Strand?s found a ski racing boot that properly fit my son, after he had pain from a new pair of race boots bought in NH. He couldn?t ski with his high school race team because of the pain. Leif and Mark looked at the new boots we had and saw the boot cuff material was too stiff for his size, and the boot was one size too large. They tried five different race boots on him, until they found a pair that he could flex and that felt good (Dalbello Scorpion). They also took an off-the-shelf boot insole and heat molded it to his foot for the new boot.
The whole process took over two hours, so plan for at least two hours when you go in for a boot fit. Try to go at a quieter time. We went on a Friday late afternoon but I would probably avoid mid-day Saturday for a boot fitting. I was impressed with the boot inventory they had, as pair after pair came out in my son?s size. That said, great expertise in boot fitting isn?t free. The boots were comparably priced to what you?d find elsewhere, but not discounted. Also, don?t be turned off by the aged appearance of the shop, as knowledge, skill, and honesty is what you should come to Strand?s for? but it does not look like a ski shop you would find at a fancy resort. Our older daughter still uses a pair of boots Strand?s fitted her for ten years ago for a race team, and she says they still feel great. We also got a race helmet and helmet guard upstairs, and they had a good inventory in brands and sizes. We?ll be back when anyone in the family needs new boots, skis or other gear.
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