Mud Sweat n' Gears — Local services in Town of Ellicottville

The most incredible experience I’ve ever had at a ski shop.

There’s a reason why these guys are nationally ranked as a boot fitter. A clear reason.

I walked in with boots bought elsewhere. I told them I had an entirely unlimited budget- no limits, no compromises, no set backs. I wanted a boot that fit, a boot that worked, and most importantly, a boot that was comfortable. I had a ski trip planned in 3 days, and I needed this solved.

Most ski shops, as you can imagine, take someone like that and get the priciest gear they have. Right off the top shelf. This is not the case here- this shop cares.

I spent well over an hour with Nick as he pulled boot after boot, measuring my foot, trying different ideas, and so on. Apparently my feet are a challenge for boot fitting, but eventually we found a boot that fit like an absolute dream. He told me the price- 399.

I asked, completely straight forward “Nick, there’s no budget here. Would a significantly more expensive boot work better for me?” He went though a bunch of reasons why it’s simply not needed. I felt reassured.

However, despite all of the work we had done, there was still one small spot issue on my right foot. It hurt a little bit, while my left foot was perfect. Nick took the time to take the boot in the back, refit the sole, and entirely solve my issue. No questions or money asked. He simply took them and made them perfect.

This story gets better. Whenever you get new boots, you have to reset the ski bindings. While working on the boots Nick told me to get my skis so he could reset the bindings. A task which I thought, considering my experience with other ski shops, may ruin my planned trip with how long it takes. Not here. They did it fast.

All in all, I walked in expecting to spend thousands and only spent around 400. My boots fit, they are the most comfortable I’ve ever had, AND the shop ensures the fit. Go skiing for a few days and there’s an issue? Take them back, get them worked on, and get them fixed.

Lastly, shout out to Sam- their helpful assistant. I had my old boots, new boots, and skis, and couldn’t walk them all to my car. He offered to walk through the pouring rain so I didn’t have to take two trips. This shop cares.

This is the premier boot shop of WNY. I recommend all of you who have boot pain to come here and get checked out. I’ll be...

It was hard to give one star on this encounter, but that was my only choice. I went into the shop today after my rented ski tip broke. I was greeted by the "ever so delightful" manager, Pat. When I say greeted, it was more like, "did you crash these?" No smile. No hello. Just a hard, hostile accusatory glare that sent chills down my spine. Like any human whom is approached in such a manner, my guard went up and our little visit took turn.... As mentioned previously, the ski tip was busted in half, and per their policy, one must pay a $100 deductible in order to replace. I ask the "lovely Pat" how he knows that this wasn't a faulty ski. (I mean, common sense, right?) Pat, in his every so lovely (unprofessional) way, says, "IF you crash your brand new car, would you take it back to the lot and demand a new one?"(Hmmm... interesting take, I suppose!) So, I ask Pat, "Do you test drive them before you rent them out?" Pat says, he does not ski with them, but he does do maintenance on all rentals. Ah, OK! :)

Due to the nature of Pats body language and demeanor, I ask Pat if he is the owner of the establishment. He says, no, "I am the manger!" Um... okay, I say. I (only) ask this of him because he has been so unbelievably rude to me. Pat then grabs his phone and starts dialing the owner’s number- apparently he wants me to talk to the owner?!?! Of course, I declined that option. I am not a fighter, nor do I enjoy confrontation! (I walked away) I was charged $100 for a replacement ski- as per their policy. Alissa was the person who was running the register and was extremely kind. I could tell she was very uncomfortable with the situation as well.

I unfortunately do not have money like most skiers, so the likelihood of me returning to purchase something is already pretty slim. However, I do plan on sharing my experience with anyone that will listen. I honestly cannot believe Pat is in the position that he is in! He would definitely benefit from some human interaction training. So, the question at hand is... would I recommend this store? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!! Never in my 44 years of life have I felt so uncomfortable in an...

I'd like to take the time to thank the entire Mud Sweat n Gears staff for their time, patience, and most outstanding boot fitting experience! My husband and I called on our way, we live about 45 mins from Ellicottville, to say were on our way to their shop and afraid we wouldn't get there much before they closed. Miguel and staff stayed open for us and never once did we feel rushed. Fitting children (ages 9 & 10) in ski boots can be tricky. My daughter was all about the boot color, regardless of fit and Miguel knew this. I was amazed at his ability to recognize this and how he was able to tell and eventually got her into the correct boot. Never once did he loose his patience or say she wasn't cooperating. He very cleverly spoke to her and had an arsenal of boot fitting tricks up his sleeve and before too long, she was in the right boot.

Kudos also to Miguel's wife Kimberly Reading! This store is incredibly stocked as it is beautiful! I have previously lived in Colorado mountain towns for 15 years and can honestly say that Mud Sweat n Gears is one of the most beautiful shops I've been in. Everything from the most technical equipment and outerwear to feminine yet functional. While shopping that evening I also left the store with a very stylish new apre ski outfit!

Besides equipment, which you can get anywhere, this store has the customer service, friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging staff to make my family and me loyal customers. Congratulations on your efforts!! Job well done.

ps- the bin of little children's toys caught my eye too,...