10 top tips for buying ski boots...

1. Allow Time
Don’t rush yourself, the initial fitting will take between 1½ and 2 hours. It doesn’t matter if it takes longer we have the time, patience and skill necessary to make sure you get the right boot.

2. Know Your Feet
It sounds obvious but do consider and discuss your ‘boot history’ and any previous problems you may have had with ski boots or your feet in general.

3. The Budget
Have a budget in mind of what you’d like to spend though do be flexible if it means getting the most suitable model. Make sure the budget includes supportive footbeds if you don’t already own them – they will improve the comfort and performance.

4. Measuring
Measuring is just a guide, a starting point. The correct size will be gauged from a shell check with your foot in the plastic shell of the boot, without the inner liner inserted. This will confirm if the size, shape, and volume of the selected model are the correct match.

5. Thin Socks
New ski boots have warm padded liners that will support your feet and insulate them. Thick socks will only make the boot tighter, restricting blood flow and ultimately making it colder. Thin socks will improve precision, control and comfort.

6. The Right Boot
It isn’t about how the boot looks or what is recommended in the latest edition of ‘What Ski Boot’ magazine. It’s about the fit and function.
Fit – The fit is so important to your enjoyment of skiing, don’t let the look influence the buying. The right size, shape and volume matter so much more than colour, style or the latest trend. Focus on how they feel (read How a New Boot Should Feel).
Function – Biomechanics and size are just as important as ability. Some people need stiffer boots than their ability might suggest, some need softer. The boot should support and work with you, ignore the stickers and numbers. Focus on how they feel.

7. Footbeds and Stability
Don’t concentrate solely on the boots, to really make them perform and be comfortable you first have to ensure your feet are stable when inside. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of a well-made custom footbed to a successful boot fitting. In most cases it is the key to a successful fitting.

8. Initial Wearing
After buying your new boots don’t just put them away till it’s time to go on holiday. Wear them as much as possible either skiing at indoor snow centres or dry slopes, or at home whilst stood up, for example ironing. The more you wear them the more the liner will soften and mold to your feet.

9. Modifications
There are only a small number of brands and styles of boots, there are millions of different feet. Ski boots are designed to be modified to accommodate lumps and bumps. Our staff have the tools and knowledge to stretch and grind plastic shells, transform inner boots and alter angles and flex. Little changes can make a big difference.

10. Aftersale Service
Sensations like minor tingling, slight numbness or some hot spots can be expected to start with as the liner packs down. If they don’t ease with use, take the boots into a store for modification. Even if you have a more painful problem, please don’t panic, in most cases it only takes a small change to fix it. We provide free customisation on all our boots; whether it’s the day you buy them, after 1 weeks skiing or 3 years down the line.

There is one thing you must remember, to have time – on the day of the fitting you should allow at least 1½ hours in the shop. It is advisable to purchase your boots well in advance of going away.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Shell: Polyurethane (PU) shells are firm and responsive, suiting better skiers. PU Ether shells are slightly more performance-orientated than PU Esther. Skiers using these types of boots are confident with their turns and want the boot to be precise and responsive. Polyolefin (PE or PP) shells are softer and more forgiving, better suited to novice skiers who do not want their ski boot to react to every move they make. Skiers using these boots will not be perfectly balanced on their skis or entirely confident in all their turns.
Liner: All adult boots that Ellis Brigham stock use custom-molding foams. This means they can be heated in store to help the inner boot better form to individual foot shapes. Performance-orientated liners have denser, firmer foams that take longer to mold to individual foot shapes. They last longer, give a positive foot hold, and feel precise. They are closer fitting and feature more exact shaping. Comfort-orientated liners have softer foams and extra space. This results in a more immediate sense of molding, though the liner won’t hold the foot as closely or tightly.
Flex: This relates to how much effort it takes to bend (flex) the boot forward. Boots with high flex numbers are stiffer, meaning they are suited to skiers with all or some of these characteristics: fast and aggressive style, better skilled, heavier weight. They feel precise, driving skis extremely efficiently. Softer flexing boots perform very well at slower and medium speeds, they make it easy to control skis, and are comfortable to use.
Last width: The width of the boot at its widest point, across the forefoot area. The stated size relates to a 26.5cm ski boot.
Velcro strap: Also known as a power strap. They help close the boot and keep the shin in contact with the tongue of the liner. Generally, the bigger the strap the better it is at retaining the leg. Therefore, it takes more effort to use the boot, which will suit advanced skiers better.
Canting: This is really cuff alignment. It is a way of adjusting the cuff (the leg) of the boot in relation to the lower shell (the foot) of the boot. It allows the cuff to better match the angle of the skier’s leg in relation to their foot. Usually double canting enables more movement than a boot with single canting.
Features: These are features we have highlighted to help distinguish between different ranges and models. Refer to the ‘feature’ boxes on listed pages for explanations.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
This is a guide to show how the boot will perform and what to expect in terms of the overall fit. Shown as a progression from Leisure through Sport up to Performance.
LEISURE These models offer extra space, the inner boots use less dense foams and the shell has a higher content of softer plastic for increased comfort. Leisure boots are forgiving and less precise than sport options. Good quality, thin ski socks need to be worn and good footbeds dramatically improve the fit.
SPORT A great compromise between comfort and performance. The fit is close and the materials used supply plenty of support, the liner is made of firmer foams to ensure an even, all-over pressure. Good quality, thin ski socks need to be worn and good footbeds are essential for obtaining the best balance between comfort and performance.
PERFORMANCE Performance boots for experienced skiers have less volume and feel firmer. Control and precision are the most important elements, which means no extra room. Correct ski socks need to be worn and good footbeds are essential to obtain the maximum comfort from a boot that is designed with other factors as a priority.

ELLIS BRIGHAM SUREFIT GUARANTEE
As we recognise that every foot is unique, we also recognise the need for unique ski boots. To achieve this, we provide free labour for customisation; whether it’s the day you buy the boots, after you have skied them the first time, or 3 years down the line. This free service includes stretching, grinding and modifications such as softening or stiffening.

We want you to be happy with your ski boots so we will always try to remedy any problems you may encounter. Very often, this will be resolved by a simple stretch or grind to the ski boot to slightly alter the shape; in all cases we will expect good quality ski socks and supportive footbeds to be used. If we are unable to provide a satisfactory fit, then, providing the ski boots have been worn for less than 2 weeks (wear and tear will be taken into account), correct socks and footbeds have been used, and there is a proof of purchase (to show the boots were bought from Ellis Brigham in the preceding 18 months), we will issue a credit note for 70% of the value paid. This guarantee is offered in addition to your statutory rights, and it is dependent on our advice being accepted during fitting. For further information, terms and conditions contact customer.services@ellis-brigham.com

ELLIS BRIGHAM SUREFIT PROGRAMME
All the staff in our ski departments are passionate about wintersports. Their enthusiasm for what they are doing will make your time in the shop more enjoyable and ensure you leave with the correct product. This interest in skiing is not enough on its own though. That’s why Ellis Brigham provide the most comprehensive ski hardware training programme in the UK. This involves seminars, coursework, practicals, and one-to-one coaching; focusing on all aspects of boot fitting. As a result, we have a team of committed and knowledgeable staff. They will ensure that the service and care you receive, in any Ellis Brigham store, is of the highest quality. Visit the Ellis Brigham website to find out more about the SureFit Training Programme topics, the different levels of qualification and staff profiles of our boot fitters around the country.