2nd time skiing, too soon to buy boots?

I went skiing for the first time last year. I absolutely loved it and I%26#039;m going twice this year. I did very well at skiing (I was a figure skater for 10+ years and it%26#039;s very similar), and I%26#039;m considering moving to CO in about 1.5 years and plan to ski a lot when I do move. My main question is, is it too soon to buy boots? I had serious issues with the rental boots brusing the front of my shins, would a better quality boot help with this problem? I know that with rental ice skates the quality is so poor that often times experienced skaters can%26#039;t skate well on them, so I%26#039;m wondering if this is the case with rental ski boots as well.

2nd time skiing, too soon to buy boots?
I have a quick question. How many DAYS are you planning on skiing this season? If by %26quot;I%26#039;m going twice this year%26quot; you mean just two days, I would hold off on buying boots. It%26#039;s a big investment with not much return for just two days. Once you move and you see your ski days increase then buy your boots.





You should realize that in skiing and with your background as a skater, you are advancing the fastest in the %26quot;beginner%26quot; phase of the sport. You will probably move from beginner to intermediate relatively quickly. Like skating I am sure you realize that the more you can do the sport the more proficient at it you will become. The muscle memory you require takes time.





Ski boots come in all types and sizes for all types of skiers. At this stage you do not want to purchase a too advanced boot which may actually hold you back from advancing your skill level. I always compare it to going for your first drive in a sports car with a stick shift which you know nothing about; sure you get going - but just barely. Like wise buying a softer, beginner ski boot now, while it will help you advance your skill, it won%26#039;t help you take it to the next level. Again another car comparison - it would be like taking the minivan to the racetrack, sure it makes it around, but you can%26#039;t push it too hard. If you are advancing faster than the limits of the equipment, you can potentially end up %26quot;out skiing%26quot; the boot. Meaning the moves you want to make might not happen, or worse happen in a way you do not want them to.





As far as the bruises on your shins are concerned. The most common misconception is that this comes from the boot being too tight. Not true! It is the opposite. Your boots were too loose around your shin and calf. If your leg can wiggle around in the boot and as you move from turn to turn while skiing, the leg then slams into the tongue of the boot which is surrounded by hard plastic. This repeated hammering of the leg into the tongue leads to bruising. You want to make sure that when tightened, the upper cuff of the boot it fits snugly around your lower leg so that when you flex into and away from the boot, the boot moves with your leg. Basically you do not want your leg to have a lot of space to rattle around in the boot like a pencil in an empty coffee can.





The best thing you can do for your ski trips this season is to rent your skis and boots from a higher end ski shop near where you are skiing. You wouldn%26#039;t rent your surf board in New Jersey before going to surf in Hawaii, so get your ski gear in a ski town. The higher end shops often offer more than just your basic rental gear. Some shops even have boots which are very similar to the ones you could eventually buy. While there, talk to the shop%26#039;s %26quot;boot fitters.%26quot; Tell them where you are at in skiing and what you are hoping to achieve. They can point out which boots they carry which may fit your needs in the future. If the equipment you rent works well, take the time to write down the equipment numbers from your rental form and the next time you go back to that store, you can ask for the same gear.





Lastly a couple of things to keep in mind. #1. The foot beds in rental boots suck. At the ski shop purchase a quality foot bed that can be inserted into the boots. This will help to stabilize your foot in the boot. You can then take it with you when you leave. All upper level skiers use them and swear by them. #2 and this is the most important. DO NOT, DO NOT get a ski boot which is BIGGER than your street shoe size. Your foot will just be swimming inside of it and it will not help you get any better. Upper level skiers all have boots which are the same as their street shoe or smaller. It is a question of control and performance. So rent a boot no bigger than your street shoe.





I hope this helps.





Get out there and have a great season.
Reply:If you truly want to continue skiing then it would e a good idea to get some boots. It would also be a good idea to get skis as well. I would suggest going to your local sports store and see if they have a beginner ski package. It wont cost a ton and the quality is going to right on par for a beginner. Or check for used equipment. I would not suggest getting new top of the line equipment for your skill or how much you are going just yet.
Reply:if you seriously intend to continue skiing, then no, it%26#039;s not too soon.
Reply:The rental boots are very uncomfortable. Buy your own, and if you outgrow them, you can always sell them on e-bay. It will make a difference.
Reply:If you decide to buy boots (which I think is a good decision) then go to a reputable ski shop (not a sporting goods store) and see a professional bootfitter.





The difference between a good fit and a perfect fit is priceless.





If you live near a ski resort than you should be able to find good ski shops around town.





As for your shins, tighten your boots, shave your shins (yes indeed, shave your shins!) and buy a good pair of ski socks.



C++