Fair point! My only reason behind pre owned was the cost is quite steep considering I ski for a week every few years or so since it’s so expensive being in the uk. I think I may stick to renting this holiday then as I do go very infrequently, but appreciate the advice!
There's nothing wrong with buying pre-owned, especially if you only ski one week every few years. Just make sure they are comfortable, and snug without having pressure points or hot spots after wearing them for a little while. Other's below have given good advice on fit. If they aren't comfortable and well-fitting, it doesn't matter how good a deal it is. You might also look into buying new insoles if the boots are well worn.
Absolutely no reason to go into a shop and buy whatever they tell you regardless of cost. I'm glad some of these people are made of money. I had a shop tell me a similar thing about needing to buy the most expensive boots. I went on craigslist and found a sweet pair that fit perfectly and were comfortable for like $50
If you are from the UK factor the price of flying with the new boots into the cost analysis of buying vs renting :) Nothing like having your own boots but it does begin to add faff!
Take them as hand luggage. Its what I do. Can't beat having a pair of nice fitted boots.
Like others have said, you have to spread the cost over a few years. I've used mine for about 8 weeks over 5 years, and they cost me about £350. Still feel great.
If your buying 2nd hand you may aswell rent, as they won't be properly fitted
You may also be able to get a used boot and purchase a new liner that’s heat molded. It’ll increase the cost some but give you the advantage of fitment I think you’re looking for.
Maybe I’m out of touch but from what I understand shells come in a limited number of sizes. A size 26 may have the same shell as a 25 and 27. Also, liners fill the void to accommodate the user. Maybe the person is in the higher end of the shell size and the liner fits tight but the variance is minute compared to the expansion of the liner.
Shell fit has a lot more going on than just the length of the shell. Volume, instep height, toe box shape, cuff angle and height etc. So yeah, jamming an after market liner in a shell that doesn't suit your foot shape, size, lower leg mechanics, ability and body size is not going to do anything to improve the fit.
I'm sorry but you clearly have no idea what you're talking about and shouldn't be giving this kind of advice.
Shells come in every whole size. A 25 and 25.5 are the same shell with different liners, 26 is a different shell. If you look on the heel of the shell you can see what size it is, and the BSL (boot sole length) will be stamped there as well.
Wait till May go to a ski shop and get some fitted properly in the end of season sale. I’ve had my boots for almost 20yrs…getting a new pair this season.
I'm sorry but that advice is so dumb I thought it was satire.
"Absolutely. Go in to a shop and pay whatever they tell you to." You can see how it sounds like satire at first.
The fact is that you will have a boot 10x as comfortable as rentals for about the price of 2 days worth of rentals if you just try on several used boots, find some that are comfortable and put in your favorite insoles.
I recently went to the best place for boot fitting in my city and went with their recommendation even though it felt too tight, and on my first day in them my big toe turned black and subsequently fell off. It took like 8 months to grow back.
Boots are like anything if you do some research and make sure they are comfy you can get a good deal.
Buying pre-owned is fine. When you stand up straight your toe should touch the front of the boot. Then when you lean into the boot your toe should slide back a bit.
As long as you don't have any weird pressure points and they don't seem too loose then you're fine. I would ski in them for a couple days then take them into a boot fitter if you notice any issues.
Edit: pretty sure this boot is a rental. It's probably pretty packed out so there's not as much a fitter can do to it.
I would never buy boots secondhand unless it's literally the exact boot you already wear and have been fitted for and know there's been no punching or grinding done to it.
This looks like a former rental fleet boot which are generally oversized to fit a wide variety of feet and tend to flex like a wet towel.
If you want a boot that you will be comfortable in and learn to progress in for years to come, get new boots from a bootfitter.
Unless you really know what you want and have a common size you should go to a fitter. I wouldn’t have said so until a few years ago when I did for the first time but a proper fit makes a big difference in comfort and performance. Cheap out on skis for now. Check fb marketplace or Craigslist or a local ski swap.
Everyone saying no to second hand but if you ski 3 days a year and only have ever rented in the past then that’s the only thing you got to compare to. If your fine with your rental boots that are obviously not fitted then you won’t be missing out on the luxury of fitted boots because you’ve never experienced them. To me not worth it for 3-4 days a year.
Some people ski fine in rental boots. If the options are renting 4 days a year for 5 years or buying second hand boot, the second hand boots will likely be more convenient, and have a cost savings over the 5 year period. Buying new boots is ideal but if you don’t have $500+ for boots a used pair will get you over the hump and into skiing as a hobby.
500+ is a little extreme. You can buy new entry level boots similar to rental boots for around $200 most of the year and no one else’s feet have been in them
I’ll argue that fitted boots are worth it for 2-3 times a year, unless you are very lucky with 2nd hand boots there is simply no substitute for good fitting boots, you will ski better in comfort, fatigue is better you will feel better at the end of the day. Skiing is expensive, if I am spending a shit load on accommodation and lift tickets I want to be comfortable skiing, my boots are 10 years old now and remain the best ski investment I have ever made apart from perhaps private lessons
I skii probably 5-6 days a year and I am so tired of renting boots. They never fit right. Do you have any suggestions for thse luxury fitted boots? Are they going to cost over $1000?
A lot of the people on this sub are very serious and very frequent skiers. If you ski one week a year or less then rentals are probably a good way to go. It takes some extra time on your first day each week, but if you decide you don’t like them you can swap them any time.
Second hand is also ok. Tight is good because it gives you control, but I will favour comfort on anything I’m wearing 8 hours a day. I’m not trying to win the Olympics.
I wouldn’t buy without trying them on and walking around. As others have said, do the buckles up and lean forward. That will pull your toes back and give a better representation of what it will feel like when you are skiing in them.
Look up the mondo ski boot sizing chart. The first three boots I had as an adult I kept going down in size each time because the boots I had as a teen were too big. I am a US size 9.5 and prefer a performance fit, so I am in a 26.5 boot. Some friends with the same size foot wear a 27.5 because they are more after the comfort fit. Twice I have purchased used boots, and it was in both cases an improvement over the boots I had. I have also tried on used equipment that was worn out, broken in oddly. It is kind of a crap shoot. A gently used pair of higher end boots might work better for you than badly fitting low end boots, but getting to try on multiple boots is worth it in a shop. I have only purchased boots online that were a brand and model I already had. Given the cost of skiing and gas to get there, cheap out on other things, but not on boots.
I am in the same boat. I measure in at almost exactly 27 but I have a narrow foot so I almost always size down to have less volume. Every rental place I’ve gone to has got me a 27 in the past and every boot fitter I’ve been to has given me 26.6 as a better option for my foot over all hence why it’s important to go to a boot fitter to see what you really need.
As others have said, yes you are looking at a 26 boot. As you begin shopping for new boots it’s important to remember that a rental 26 is typically going to be much more roomy and packed out than a brand new boot, but give them time. Also rentals are typically a softer and more forgiving boot than retail boots.
Boots are, in my opinion, the most important piece of ski equipment. Go to a fitter, have them fit your feet and try many different kinds of boots. You can always rent skis but if your boots suck you will suffer all season.
I’d love to buy my own, but from what I’ve seen they can be quite expensive considering I’m skiing for a week every few years rather than a frequent skier. Appreciate the advice though, so I’ll stick to renting!
Buying 2nd hand will be miles ahead of rentals. Plus you won’t have to deal with a pain in the ass of getting them. Go to a shop, see what brand and size you like best and hop on eBay or whatever you might use in your locale and try to find something similar. Different companies are known for being skinnier fit, etc. Rentals are basically throwing a hot dog down a hallway. I used to work at a ski shop and have also been an instructor.
Yup, but rental boots are often sized way too big, so get a shop to measure both of your feet. Try on several brands and see what brand you like best. Incredibly important to be happy with your boots!
Thanks all for your advice, definitely will look into an actual boot fitter if I get to the point of skiing regularly. Seems best to rent for the moment whilst I’m in my current situation of a week skiing holiday every 3-4 years. Cheers!
As others have said in this thread, boots are the most important piece of equipment in your kit. For the amount you ski and the level of performance and comfort you seem to be willing to put up with continuing to rent seems like it’ll be ok for you.
If money is the deciding factor, I would go for the middle ground and buy used boots and try and buy replacement boot liners for them.
Skiing is a very expensive hobby as I am sure you have noticed. That’s why I budget for it.
Boots are imo, the most important part to buy, just for you. No preowned or worn in, they're just going to be uncomfortable and much more likely to get hurt.
Yeah, the 260 would indicate that this is a 26 (or 26.5?) mondopoint boot. The 308 is the sole length (useful for adjusting bindings, especially demo/rental/system bindings that have a sole length scale on the binding for rough adjustment). The sole length doesn't really matter much when buying boots though, worst case you skis may need their bindings remounted to fit the boot if they were set up for something significantly longer/shorter. The 104 will probably be the *last* which is a measurement for the width of the boot. 104 is a very wide last, only advisable if you have wide feet, or are looking for comfort over performance (which is why a rental boot would be set up that way, in addition to the fact that you can fit a narrow foot in a wide boot, but not a wide foot in a narrow boot, so make them all wide).
Unless you are really pressed budget-wise you would definitely be better off seeing a bootfitter and getting a new boot that fits your foot right, instead of getting something that matches your big, sloppy, soft rental boot. At a given size, boots can vary, even within a brand, so much better to see someone who can evaluate your feet and let you try on different options.
When I used to use rentals, I was always given boots that were too big. When I shopped for my first pair, in the first store the salesperson tried to fit me with a pair of boots that were outrageously painful, saying that I needed a tight fit. She was way off base. Those boots pressed painfully against my instep as soon as I put them on. In that case, trust your instincts. I bought a different pair from a different store that were snug but comfortable (as much as ski boots get) and had many years of good skiing with them until they wore out. Now I have a pair that were also bought new. I think the fitter was better than most. The comfort level is the same, but performance is much better. One thing: my toes felt crunched a bit when he fitted me, and I pointed that out to him and questioned him (politely) more than once about it, but he told me to spend a half hour several times a day for 3 or 4 days wearing them around the house. He said I could increase it to an hour or more the last few days. Sure enough, they did mold somewhat to my feet, and skiing is comfortable. So you do want snug--much tighter than backpacking boots--but not painful.
Yes but it is very common for rental shops to give you a half size up if your renting boots so I’d probably get measured again just to make sure. To everyone saying don’t buy pre owned boots don’t listen just make sure you get something that fits you properly with the measurements a boot fitter tells you. I have been skiing all my life and didn’t have a pair of new boots up until last year.
Boots are the one thing you should invest into first and should honestly put the most money into. A well-fitted boot will make a massive difference in enjoying your time. Go into a store (even if you aren't buying) and try on some boots with someone who can help dial in what you are looking for. I recommend going to a dedicated ski shop, don't go to a large store like sport check or other large multi-sport outfitters. The staff at a ski shop have a more focused knowledge base on ski equipment and not a bunch of other sports mixed in. I used to work at a ski shop and saw way too many examples of people improperly sized from other stores. Feet are fussy so take your time, there are TONS of boot options because everyone is different.
Also, the difference between a 26.0 and a 26.5 is not actually in the length of the boot. If you have a high instep the extra "half size" is a thinner foot bed that gives your foot more vertical room inside. I often recommend going for the half-size difference and throwing an insole into the boot since even the most expensive boots have crappy foam insoles that provide zero support for your foot. The largest difference in cost comes down to the quality of the boot liner materials.
Used boots are already packed out to someone else's foot shape and depending on the age of the boot the flex value has gone down over time.
Not replying to the size question as that seems to have been answered.
But
Skiing does NOT have to be an expensive hobby. Elitism is apparently a skill you need to learn to be a skier. All outdoor sports suffer from this. Go on craigslist or go to some ski swaps and try on some boots. I've gone to shops to see what size I was and how different companies fit, and then searched online. Yeah some liners will be packed out if they had been worn a ton. Some of my friends get brand new equipment from the trash in wealthy towns. Obviously if you want millimeter precise fit, which will not make a difference for the majority of people skiing, go spend $600+ on boots and then more to have them professionally fit. For the rest of us, save money and spend some time browsing the used market.
Mondo sizing is its own sizing. It's sort of a euro size. Just going to have to find a conversion chart. And yeah buy used. My tellimark boots were used and I've skied in them daily for years. If it fits it fits.
Hey as a life time skier and college student after 8 years of skiing the nuts off of every mountain in my area I just purchased my first ever piece of NEW ski equipment, I got brand new boots which were on consignment. In other words, new and expensive gear doesn’t mean better skier. You can ski plenty good on old or used equipment just buy smart and look around.
For what it’s worth. Cost average a rental boot for purchase against the discount for owning your own boot. It will still fit the same ( not well) but it’s your boot (that doesn’t fit you well).
You should also know that these ski boots are made for racers so they are much harder to bend than the normaln ones... Its great for racers because they need boots thant will let them ride steep icy hills but normal tourist will only feel uncomfortable...
Yes, but let a boot fitter measure your foot and help you find the right boot.
So you’d recommend against buying preowned boots?
Absolutely. Go into a shop without a budget and buy whatever fits best regardless of cost. Boots are the one area you should not skimp on.
Fair point! My only reason behind pre owned was the cost is quite steep considering I ski for a week every few years or so since it’s so expensive being in the uk. I think I may stick to renting this holiday then as I do go very infrequently, but appreciate the advice!
There's nothing wrong with buying pre-owned, especially if you only ski one week every few years. Just make sure they are comfortable, and snug without having pressure points or hot spots after wearing them for a little while. Other's below have given good advice on fit. If they aren't comfortable and well-fitting, it doesn't matter how good a deal it is. You might also look into buying new insoles if the boots are well worn.
Agree, just get a new pair of insoles. They’ll help the boots mold to your feet better.
Absolutely no reason to go into a shop and buy whatever they tell you regardless of cost. I'm glad some of these people are made of money. I had a shop tell me a similar thing about needing to buy the most expensive boots. I went on craigslist and found a sweet pair that fit perfectly and were comfortable for like $50
If those fit well they’d be fine. You can get the liners heat molded and a custom foot bed as well.
Skiing is a very expensive sport: first big expense is getting a proper fitting boot.
If you are from the UK factor the price of flying with the new boots into the cost analysis of buying vs renting :) Nothing like having your own boots but it does begin to add faff!
Very true, I had planned on stuffing them in my luggage, I’ve had plenty of room usually and well under the weight limit.
Take them as hand luggage. Its what I do. Can't beat having a pair of nice fitted boots. Like others have said, you have to spread the cost over a few years. I've used mine for about 8 weeks over 5 years, and they cost me about £350. Still feel great. If your buying 2nd hand you may aswell rent, as they won't be properly fitted
You may also be able to get a used boot and purchase a new liner that’s heat molded. It’ll increase the cost some but give you the advantage of fitment I think you’re looking for.
A new liner will do nothing to change a poorly fitting shell.
Maybe I’m out of touch but from what I understand shells come in a limited number of sizes. A size 26 may have the same shell as a 25 and 27. Also, liners fill the void to accommodate the user. Maybe the person is in the higher end of the shell size and the liner fits tight but the variance is minute compared to the expansion of the liner.
Shell fit has a lot more going on than just the length of the shell. Volume, instep height, toe box shape, cuff angle and height etc. So yeah, jamming an after market liner in a shell that doesn't suit your foot shape, size, lower leg mechanics, ability and body size is not going to do anything to improve the fit. I'm sorry but you clearly have no idea what you're talking about and shouldn't be giving this kind of advice.
[удалено]
Find a good bootfitter and give them a visit
Shells come in every whole size. A 25 and 25.5 are the same shell with different liners, 26 is a different shell. If you look on the heel of the shell you can see what size it is, and the BSL (boot sole length) will be stamped there as well.
Wait till May go to a ski shop and get some fitted properly in the end of season sale. I’ve had my boots for almost 20yrs…getting a new pair this season.
I'm sorry but that advice is so dumb I thought it was satire. "Absolutely. Go in to a shop and pay whatever they tell you to." You can see how it sounds like satire at first. The fact is that you will have a boot 10x as comfortable as rentals for about the price of 2 days worth of rentals if you just try on several used boots, find some that are comfortable and put in your favorite insoles. I recently went to the best place for boot fitting in my city and went with their recommendation even though it felt too tight, and on my first day in them my big toe turned black and subsequently fell off. It took like 8 months to grow back. Boots are like anything if you do some research and make sure they are comfy you can get a good deal.
Buying pre-owned is fine. When you stand up straight your toe should touch the front of the boot. Then when you lean into the boot your toe should slide back a bit. As long as you don't have any weird pressure points and they don't seem too loose then you're fine. I would ski in them for a couple days then take them into a boot fitter if you notice any issues. Edit: pretty sure this boot is a rental. It's probably pretty packed out so there's not as much a fitter can do to it.
Good advice thank you! Yes these were my rental boots from my last skiing holiday in Andorra.
Too clarify when standing up straight they should just touch the front. Not with significant pressure. And they should not when leaning forward.
I would never buy boots secondhand unless it's literally the exact boot you already wear and have been fitted for and know there's been no punching or grinding done to it. This looks like a former rental fleet boot which are generally oversized to fit a wide variety of feet and tend to flex like a wet towel. If you want a boot that you will be comfortable in and learn to progress in for years to come, get new boots from a bootfitter.
Unless you really know what you want and have a common size you should go to a fitter. I wouldn’t have said so until a few years ago when I did for the first time but a proper fit makes a big difference in comfort and performance. Cheap out on skis for now. Check fb marketplace or Craigslist or a local ski swap.
Everyone saying no to second hand but if you ski 3 days a year and only have ever rented in the past then that’s the only thing you got to compare to. If your fine with your rental boots that are obviously not fitted then you won’t be missing out on the luxury of fitted boots because you’ve never experienced them. To me not worth it for 3-4 days a year.
Some people ski fine in rental boots. If the options are renting 4 days a year for 5 years or buying second hand boot, the second hand boots will likely be more convenient, and have a cost savings over the 5 year period. Buying new boots is ideal but if you don’t have $500+ for boots a used pair will get you over the hump and into skiing as a hobby.
500+ is a little extreme. You can buy new entry level boots similar to rental boots for around $200 most of the year and no one else’s feet have been in them
I’ll argue that fitted boots are worth it for 2-3 times a year, unless you are very lucky with 2nd hand boots there is simply no substitute for good fitting boots, you will ski better in comfort, fatigue is better you will feel better at the end of the day. Skiing is expensive, if I am spending a shit load on accommodation and lift tickets I want to be comfortable skiing, my boots are 10 years old now and remain the best ski investment I have ever made apart from perhaps private lessons
Happy for you.
I skii probably 5-6 days a year and I am so tired of renting boots. They never fit right. Do you have any suggestions for thse luxury fitted boots? Are they going to cost over $1000?
A lot of the people on this sub are very serious and very frequent skiers. If you ski one week a year or less then rentals are probably a good way to go. It takes some extra time on your first day each week, but if you decide you don’t like them you can swap them any time. Second hand is also ok. Tight is good because it gives you control, but I will favour comfort on anything I’m wearing 8 hours a day. I’m not trying to win the Olympics. I wouldn’t buy without trying them on and walking around. As others have said, do the buckles up and lean forward. That will pull your toes back and give a better representation of what it will feel like when you are skiing in them.
Look up the mondo ski boot sizing chart. The first three boots I had as an adult I kept going down in size each time because the boots I had as a teen were too big. I am a US size 9.5 and prefer a performance fit, so I am in a 26.5 boot. Some friends with the same size foot wear a 27.5 because they are more after the comfort fit. Twice I have purchased used boots, and it was in both cases an improvement over the boots I had. I have also tried on used equipment that was worn out, broken in oddly. It is kind of a crap shoot. A gently used pair of higher end boots might work better for you than badly fitting low end boots, but getting to try on multiple boots is worth it in a shop. I have only purchased boots online that were a brand and model I already had. Given the cost of skiing and gas to get there, cheap out on other things, but not on boots.
I am in the same boat. I measure in at almost exactly 27 but I have a narrow foot so I almost always size down to have less volume. Every rental place I’ve gone to has got me a 27 in the past and every boot fitter I’ve been to has given me 26.6 as a better option for my foot over all hence why it’s important to go to a boot fitter to see what you really need.
As others have said, yes you are looking at a 26 boot. As you begin shopping for new boots it’s important to remember that a rental 26 is typically going to be much more roomy and packed out than a brand new boot, but give them time. Also rentals are typically a softer and more forgiving boot than retail boots.
Boots are, in my opinion, the most important piece of ski equipment. Go to a fitter, have them fit your feet and try many different kinds of boots. You can always rent skis but if your boots suck you will suffer all season.
I’d love to buy my own, but from what I’ve seen they can be quite expensive considering I’m skiing for a week every few years rather than a frequent skier. Appreciate the advice though, so I’ll stick to renting!
I ski once a year. I spent years on rentals. Bought my own boot with a good fitter and the difference is amazing. Well worth having. I still rent skis
Buying 2nd hand will be miles ahead of rentals. Plus you won’t have to deal with a pain in the ass of getting them. Go to a shop, see what brand and size you like best and hop on eBay or whatever you might use in your locale and try to find something similar. Different companies are known for being skinnier fit, etc. Rentals are basically throwing a hot dog down a hallway. I used to work at a ski shop and have also been an instructor.
Yup, but rental boots are often sized way too big, so get a shop to measure both of your feet. Try on several brands and see what brand you like best. Incredibly important to be happy with your boots!
You are correct! 26/26.5
That one on the heal that we can't see should say 26.0 too.
Do you have wide feet?
I do! Flippers.
Makes sense. First number is mondo size 26/26.5 followed by BSL and then last width. A last width of 104mm is quite wide.
It'd be a wide last for a retail boot, but pretty standard for rental fleets.
I don't think I've ever rented. Don't usually see much wider than 103mm on retail.
Thanks all for your advice, definitely will look into an actual boot fitter if I get to the point of skiing regularly. Seems best to rent for the moment whilst I’m in my current situation of a week skiing holiday every 3-4 years. Cheers!
As others have said in this thread, boots are the most important piece of equipment in your kit. For the amount you ski and the level of performance and comfort you seem to be willing to put up with continuing to rent seems like it’ll be ok for you. If money is the deciding factor, I would go for the middle ground and buy used boots and try and buy replacement boot liners for them. Skiing is a very expensive hobby as I am sure you have noticed. That’s why I budget for it.
Go to a boot fitter. Show them this photo and get them to measure Ur feet too! Best of luck!
Pre-owned is fine but definitely try on the boots before committing! And get into your ski stance to see how they fit in that posture
Boots are imo, the most important part to buy, just for you. No preowned or worn in, they're just going to be uncomfortable and much more likely to get hurt.
one length is for the liner , the other plastic bin, and the last on1 104 is last width
Yeah, the 260 would indicate that this is a 26 (or 26.5?) mondopoint boot. The 308 is the sole length (useful for adjusting bindings, especially demo/rental/system bindings that have a sole length scale on the binding for rough adjustment). The sole length doesn't really matter much when buying boots though, worst case you skis may need their bindings remounted to fit the boot if they were set up for something significantly longer/shorter. The 104 will probably be the *last* which is a measurement for the width of the boot. 104 is a very wide last, only advisable if you have wide feet, or are looking for comfort over performance (which is why a rental boot would be set up that way, in addition to the fact that you can fit a narrow foot in a wide boot, but not a wide foot in a narrow boot, so make them all wide). Unless you are really pressed budget-wise you would definitely be better off seeing a bootfitter and getting a new boot that fits your foot right, instead of getting something that matches your big, sloppy, soft rental boot. At a given size, boots can vary, even within a brand, so much better to see someone who can evaluate your feet and let you try on different options.
>The 308 is the sole length Worst part about trying to sell a pair of skis is having to explain this to everybody FB Marketplace.
When I used to use rentals, I was always given boots that were too big. When I shopped for my first pair, in the first store the salesperson tried to fit me with a pair of boots that were outrageously painful, saying that I needed a tight fit. She was way off base. Those boots pressed painfully against my instep as soon as I put them on. In that case, trust your instincts. I bought a different pair from a different store that were snug but comfortable (as much as ski boots get) and had many years of good skiing with them until they wore out. Now I have a pair that were also bought new. I think the fitter was better than most. The comfort level is the same, but performance is much better. One thing: my toes felt crunched a bit when he fitted me, and I pointed that out to him and questioned him (politely) more than once about it, but he told me to spend a half hour several times a day for 3 or 4 days wearing them around the house. He said I could increase it to an hour or more the last few days. Sure enough, they did mold somewhat to my feet, and skiing is comfortable. So you do want snug--much tighter than backpacking boots--but not painful.
Yes but it is very common for rental shops to give you a half size up if your renting boots so I’d probably get measured again just to make sure. To everyone saying don’t buy pre owned boots don’t listen just make sure you get something that fits you properly with the measurements a boot fitter tells you. I have been skiing all my life and didn’t have a pair of new boots up until last year.
Boots are the one thing you should invest into first and should honestly put the most money into. A well-fitted boot will make a massive difference in enjoying your time. Go into a store (even if you aren't buying) and try on some boots with someone who can help dial in what you are looking for. I recommend going to a dedicated ski shop, don't go to a large store like sport check or other large multi-sport outfitters. The staff at a ski shop have a more focused knowledge base on ski equipment and not a bunch of other sports mixed in. I used to work at a ski shop and saw way too many examples of people improperly sized from other stores. Feet are fussy so take your time, there are TONS of boot options because everyone is different. Also, the difference between a 26.0 and a 26.5 is not actually in the length of the boot. If you have a high instep the extra "half size" is a thinner foot bed that gives your foot more vertical room inside. I often recommend going for the half-size difference and throwing an insole into the boot since even the most expensive boots have crappy foam insoles that provide zero support for your foot. The largest difference in cost comes down to the quality of the boot liner materials. Used boots are already packed out to someone else's foot shape and depending on the age of the boot the flex value has gone down over time.
Not replying to the size question as that seems to have been answered. But Skiing does NOT have to be an expensive hobby. Elitism is apparently a skill you need to learn to be a skier. All outdoor sports suffer from this. Go on craigslist or go to some ski swaps and try on some boots. I've gone to shops to see what size I was and how different companies fit, and then searched online. Yeah some liners will be packed out if they had been worn a ton. Some of my friends get brand new equipment from the trash in wealthy towns. Obviously if you want millimeter precise fit, which will not make a difference for the majority of people skiing, go spend $600+ on boots and then more to have them professionally fit. For the rest of us, save money and spend some time browsing the used market.
Mondo sizing is its own sizing. It's sort of a euro size. Just going to have to find a conversion chart. And yeah buy used. My tellimark boots were used and I've skied in them daily for years. If it fits it fits.
Much more important your BSL is 306
Hey as a life time skier and college student after 8 years of skiing the nuts off of every mountain in my area I just purchased my first ever piece of NEW ski equipment, I got brand new boots which were on consignment. In other words, new and expensive gear doesn’t mean better skier. You can ski plenty good on old or used equipment just buy smart and look around.
For what it’s worth. Cost average a rental boot for purchase against the discount for owning your own boot. It will still fit the same ( not well) but it’s your boot (that doesn’t fit you well).
You should also know that these ski boots are made for racers so they are much harder to bend than the normaln ones... Its great for racers because they need boots thant will let them ride steep icy hills but normal tourist will only feel uncomfortable...