Nordica Ski Boots..what model?

First of all, spend some time researching the boot retailers in your area. Unfortunately, there probably aren't too many highly skilled boot fitters in your are (thought admittedly I don't know that for sure). But find a shop that has a boot fitter who knows ski boots. It might even be worth your money to wait for your next ski trip and buy the boots where you go skiing. Find a skilled boot fitter and DO NOT get locked onto one brand. Listen to the boot fitter after he/she has measured you foot, done a shell fit and has taken your needs into account. You will be miserable if you get a boot because of the name on the side and not the fit. The boot is the single most important piece of gear you will ever buy. Take your time

Nordica boots have 6 different lasts. If you rented boots at the mountain you skied it was probably a Gransport which has a medium/wide last. If there are no boot fitters in Flordia at least try to find a shop where they know enough to shell fit you.

where in Florida do you live? I know there aren't a lot of options but you should be able to get something that works nicely for you. The Dream Thang is a possibility for you but what "special insoles" did the salesperson talk about?

Boots

I have worn Scotts, Raichle, Technica TNT, Solomon and the boot I have now are the best I have ever owned.

Nordica Speedmachine 10's. They aren't real ssoft but neither are they really stiff.The key is the sizing, most people especially newbies buy boots too big for them. I have worn 27's for years and they alway pack out and I had to buckle/cinch them down for a right fit. So last year when I go tthe 10's I bout 26's, spent a little time fitting them with help from local ski shop.

Really like this boot. For gen comparison. I am 65, skied 38 yrs, advanced skier all conditions and terrain. Really like these boots.

If you're confident that the Dream Thang 10 was a fantastic fit, and presumably you know what size he was trying to put you in, then why not check the internet for deals on a Dream Thang 8. Same last, but is flex 70 rather than 80-90. Should be about $100 dollars cheaper than the 10

You should also do your own shell fit while you are in the shop. He (fitter) pulled the liner and put the footbed in the shell without the liner. Then he had you slide your foot into the shell, stand on the footbed and slide the foot forward so the toe touched the front of the shell. He then measured the distance behind the heel using what ever, his finger (s). Did he do that?

While he is doing that you should also check the fit by sliding your finger down the back.

Two fingers behind are too much, the boot is too big, maybe. But you need to know so you can begin to understand what fits.

Also, what's your street shoe, what do you measure and what size are you planning to buy.

And, it would be helpful to know were you ski, how often, what level, what kind of skiing you like to do, age, weight, height, and social security number.

Howdy Gator.
Some very good advice here already.

Much as I like to support my local Florida ski shops, I strongly suggest that you purchase your new boots in a mountain town. If at all possible, visit a reputable boot fitter on the first day of your next ski trip. Assuming that your trips are at least 3 or 4 days in duration, that will give the shop adequate time to make any tweaks or adjustments you require after each day on the hill.

There are lots of reasons to use a ski-town boot fitter, but as I’m a bit pressed for time, I’ll have to allow you, (and other Bears,) to provide rationale.

Aside from damage to limbs, internal organs, connective tissue, and bad beer, nothing can ruin a ski trip quite as effectively as unhappy feet. Spend a few extra $ and get years of satisfaction from a pair of well fit boots.

Cheers,
Bazzer

what paul said. plus bust, wasit, hip measurements.




OK just what paul said.

Boots

[quote=Alliegator;874729]My size is 24.5 which is what I have been renting each year. I have an average foot. The insoles were thicker more supportive. Kinda like a Dr Shoals insert but not Dr Shoals.

Ok Here is the dummy in me again....how does the boot fitter make them fit more? What does buckling and cinching mean? Do you mean the shell being too soft and buckling after use? I guess I'm confused on how this fitting thing works. It appear there is more then meets the eye!

I looked on the Head website and compared the Dream Thang 8, 9 and 10. It appeared the flex index was the main difference. So i'm guessing the higher the index the stiffer the shell or hard boot and the more performance you get?

I live in Orlando, so I'm sure me getting a ton of in depth help will probably not happen. They have always been helpful but the guy fully admits they mostly carry recreational boots because most people in Florida aren't skiing for performance.


Maybe the best thing to do is wait till you go skiing again and test/try on/wear some good boots at the ski destination where you will be. When you get there ask some locals where the best boot shop is located, ask here on Epic, ask some instructors on the hill, ask the people in the rental shop wherre the best boot fitter and shop is located.

As stated above you realy have to start with the right shell size and go from there. Comfort and quality, not too stiff but not a cheap rental type boot. As an example, I live in Norther Idaho and while we have a lot of skiing, the good boot shops are few and no one had a good performance oriented boot in my size, 26 By looking at boots and trying on 27's I decided on a Nordica 10 or an Atomic boot. The closest place I found these boots was in Seattle (6 hr drive one-way). Well I wasn't going to drive to Seattle, so I did this: Got online with B ackcountry.com in Salt Lake and order both boots in size 26. Got both pairs, tried on and wore in living room on carpet and decided on Nordica 10. Sent Atomics back to Backcountry and got refund. Cost me shipping but a hell of a lot cheaper than driving to Seattle. Just another idea. Backcountry in my opinion is a little expensive, but has an on line chat room with a representative and I checked all this beforehand. they have a 100% $ back policy so I could have sent both pair back if I didn't like either.

Cinching Down (with too tight of buckles). Boot doesn't fit right (usually too big) and in order to get a snug fit after the boot packs a little one has to over tighten buckles - bad - get hot (sore) spots on your feet.

Hope this helps a little. Pete