Righty, about time to get my skis back on after not touching them for about 5 years....
About time my old Lange boots were retired, so....
Any brands I should be looking at?
Good old Costco also did me proud with a Bolle ski helmet - reckon would be foolish not to wear one now
Far from being an expert, anything which fits well is the way forward I reckon. I've got nordica boots which I'm very happy with, but they don't fit my housemate at all...
Exactly, get whatever fits you well. Ideally, go to a bootfitter and get them fitted properly.
Salomon, Lange, Garmont, plenty of others make good-quality kit.
Yep, fit is first priority, having lived through shell stretching, custom liners, etc years back.
I don't mind driving a decent distance to get a good fitter and a good range of boots - I'm in N.East Scotland.
Salomon was first potential brand that I thought of - have had success with Nordica, Lange and Salomon in the past, but knowledge of the ski equipment market is a bit limited at the mo.
You need to find the shop with the biggest range you can, and try until you find something that fits. If you stick to the major manufacturers I doubt if you'll find a bad boot (although you may find one that's inappropriate for your type of skiing), it's all down to fit. IME you're more likely to achieve success if you go with one that fits well from the start than if you pick a particular boot because it takes your fancy or it got a good review in a ski mag and then have it stretched and modified.
Lots of good advice from these posters mate, and I'll add my opinion based on 10 years working in a ski shop. If you visit the right shop (which will have to be chosen on recommendations and reviews) the salesman ought to be able point you in the right direction regarding manufacturer. If you have the boot professionally fitted you'll be asked to stand on a mirror which will show how the pressure is spread over your foot and a footbed will be made to give a more correct stance and allow constant blood flow which will equal greater warmth and comfort. Be prepared to spend £60/80 more for this almost essential service. Not many skiers get away without an insole.
I need to explain part of that again.....The salesman OUGHT to be able to look at your naked feet and rule out certain manufacturers. (Salomon tend to favour a shorter wider foot, Lange a slimmer foot etc.)