The Ski Monster - Appointment Only — Local services in Boston

I bought boots here a couple years ago, my review is mostly based on that experience. They measured my feet, had me put on a pair of tecnica mach1 MV that were one size smaller than my shoe size. After moving around in them, I said the size felt good and snug for the front of my foot, but I could feel my heels lifting when putting forward pressure. Tried on some other boots (don't remember which) and I kept having the same issue with my heels not feeling as secure as the front of my foot. They said that it's common and they can fix it later by packing the heel area (not sure why they didn't just pack it right there to secure my heel before letting me ski with the boots). After skiing with the boots, I realized how uncomfortable of an issue it was, feeling like my foot is beginning to slip out of my boots if I charge too intensely.

Even after going back to get the heel of the boot packed, I said that I still had some heel lifting. The guy helping me gave me more packing material to take home and told me that I could add more if I felt like I still needed it. I ended up adding even more material but my boot still doesn't feel secure on my heels. After dropping $700 on boots, I really wish I wasn't lead to believe that my original concerns about heel lifting was just an easy fix.

I tried to make them work, but after 20 days in the boots, I'm starting to think that I need to look for a different pair. My feet kill me by the end of a ski day, a lot more so than they would with rentals. I end up having to buckle my boots so tight to overcompensate for my heels not being secure.

Other than the boots, I have also gotten ski bindings mounted here and a ski tune up, both were quick and easy. They give you a velcro ski strap after working on your skis.

Edit: downgraded to one star following their response to my first review telling me to watch a YouTube video that they made about this issue. Gist was: boot too big or ankle mobility. Considering my ankles nice and mobile, I guess y’all just sold me a boot that’s too big even after I made very clear concerns about them being too loose in my heel. Concerns that you guys assured were a simple fix, telling me you’d get the boot to fit right. Yet when I came back and it still wasn’t fixed before I left, I was given a handful of foam material and told to just add more. Came to the store because I wanted experts to help me find the perfect boot for me, that unfortunately didn’t...

The appointment only thing is not necessary anymore. I understand during Covid things were a little different, but that is no longer the case. I also understand maybe having appointments for just boots and skis, but there is absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t be able to walk in and buy helmets, gloves, goggles and so on. I had a gift card here that I was going to use to buy a helmet, and I also needed boots and a pair of gloves so I was just going to do all my shopping there. I booked an appointment online that I thought was for the 21st and then when I got there they said it was on the 28th. I admit It’s totally possible I made a mistake, but I’m pretty sure I selected the 21st since the 28th is the day I’m flying out to my ski trip. Anyways, they told me everyone was busy fitting boots so I would have to make a new appointment for that, and the only boots appt available I would be able to make over the next week was the night before I fly out. I then asked if I could walk 10 feet to the helmet section a buy one and they told me no and that I would have to make another appointment for that as well, even though there were two girls sitting at the front desk doing a job that should be very easy for one person to handle. one of them could have easily walked with me to pick one out but still the answer was no. Looked to me there were about 5 customers in the store and 7 staff members. I was going to spend $1000+ at this store, but instead I’m not spending anything, and also got a refund for the gift certificate I had. I will not be shopping at this store, I genuinely don’t know how they’re still in business. I can only imagine how much money they’re...

I purposely waited a full year to write this review because I wanted to see how my new boots held up through an entire season and the follow-up adjustments that come with dialing them in. The verdict: absolutely awesome.

The team at the Ski Monster was fantastic to work with from the start; from the owner, George, down to everyone I interacted with during the process. He made sure I was in the right boot for my foot and skiing style, and he was patient and thorough every step of the way. I came back a couple of times for small tweaks, and each adjustment made the fit better and better until they felt perfect. You can tell they really care about getting it right.

That said, it wasn’t just George—the whole Ski Monster team was awesome. Every time I stopped in, whether it was for adjustments or just to pick something up, the staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. It’s rare to find a shop where every person you interact with is so invested in making your skiing better, but that’s exactly what you get here. The appointment only aspect is certainly a strength over the typical ski shop.

After a full year on these boots, I can confidently say they’re the best I’ve ever owned. The comfort, control, and performance have completely elevated my skiing. Huge thanks to the crew at The Ski Monster for making the whole process enjoyable and successful. If you’re serious about skiing or riding, this is the...