Has anyone bought ski boots online?

So, I think the first time that you buy boots you should do so in-person. There are a lot of boots on the market and different boots fit different people differently. You may be foreclosed from a whole segment of the market as a result of the shape of your foot. Plus, a good bootfitter may recommend particular insoles, heat molding, and/or punch out certain portions of the boot. I think this experience is important because it teaches you what to look for in other boots. I do well in 100mm, mid-volume lasts, but otherwise do not have many irregularities. I am an easy fit. You may not be.

Further, I did not mention this, but do you know what kind of skier you are? Your needs? What kind of flex you are looking for? What kind of soles? Etc.

When I got my first pair of boots (as a grown up), I ended up taking a layover in Denver and went to Evo for a few hours. Honestly, it was an enjoyable experience. I've since been to bootfitters elsewhere. Personally, I'd just make an appointment and set aside an hour. Say you do not have all the time in the world. You can probably get in and out in an hour.

Now that I've said all this - if you really do want to do the online method, and I understand because I was close to being in your position, spend a whack of money on a bunch of boots you are looking at. Maybe buy a brannock device. Try a bunch, return what doesn't work for you. Chances are, you will find something better than a rental boot - although it likely will have issues (unless you are really good at figuring this out yourself).

Finally, since you have boots, are you also going to get skis (and bindings)? Or are you just going to rent?

And you are correct: there is no one in Louisiana who sells boots, mounts skis, etc.

I didn't know they were that much more expensive - but even buying ski boots, you would still need to go rent the skis' right? Which defeats the purpose of not having to go waste time and do that.

To another poster's point - I would not recommend buying boots without trying them on and getting professionally fitted. Boots that don't fit well can ruin a whole trip.

I'm something of a psychopath, but I travel with all my ski gear - usually 2-3 pairs of skis, 1-2 pairs of boots, helmet, etc. I like to have all my own stuff depending on the conditions.

If I was in your shoes, I'd go to the store. The hardest part of all of this is determining whether or not the boot you are wearing is ultimately going to fit. A new boot should be darn-near painful - and it is difficult to assess whether you are in good pain or bad pain without any reference point. I think the biggest risk is that you will get a boot that is too big for you. And a too-big boot is agonizingly painful.

Again, I'm saying this with the overall caveat - you may order online and find a great fit. Conversely, you could also have waisted a ton of money on something that is more uncomfortable than a rental.

Houston would be a good choice. Again, it also is about a 30 minute to an hour process to get fitted at Vail, and most of the shops open early. Sit down, get a beer, and then you can have adjustments over your trip.

Do not buy boots online. Ever. Go to a store.

I wouldn't in a million years buy boots online. For as little as you ski I would just keep renting. To get better boots than what you rent you are gonna drop some decent coin on something that rarely gets used and will have to be carried when you come.

What’s the point of owning boots if you don’t get them somewhat custom? You will need insoles and heat molding at a minimum. If you are looking to save time, bringing in boots purchased online won’t make the process any faster. Getting fitted is different than buying something that fits. You may order something that “fits” just like you find something that “fits” at the rental shop.

They have a Surefoot in Vail. Just remember to bring your credit card.

I bought ski boots online once. It was a huge waste of time. I took them in to a shop to try to get them refitted and I ended up buying a new pair instead when the boot fitter showed me how one was supposed to fit