fits like a glove and has excellent support
leading to a very balanced and comfortable stance.  Of course, I have yet to
ski in them and that will really be the ultimate test.  Greg told me that if
there were any problems once I start skiing to stop back and they will make
whatever adjustments are needed.

If you are wondering how much all this cost let me just say it wasn't cheap,
but for me there really is no choice as prior to my last boots which were
quite comfortable but somewhat lacking in performance (they were Strolz with
foam liners but the shells were way too big for me), skiing had been an
extremely painful experience.

If you want more info Greg has a website at www.gmolfoot.com

If you end up going there for the whole enchilada like I did you should
probably call ahead as I spent an entire afternoon there.

Hope some of you find this helpfull.

Henry

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