The first thing to consider is to shop at the appropriate time and place. The best place to get a good bargain is at the local sporting goods store. A common misconception is that during the Christmas week or Boxing Day there is a good discount to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots similar to the big discounts on other items like clothes and electronics. This is not true, as this time of month is the beginning of the skiing season and hence the prices are at their maximum. Some local stores might not have a comprehensive range of skis or the services of the experienced boot fitters on staff. Then, it would be better to shop at the ski shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter as they have a good range of products along with trained boot fitters who can help in finding ski boots that are a good fit.
PHOTO CREDIT: SWITCHBACK TRAVEL/ BRIAN MCCURDY
The best time to shop is in spring or typically mid-February, which is the closing time of the ski season. At this point of time, ski shops begin dropping their prices and you would be able to find skis or boots that you’d set your heart on since the start of the season at much better prices. The only thing to look for is whether the shops you go to have the skis or boots that you want in stock.
The first feature is obviously waterproofing; both your ski shoes and socks need to be water proof. Normally ski shoes are highly waterproof so they keep any moisture from snow from coming in contact with the socks, but it is a good idea to buy water proof socks because in some situations snow manages to slip into the boots. When you hit the slopes even little moisture can quickly make you feel cold and uncomfortable and ruin your fun; for the same reason your socks should also be of a breathable fabric so that any moisture from sweat can effectively be drawn away from your feet. Breathability is a necessary feature because your feet normally produce huge amounts of sweat while you are taking part in active sports.
In addition to being waterproof and breathable, your ski socks and shoes should also provide your feet with adequate insulation from cold. However, the choice of insulation depends on your needs because some people naturally feel more cold then others. The above mentioned features are essential in any ski shoes and socks. However, you can get extra features as well. Many brands offer additional features such as straps to tie the shoes to the ski pant, warm shoes bed and lining on the sides of shoes and socks to give you extra grip while turning. It is advised that you do adequate research about products offered by different brands before actually buying one.
The first thing to consider is to shop at the appropriate time and place. The best place to get a good bargain is at the local sporting goods store. A common misconception is that during the Christmas week or Boxing Day there is a good discount to pick up a bargain on a new pair of skis or boots similar to the big discounts on other items like clothes and electronics. This is not true, as this time of month is the beginning of the skiing season and hence the prices are at their maximum. Some local stores might not have a comprehensive range of skis or the services of the experienced boot fitters on staff. Then, it would be better to shop at the ski shops that specialize in ski gear and accessories in the winter as they have a good range of products along with trained boot fitters who can help in finding ski boots that are a good fit.
The best time to shop is in spring or typically mid-February, which is the closing time of the ski season. At this point of time, ski shops begin dropping their prices and you would be able to find skis or boots that you’d set your heart on since the start of the season at much better prices. The only thing to look for is whether the shops you go to have the skis or boots that you want in stock.
The first feature is obviously waterproofing; both your apres ski shoes and socks need to be water proof. Normally ski shoes are highly waterproof so they keep any moisture from snow from coming in contact with the socks, but it is a good idea to buy water proof socks because in some situations snow manages to slip into the boots. When you hit the slopes even little moisture can quickly make you feel cold and uncomfortable and ruin your fun; for the same reason your socks should also be of a breathable fabric so that any moisture from sweat can effectively be drawn away from your feet. Breathability is a necessary feature because your feet normally produce huge amounts of sweat while you are taking part in active sports.
In addition to being waterproof and breathable, your ski socks and shoes should also provide your feet with adequate insulation from cold. However, the choice of insulation depends on your needs because some people naturally feel more cold then others. The above mentioned features are essential in any ski shoes and socks. However, you can get extra features as well. Many brands offer additional features such as straps to tie the shoes to the ski pant, warm shoes bed and lining on the sides of shoes and socks to give you extra grip while turning. It is advised that you do adequate research about products offered by different brands before actually buying one.
