I was under the impression that Jason was headed to New England, specially to Vermont, soon. Was going to investigate boots and boot fitters there. So, I responded with the names of five people who I know have a great deal of experience in the race boot niche. Perhaps he could clarify "where", before as a community we throw out the names of every top "race boot' fitter and shop in the country. I presume he's mot going to have the US Race directors on this and fitting his boots.
@Jason Kurth, lots of very good, and
very polite, comments and ideas. You're going to get dozens of names of fitters.......everywhere. so maybe clarifying where you would plan to get the boots sorted would help, I think.
I'm also wondering where you plan to race, and in what format? USSA Masters? Pay attention to SS's posts ^^^^^. Good stuff.
You may have picked up that real speed skiers ski in
softer boots, than they would ski SL and GS in. Has always been the case. One of the big pluses of plug boots is that they come in a range of stiffness, and they can be modified, "cut" and dialed in quite easily by somebody who knows their stuff.
Just throwing it our there. Have fun, and be safe. And realize that both of those are hard to do on the cheap. You may be able to get there pairs of good used speed skis for the cost of getting the boots right. If they are not right, you're going to put yourself at risk.......
Having the wrong alignment, not judging your speed as you need to nail a turn, over reacting and hooking up at 60 mph plus can be ugly.
But....this could be a lot of fun, done wisely.