Friday, November 6, 2009

Has anyone used those ski boot bags that plug into your car electrcals and heat your boots for you?

I saw them in a shop and wondered if they would be any good, at least your boots would be warm to put on. Would they be ay good to dry your boots at the end of the day? Could you heat muffins in them?

Has anyone used those ski boot bags that plug into your car electrcals and heat your boots for you?
First, heat muffins? Genius! I have to try that next season!





I have tried the boot warmers that plug into the car. I personally haven't seen a tremendous benefit by them and here's why:





When you leave in the morning, your boots hopefully somewhere warm the night before (like your house). After taking them out to the car, if you just simply put them next to a warm air-vent. Surprisingly, this works pretty well in keeping your boots warm and supple. The thing is that this is a normal situation. In situations that aren't normal (i.e you spent he night in your car the night before in the parking lot) (i have done this =p) those warmers are extremely nice.





I think the best way to go is car warmers because they do generate more heat and you don't have to worry about them failing. All in all, I wouldn't buy them purely because you don't actually really USE them a lot, just in irregular situations as explained above. But they are nice and if you are a frequent skiier, then add it to your gear!
Reply:you can buy battery powered ones that are cheaper.


Try:


http://www.cozywinters.com


(Put in boot driers warmers) $27.95


OR:


http://www.llbean.com



C++

Hi, I wear orthotics in my running shoes, should I wear the same in my ski boots?

I am about to go skiing (snow allowing) and would like to buy a new pair of boots. Since I use orthotics for running I guess that I should be using them as well for skiing. What do you think?

Hi, I wear orthotics in my running shoes, should I wear the same in my ski boots?
Probably won't do any good. Orthotics in running shoes correct the pronation or underpronation that occurs as you transfer from your heel to your toe thousands of times over the course of running or walking. In skiing except for some short walks to the chairlift or something, you will have the boot bound flat to your ski. Fundamentally you are standing with some leaning and help from gravity. You are not going to be taking many steps, and orthotics don't do much while you are standing still. It might even be a bad idea to "stand" on an unlevel surface over the course of a day of skiing.
Reply:they dop have inserts for ski boots. I believe they are pretty pricey though. I personaly have never tried them but I have a buddy that swears by them. I don't know where you are going to be going to ski but you should be able to find a ski store that carries the insert. My buddy got his in utah at a store called Copeland sports.
Reply:I think the comfort and fit of your ski boots need not be related to the fit of your running shoes. You really should try out new boots on a dry slope or similar to identify areas that rub or pinch. Take your orthotics with you to the boot shop and compare the fit with and without them. I have used the ordinary foot-bed from my old running shoes in my ski boots and found they worked well because they were already shaped to my foot contour. By the same token I've had heat formed insoles made in the ski shop only to find it felt better without them! Good luck with your new boots and even more with the snow!!
Reply:well it depends if u do tricks then no because the way u move in tricks it would mess u up and i tried it with a gel pad in and my foot started to hurt.


but for casual skiing ya i think it would be ok because ur not landing really hard and ur not pushing ur bady to do somtin hard.
Reply:Your orthotics will be great in your ski boots. They will not only be more comfortable but will support your feet better and promote better alignment of you feet, ankles and legs. Custom footbeds or orthotics are, in my opinion, crucial to having good fitting boots.



finance

I just bought a new pair of ski boots and they hurt! Advice?

They are a pair of technica diablo burns. They are my first pair of new boots the rest i bought used. I have been skiing my whole life and this is the first time this has happened. I have skied in them 5 times and they still hurt i dont have the cash to get knew ones.

I just bought a new pair of ski boots and they hurt! Advice?
Take them back to the shop where you purchased them. Explain where they hurt, pressure points, so forth.


New boots will not break in, the liners will slightly form to your foot as you use them. The shop should warm the liners, and have you place your foot in the warm liner to start the process.


The outer shell can also be modified by heating and pressing out the pressure points.


If the boot is the correct size and shape for your foot, then these modifications should be easy to do. A footbed, cants, shell alignment, and ramping are the usual modifications that need to be done. If you have had foot or ankle injuries that have changed the normal characteristics of your foot, then more mods should be made.


Allow at least 4 hours in the shop to make these changes. The footbeds run $75 to $150, cants should be less than $75, the ramps about $75 if you need them.


The shop should not have let you go without checking for pressure points.


If the pain is a shin bruise or ankle bruise, take a week off to heal, then go easy the next couple of days, no bumps, no hard racing. Just ski powder and enjoy the slopes.


It takes me about a month of wearing the boots at home before each season to be comfortable. I buckle them loose, and start with a 1/2 hour a night then work up to all day.


Hope this helps. Jim



FISH

JUST CURIOUS...I have a questions about ski boots.?

if i wear a 9 in women shoe's, will i still wear a 9 in ski boot's? I'm looking to purchase ski gear from craigslist %26amp; not able to find someone with a complete set. So if i have to buy each item separately i would like to know the right boot size.

JUST CURIOUS...I have a questions about ski boots.?
You are best not buying used equipment in a complete set. It is ok to buy used skis, if they are right for your level and the right size, but purchasing boots is a much longer process. If you buy boots that are too small or too big, even if it is only a half size, or boots that are the right size but don't fit right, your feet will be in pain and you will risk injury. I am in the process of searching for boots, and I cant find any that fit me right. It is best to go to a few different bootfitters and try on boots. I say a few, because most shops only carry certain brands. Some brands run narrow, some run wide, and some are in the middle.





My foot measures a 7.5, all the sneakers I own are 8s. My nordica ski boots are a 24.5 and they are way too big. In ski boots I am probably a 23.5 to 24, but different brands run differently.





Boots are the most important piece of equipment to fit right.


Never wear more than one pair of socks. It causes friction and your feet will get cold and you can get blisters. If you can fit your foot in the boot with two pairs of socks, then the boots are too big.
Reply:Ski boots do not use your traditional shoe sizing guides. They use Mondo sizing. Essentially it is the length of the inner sole of the boot in centimeters. A women's 9 is a Mondo size 26. Be warned, like shoes all boots fit differently and it is best to try on the boot before purchase. If the boot isn't comfortable when you first try it on, it will never be. IMO, it is the most important piece of equipment that you are going to buy. If you could avoid buying used boots, and skimp somewhere else, I would. Hope this helps.
Reply:Well normally your boot will be about a size smaller however I know that the boot im currently in, is the same size as my shoe, so it all depends on how WELL it fits....
Reply:Your shoe size is larger than a ski boot size. A man with a size 11 foot will wear a size 10 ski boot, mondo point is 28 (2+8=10), a woman is one size smaller. Try any boot before you buy it, the fit is critical, each boot shape is different and must hold your foot and ankle TIGHT. The buckles should close with a sharp click, not a thud, if the boot is not a multiple buckle (Overlap) system, do not bother with it. Spend at least 3-4 hours in a pro shop trying on different boots, then you can make a decision about what you need from the used market. Each foot is shaped differently and so are the boots, you must match your foot to the correct boot. The boot is the most important piece of equipment you will purchase, I spend 8 hours a day in mine and can still walk afterwards.


If you are just starting out, rent for a few days as you take lessons. The ski boot is the steering system to your skiis, if it isn't correct, you can not ski well.
Reply:Buying ski boots without at least trying them on is a terrible idea. Fit is critical in your boots, you will be miserable with a boot that doesn not fit properly. ideally, you want to spend at least an hour walking around in a pair of boots before you even think about purchasing them. Spend the few extra dollars, get fit by a certified bootfitter, and enjoy the slopes.
Reply:Most boots come in euro sizes which would be 40.5 for you. They also come in mondo size which is 25.5 for you. I would suggest going to a shop and getting them though. Ski boots are like removable casts and you'll more than likely want to try them on.



selling

What are some good ski boots?

I'm looking for some new boots to go with my new public enemy skis. I'm trying to stay on a budget but I don't want crappy boots either.

What are some good ski boots?
Go to a specialty ski/boot shop, the best boot for you is the one that fits your foot properly, supports you correctly and is soft enough that you can flex it in the shop. If you can not flex the boot in the shop at 70 F you'll never flex it on the slope at 32 F. Add the foot beds and any alignment you may need. The boot is the most critical piece of equipment.
Reply:Technica...but, they fit me like a glove...a lot depends on your foot size and shape, and...if you can get a good tech to give you a good fit...take your time..they are perhaps the most important piece(s) of equipment you will invest in of all. Also,if your feet are still growing is key too. Otherwise go for an intermediate boot.
Reply:Go to a store and get fitted properly. Without knowing anything about you (height, weight, riding style, foot size and shape) no one can properly recommend you a pair of boots.





At the store they'll fit you with the best boots for your feet and budget.
Reply:I just bought the ATOMIC BITECH 80.


Flex is 80 and they weren't very expensive.


250Euros i think, with a small discount.





Really great boots.


They have Becco reflectors for rescue in case of avalanche and if you buy a battery pack, the sole gets heated.


But better go at a special store and try the boot on.


Boots must have perfect fit.



car audio

What Type Of Ski Boots Do I Buy??

Someone gave me an older style of x country skies...as any other winter sport person, I'm eager to hit the snow! I'm just not sure what type of boot to get..the skies I have are Sierra-L. and have a little hole in the back of where the ski boot goes...I'm lost! Any thoughts???

What Type Of Ski Boots Do I Buy??
Surefoot ski boots. First, they make a foot bed to fit the sole of your foot, then they form the inner boots specifically to your feet. I bought mine at their killington store and my skiing improved immediately. They are great because there is no guess work, no trying on boot after boot, no worrying about the salesperson/bootfitter's knowledge level. Most people have different size feet, no problem with surefoot, each boot is custom fit. They are a lttle pricey but well worth it.



flower

Wearing ski boots outside?

I have a bit of a problem. I want to go skiing today but i don't have a ride to the mountain. My other option is to take transit to the mountain. I can't find a bag big enough to hold my boots so I am wondering if its okay if I wear the boots outside on the concrete and stuff.

Wearing ski boots outside?
Get one of these:





http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.as...





It will hold a pair of boots, a helmet, ski pants, a ski jacket, a roll of duct tape (flattened out); extar socks, hat, and gloves, and a quart size Nalgene bottle. There are plenty of inside pockets to stash gear and a zip to pouch on top to keep stuff like CarMex, Cat Crap, a bandana, extra zip ties, etc. etc.





Its got a rubber bottom so you can set it down in the snow and your stuff inside won't get wet.





The bag goes for about $50-$60. I've been using one for the past four years or so. It's awesome.
Reply:Just tie them together and sling them over your shoulder not exactly the best looking or most comfortable but it works





but to answer your question no its not a good idea
Reply:Not really a great idea.


First you'll wear down the heel plate...easy to change IF you can manage to track down a new plate.


Second you'll probably pick up alot of tiny stones which will become inbedded in the sole...not good for your bindings


Third it would be just damn uncomfortable





When I was a kid we would take a strap off a duffle bag and hook it onto the top buckle of each boot that way we could hang our boots over our shoulder leaving our hands free to carry our other gear




buying

Blog Archive