New Ski Boots: Custom Ski Boot Consultation and Fitting Service

WHO IS THIS FOR?

If you want to purchase new ski custom boots, this service is for you. You'll work with one of our bootfitters - or more likely a team of bootfitters - to find the perfect boot for your needs. We sell alpine, alpine touring, telemark and nordic backcountry ski boots. We spend thousands of hours assorting the best line-up of ski boots possible for a wide range of feet and skiing styles. Until we start selling out of boots around the beginning of February, it's rare we can't find a great ski boot that will give you exceptional skiing experience for years to come. That's our goal - to get you in a boot that will make you ski better, make you ski happier and will last a long time.

I waited until I had 50 days in my boots before making this review to make sure I could comment intelligently. It took about three hours for the crew at Larry's to get me properly fitted and molded into my new boots. They had a great attention to detail and never made me feel like I was wasting their time. It's a cool vibe at their shop. The boots are the best fitting boots I've ever owned! I feel like I ski better and am quicker edge-to-edge with my new boots. They fit perfectly - no pinching and no hot spots. Larry's set me up with custom insoles and liners which really seem to make a big difference in my skiing. Without a doubt the best purchase I've ever made with my ski equipment. Thank you to the whole crew at Larry's! I will be life-long customer for sure! - Harvey Williamson

THAT ALL SOUNDS GOOD. HOW DOES IT WORK?

We will begin with a discussion about what type of skier you are, where you ski and how often, what your skiing aspirations are, what other sports you do and your prior experiences with boots. If you have a short video of your skiing, bring it along. The more information you give us, the better. Also, bring your skis in or at least a picture of the toe piece of the binding with the model name. Some older bindings require different soles and it's good to know that before we spend two-hours on the bootfit.

After the interview, we'll measure your feet. For this, you'll want a pair of good fitting thin ski socks. We sell them in the shop or if you have some you like, bring them along (clean please). Measuring is an important step to finding a proper fitting ski boot. Based on the measurements and the discussion your boot fitter will find a number of boots that might work. While we have hundreds of boots on the wall, based on measurements and your skiing style, we'll narrow it down to 2-4 boot options so you don't spend all day here.

We'll help you try boots on and have you spend some time in them standing and walking around. This is a good time to experience the famous culture of our shop. We'll always have a great ski movie playing, or if you'd prefer a shelf full of ski and adventure books to pass the time while your feet settle into the boots. People are always talking skiing here, and there are great stories told by all. It takes about ten minutes for boots to warm up and start to conform to your foot, so patience is key. 

We'll repeat this procedure until we find the closest match. Then we'll talk next steps. We'll have a discussion with you about footbeds, which cost extra but almost always ensure a better fit and better performance. After making footbeds we'll heat mold the boot to your foot. This process can be a bit uncomfortable, but it only lasts ten minutes and we do our best to distract you. Finally, you'll try the boot back on. Often the boots fit great right away, but sometimes we need to make adjustments. We'll make adjustments till things are copacetic and you are ready to go skiing on them. Please see the FAQ section for "What happens after I buy the boot?"

FEES, CANCELLATIONS, RESCHEDULING AND OTHER NITTY-GRITTY STUFF

There is a $100 fit/consulting fee for the "New Boot Sale" service, due when you make the appointment. Because we strongly believe in the performance and comfort benefits of custom footbeds, we will apply the $100 fit fee to a combined new boot/footbed purchase. Footbeds are a good investment because they can last for a decade-plus and can be switched between pairs of boots. If you choose not to get a custom footbed, we will apply $50 of the fit fee to the New Boot purchase.

If you choose not to buy a boot from us but we still spend the appointment time helping you find the perfect ski boot, we consider the $100 fair compensation for our time and knowledge. You'll get your money's worth, because in these situation we will recommend a boot, special order it if we can, or help you order it from another shop or vendor when we can't.

If you no-show your appointment we will not refund the $100 fee. However, you can reschedule your appointment using the email confirmation you received up to 48 hours before your scheduled appointment for no cost. There is no fee to change your appointment time. Cancellations up to 48 hours before appointment will be refunded the full $100 minus a $5 fee the scheduling website charges us per transaction. Cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment will not be refunded, so plan ahead. There is no fee to change your appointment time. You can change your appointment time online. To cancel email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com.

An exception to all of this is sickness. We have an extremely small staff and if any of us catch a cold it could literally close the shop. This happened numerous times last year. We're extremely strict when staff members get sick - nobody is allowed to work with so much as a sore throat. We ask the same of you. If you wake up the morning of your appointment we will move your appointment free of charge to a better time. Email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding.

This is the appointment slot for you if you have existing boots that were acquired elsewhere, or boots that were bought more than five years ago from Larry's Bootfitting that need adjustments. It's a 90 minute long appointment and is probably the category that creates the most "spirited conversations", so grab a cup of coffee and read on so we're on the same page.

Examples of problems that can be worked on are:

• You just have boots that need to be fitted for the first time!
• A hot spot or pain point somewhere on the foot or lower leg. 
• Need a little extra width or length
• Need to snug up the boot a bit 
• Shin pain (major shin bang is very difficult to fix, usually requiring a new boot or liner)

We'll usually recommend some sort of footbed, but we're cognizant that custom footbeds are beyond the budget for some skiers. However, for the following problems, we will insist on a footbed, as 90% of the time these problems are caused by a lack of foot support. They are very footbed-specific. These include:

1. Inside ankle pain
2. Outside pinky toe pain
3. Arch cramping
4. Any sort of plastic punching

In addition to custom footbeds, we do sell a quality drop-in footbed that costs $60. We're happy to work on the above problems as long as the boot has some sort of arch support. While not as supportive as a custom footbed, the drop-in footbed will work well and once it's in the boot we can address problems #1-4. It usually ends up costing more money to dip and dunk various problems when a footbed will often just clear those problems up. Inserting a drop-in footbed into a boot takes five minutes (customs footbeds take 30-45 minutes), so this appointment category is perfect for these scenarios.

Another tool we use to fix existing boot problems is a new liner. New liners are awesome and can do a lot to extend the life of an otherwise properly fitting ski boot. We offer several liners and they do cost money, generally in the $150 to $275 range depending on what liner you get. An exception to this is the ZipFit liners which cost $525, made of durable cork, so will pack out at a rate exceedingly slower than other liners out there, as well as offering exceptional precision and the ever-desired heel lock sensation. Liners are generally the right solution when the boot has more than 100 days of use, or the foot/boot interface requires more pliability than we can get out of a stock liner.

The time allotted may seem like a lot of time but it can go quickly. If you have one or two problems with the boot we can probably get it done within the booked time. However, if the problems are extensive, we would strongly recommend booking two of these appointment slots, preferably in a row, as extensive problems require extensive work. When your appointment slot time is up a new customer will arrive and we'll have to dedicate our attention to them. Please evaluate how bad the problem is.

Most of the time we'll get you in and out of the shop, boots in hand, on the same day, but there are situations where this is not the case. With cases where we need to do plastic work - punching and grinding, etc., we'll check the boot in and get it back to you as soon as we can. Typically turn turnaround time is about a week. Please plan accordingly. If you do have a big trip or objective planned for the winter, get in here early so we can do it right with time to spare. 

Other repairs that often take longer than the allotted one-hour slot are situations where screws are stripped. Stripped screws can turn a 5-minute long buckle or sole replacement into a 45 minute long process. If you're home futzing with screws on your boots and don't have bootfitting experience, STOP! A stripped screw costs you money, and that's not a fun way to spend it. Rivets are another time suck. If the repair requires drilling out a rivet, it's going to cost more money.

We occasionally run into situations where boots are so poorly sized/matched to the foot that there isn't much we can do to help. We're good boot-fitters, but until somebody invents a microwave boot shrinker machine, we can't work miracles. And because there is a deposit fee to make this appointment, we want you to be aware of this reality beforehand. In situations where we quickly evaluate the boot is the wrong boot and you want to make a New Boot appointment, we'll work with you. It's impossible to outline every potential scenario here.

There is a $100 deposit fee for this appointment. This fee will first be applied to labor and then to parts and supplies, including footbeds and liners. With relatively straightforward adjustments this often is all it will cost. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of our standard labor and parts costs:

• Heat Mold: $80 + any additional materials
• Punch: $40 per punch*
• Grind: $40/ish per inch
• Buckle Replace: $50 +parts
• Booster Install: $60
• Boot Heater Install: $60
• Miscallaneous labor outside these categories $100/hr
• Custom Footbed: $280
• Stock footbed: $60
• Liners - varies from $150 to $525
• *Some plastics are harder to punch and will incur a surcharge
• **All boot labor costs estimated and may be different upon completion

If you no-show your appointment we will not refund the $100 fee. However, you can reschedule your appointment using the email confirmation you received up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment for no cost. There is no fee to change your appointment time. Cancellations up to 24 hours before appointment will be refunded the full $100 minus a $5 fee the scheduling website charges us per transaction. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will not be refunded, so plan ahead. There is no fee to change your appointment time. You can change your appointment time online. To cancel email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com.

An exception to all of this is sickness. We have an extremely small staff and if any of us catch a cold it could literally close the shop. This happened numerous times last year. We're extremely strict when staff members get sick - nobody is allowed to work with so much as a sore throat. We ask the same of you. If you wake up the morning of your appointment we will move your appointment free of charge to a better time. Email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding.

This 90-minute long appointment is strictly reserved for our clients who need adjustments, repairs, liners or footbeds for boots purchased from Larry's Bootfitting more than one year ago but less than five years ago. Anyone who is outside of these requirements will be asked to re-book. *YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE POP AT CHECK IN TIME*

Most of the time we'll get you in and out of the shop, boots in hand, on the same day, but there are situations where this is not the case. With cases where we need to do plastic work - punching and grinding, etc., in these situations we'll check the boot in and get it back to you as soon as we can. Typically turn around time is about a week. Please plan accordingly. If you do have a big trip or objective planned for the winter, get in here early so we can do it right with time to spare.

Other repairs that often take longer than the allotted one hour slot are situations where screws are stripped. Stripped screws can turn a 5-minute long buckle or sole replacement into a 45 minute long process.

There is a $50 fee for this appointment that will be applied to any work done. We do charge labor for boots purchased 1-5 years ago, but a reduced rate from our normal labor costs. There are a few exceptions to our adjustment policy that are outlined in the FAQ section.

To cancel your appointment email larrysbootfitting@gmail.com. Cancellations up to 24 hours before appointment will be refunded the full $50 minus a $5 fee the scheduling website charges us per transaction. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will not be refunded. There is no fee to change appointment times.

This 90-minute long appointment is strictly reserved for our clients who need adjustments, repairs, liners or footbeds for boots purchased from Larry's Bootfitting within a one year span from their purchase date. Anyone who is outside of these requirements will be asked to re-book, and will not be refunded booking fee. *YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE POP AT CHECK IN TIME*

Most of the time we'll get you in and out of the shop, boots in hand, on the same day, but there are situations where this is not the case. With cases where we need to do plastic work - punching and grinding, etc., in these situations we'll check the boot in and get it back to you as soon as we can. Typically turn around time is about a week. Please plan accordingly. If you do have a big trip or objective planned for the winter, get in here early so we can do it right with time to spare.

Other repairs that often take longer than the allotted one hour slot are situations where screws are stripped. Stripped screws can turn a 5-minute long buckle or sole replacement into a 45 minute long process.

There is a $25 deposit fee for this appointment. This is the category where we've struggled the most with no-shows, so we figure $25 might be incentive to shoot us an email letting us know you can't make it. This fee will be 100% refunded once you show up to your appointment, or can applied to a footbed, liner or other swag in the shop if you prefer. Either way, you'll get it back - we just want to give you incentive to actually show up! To cancel email larrysbootfitting@gmail.com. Cancellations up to 24 hours before appointment will be refunded the full $25. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will not be refunded. There is no fee to change appointment times.

We do not charge for most adjustments within the first year of purchase, not including damage caused by misuse or wear and tear. After the first year of purchase we do charge for adjustments but at a reduced rate from our normal labor fees. There are a few exceptions to our adjustment policy that are outlined in the FAQ section.

This category is specifically for customers who require assistance with the following:

• Alpine racing ski boots. More specifically, "plug style" boots that require grinding, sole and canting work.
• Mountaineering boots, specifically Double Mountaineering Boots used for expeditions to places like Denali, Acongagua or Mount Everest. These could be mountaineering specific boots or backcountry skiing boots purposed for trips to remote or high elevation locales (above 18,000 feet). Also included would be customers needing fitting for boots for polar expeditions. 
• Purchasing backcountry skiing boots for expeditions to places like Denali, Cho Oyu, Acongagua or Lhotse. Also included would be customers using backcountry boots and tech style bindings for ski crossings of Antarctica, Greenland the Arctic Ocean or other similar locales. 
• Fitting and adjustment situations that are well outside the bell curve and will likely be a multi-day or week project to fit for boots. These customers sometimes fall in the "medical condition" category, had a significant injury. You know who you are. Honestly, the clock is off for you folks. It's going to take how long it takes, and we're going to examine all option. This IS NOT the category for people who "have always been told they have wide feet."  

There is a $200 deposit fee for this appointment. These projects always take longer and require a higher level of expertise. This fee will first be applied to labor and then parts and supplies, including footbeds and liners. 

If you no-show your appointment we will not refund the $200 fee. However, you can reschedule your appointment using the email confirmation you received up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment for no cost. There is no fee to change your appointment time. Cancellations up to 24 hours before appointment will be refunded the full $200 minus a $5 fee the scheduling website charges us per transaction. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will not be refunded, so plan ahead. There is no fee to change your appointment time. You can change your appointment time online. To cancel email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com.

An exception to all of this is sickness. We have an extremely small staff and if any of us catch a cold it could literally close the shop. This happened numerous times last year. We're extremely strict when staff members get sick - nobody is allowed to work with so much as a sore throat. We ask the same of you. If you wake up the morning of your appointment we will move your appointment free of charge to a better time. Email us at larrysbootfitting@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding.