"I really like this sport and it's time to buy some of my own gear. What should I buy first?" Boots. The best skis in the world will be no fun at all if your feet are killing you. Spend a *lot* of time choosing your boots. Try on as many different types as possible and walk around the shop for 20 - 30 minutes while wearing them in order to discover any hidden pressure points. It's important that the boot fit snugly. If your foot flops around in the boot you'll have that much less control of your skis.