H-A, once again, thanks for an informative post. I didn't know that about the cuff sizes being the same for different shell sizes. Something to watch for -- good one.
I'm good with the advice about trying different shell sizes. I've had shop guys want to put me only into the shell size that showed on their foot measuring device. When I asked to try and then told them that the next shell size down actually fit better, they thought I was nuts. Didn't buy boots there, obviously.
Guys, if I were to summarize all the things to look for in a good boot fit, this is what my list would be....
Shell fit (all assessments done with footbed in):
1) Length -- 1/2" to 3/4" behind heel, toe touching shell end
2) Width -- 1/8" wiggle room, side-to-side at forefoot, preferably less at heel area for snug fit
3) Instep height -- hard to judge, I think, without liner in to change foot height off bootboard, but if there is contact or almost no gap at instep with only footbed in (no liner), then it's too low
4) Ankle pocket -- small gaps, 1/8" or so; no contact points, esp. not at hinge rivet; well contoured around ankle bones
5) Cuff width -- hard to judge without buckling boot and/or liner in; but looking for a slim fit with no gaping spaces
6) Cuff height -- taller is better for a guy of my height (6'2")
General boot design things to inspect:
7) Cuff hinge locations -- evenly positioned, or offset?
8 ) Bootboard canting and ramp -- flat or canted outward? Ramp angle?
9) Relative position of lower cuff flap to instep area of shell -- located well up? or low and touching instep area? (potential pressure point when flexed)
10) Contour shape of shell -- updated design, anatomically more accurate?
11) Position of medial part of foot to inside edge of ski -- foot centered? outward?
12) Stiffness/thickness of plastic at medial part of boot
13) Shell shape inside boot where sides of feet meet shell -- rounded or flat?
14) Liner thickness and density; quality of materials
15) Cuff alignment adjustment -- both sides? one side only? none?
Other fit things to check with liner in:
-- Alignment/canting in neutral stance
-- Alignment/canting flexed forward, tracking of knees
-- Range of motion
-- Flex feel -- progressive/smooth, hard/uneven, sharp end stop
-- Hot spots, compression of instep
-- Toe room when in neutral stance vs. flexed forward
That's all I can think of for now. Am I missing anything? If so, post back. If something else comes to mind, I will edit and update.
Message to moderators: how about using the above list as the starting point for a Sticky in the Gear section? With collaboration with the gang here giving their input, collectively we could come up with a pretty decent guide on "How to Shop for New Boots". We could even include a pros & cons list of 3-piece vs. 2-piece shells.
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