WINTER SENSATIONS #4 - HIVER 2016-2017
Trying them on in the Shop First of all, you can forget wanting a particular colour or a perfect match with your ski suit. This isn’t for a photo shoot! Honestly, a day starting off with pain in your feet which refuses to go away is absolute hell – we all agree about that! Three important things: • Clearly state your ability level to the sales assistant and then have your foot width measured. • Old-fashioned methods, such as buying boots a size too large and putting on thick socks to compensate, are a big no-no! Boots must be comfortable and retain heat with standard ski socks. • When you try them on, make sure you close the buckles at the tip first. Once they are done up, lean forwards and check that the heel does not rise and that your toes don’t quite touch the end – they should just make contact if you’re standing up straight. It should be noted that plastic is more sensitive to temperature variations. The boots should seem more flexible in a heated shop but will become stiffer on the slopes.
Arrrgh! I got the wrong size! What can I do? You still got the wrong size in spite of our helpful advice? • If they’re too big, there’s not a lot you can do except turn on the charm with the sales assistant to get him or her to change them for you. Otherwise, your only options are to sell them on, give them to your cousin who’s got big feet, or use them as a door-stop. • If they’re slightly too small, the good news is that something can be done! Boot fitting! If a specialised technician makes small but effective adjustments to the width and length, your boots will fit your feet and be comforta ble. Oh, how wonderful! In conclusion, for the skier, boots are a basic requirement for relaxed, high performance skiing, and so are an investment to be taken seriously. If you don’t have comfort in this respect, you’ll be severely hampered and not be able to enjoy yourself. That would be a pity.
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