Brain.
True, there is a big difference between complaining about something you didn't understand and having an aneurysm because you've just realised how much some is really going to cost.
Well, and "that guy was surprised at how expensive your work was" easily sounds close to "that guy thought your work wasn't worth the money you're charging for it".
Thought I'd report back on my experience:
Last week (after looking in a few places) I finally found rather good seeming suitable boots and bought them custom fit -- for less than half that price.
A bit farther from Zürich or the places I used to ski at (where I looked before), the shop I ended up buying at was Wisel Kälin SPORT in Einsiedeln, which someone recommended to me (and I find some favourable mentions of it in the forum now as well). I have them less than a week now so only tried them on the slopes this Sunday, but the impression so far is quite good.
The people at the shop were friendly (many people there, so it was a bit difficult to maintain continuous attention from someone for at first while still undecided and trying things out, but it seemed like a busy day -- it's also a rental shop -- and once I had selected the boots and got to the customization stage the guy took the time) and seemed to be professional and know what they're doing. As expected, they said if I feel anything I can come back for later adjustments at any time, for free. I'd add my recommendation.
The boots are the DalBello Krypton Cross , which seem to be at the top of my skiing level (no pro sportsman, but quite accustomed to the pistes by now). Relatively narrow which is good for my narrow feet. Flex adjustable between 90-120 -- already harder than "recreational skiing" and the harder of the boots I used to rent, yet works well with the custom fit. Somewhat unusual in having three instead of four buckles, but I find that actually convenient (the middle buckle is just on the talus angle, which is rather acute in my foot, so snugly fit just where I usually had too much wiggle space). They also come with two different sizes of plastic inserts to adjust the forward tilt.
The fitting work done at the shop: custom insole, basically pressed and heat molded to foot, cut and glued to custom heel support filed off together; fit molding the ID Thermo Silver liners, which took quite a while... Taping lots of pieces of rubber to the bones of the feet (masking-tape all around, ouch on removal), covering toebox, held in nylon sock, put heated liners on top of all that and get into boots for a while. Apparently I did not need heat expanding the shell (feet are narrow, just some prominent bones) -- but the folk at the shop said if later needed they'll do it too. Overall I think I spent 4-5 hours at the shop, but most of it was me looking at stuff and finding the right boots.
Now based on that one day, feeling while skiing with the new boots: no pain, much less pressure on bones in general so more comfortable, and more stability and control when going fast / significantly better motion transmission, due to the snug fit: feet have much less movement within the boots.
It's great to end the day skiing with no blisters or sore points in your feet, without even the cushioning plasters I used to always need to make it bearable. I also used to wear rather thick socks to soften the pressure, but now intend to get thinner/normal socks. I quite like skiing, and having comfortable boots makes me want to do it more (I just wish I had the time for a vacation now). Time will tell how good they really are -- these are the first boots I own, buy if they last and the feeling remains, it looks like it will have been an investment well worth it.
One thing I do not like about them so far? The colour. Black's just too dull for ski.
Bringing to live this very old thread.
Anybody used the Boot Fitting service for this guys before: http://kundalini.ch/bootfitting-e/ ?
If so, will you recommend it?
Thank you.
I've used Kundalini for other things. I like their selection of touring skis available to demo, they are close to my apartment, and they are generally easy to deal with.
However, for bootfitting, I think it is worth it to find a shop that sees more volume and is located at a major resort. The two that I can recommend from personal experience are Stoked in Zermatt and the Sole Boot Lab in Chamonix. In both cases there are dedicated boot technicians who do nothing but fit all winter and are busy enough that you need to make an appointment. Working with somebody at this level of experience makes a real difference. Also, if you see them early in a multi-day trip, you can get set up, ski for a day or two, and then go back for additional tweaks if necessary.
Also have a look at Heierling in Davos. They are pure bootfitters and sell nothing else. However be aware at this time of year many shops may be starting to run low of stock. If this is the case the best fitters should tell you to come back in October rather than try and fit you into something that may not be the best fit.
Only person I will go to boots for in Switerland, is Andreas Kobl, works in Stockli Cham, he is trained by Masterfit, and managed to finally get my boots sorted after I'd had several custom fit boots and insoles made by so called experts!
Masterfit training includes not only how to customise boots but also how to properly examine a customers foot and determine what actually needs correction.
Oh Stockli currently have a ski boot sale on.