Author Topic: New boots - what should I get?  (Read 318 times)

Brendan

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New boots - what should I get?
« on: March 13, 2007, 05:18:49 pm »
Hi Guys,

I am on the hunt for new boots.  I have read a lot on this site but still seem confused.  It seems that plugs are the ideal but when I go to head.com and other sites I can find no mention of what boots are plugs.

My question - does anyone have a short list of the make and models of boots I should be looking for?  I know this is a difficult question as the shape of the foot often chooses the boot but I have put a description of my foot below.  A short list would help immensely.

Here's my specs -  am 5?11, 160 pounds, a good all mountain skier (strong advanced, not quite expert, except when it all comes
together) and have practiced PMTS out of the book (just bought John C book online too).  I just bought WC super shapes in a 170, so love carving but also have IM82 so love the all mountain thing too.

I have very big feet ? duck shaped, wide across the toes (115mm at the widest point - which is 20mm back form the base of the big toe), my shoe size is US 12.  Also my second toe is longer than my big toe.

 My boot size ? when I tried the head S 10 (shell fit, without the liner)  in the 28.5 there was one index finger width (three quarters of an inch approx)  between the heel and the back of the boot.  The sole length of this boot was 327mm.  I do not know if this is a good boot but seemed snug.

Many thanks

Brendan 

 
« Last Edit: March 13, 2007, 08:18:07 pm by Brendan »

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Dave T

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2007, 06:21:56 am »
The Head S10 is a very good boot.? The liners are the same as the S12.? The beauty of Head boots are they are one of the most (or maybe the most) adjustable for the talented bootfitter. The 3/4 inch behind the heel in the bare shell is too much .. you should target 1/4 to 3/8 inch (maybe 1/2 at most).? While the S10 liners initially feel snug; they should be heat fitted.? When I purchased my S10s last year I was told by the boot fitter to ski several days on them and them come back for the heat fit.? The heat fit is an uncomfortable experience but results in a great fitting boot with zero pinch points.? The S10 is not a plug boot or race boot but is a 'lateral' boot as HH recommends and will serve an advanced/expert skier very well (and comfortably I might add).? ?

Go for the tight shell maybe a 28.0

Dave T.
in Vancouver but rather be in Whistler
« Last Edit: March 14, 2007, 06:23:54 am by Dave T »

Gary

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2007, 08:51:28 am »
Brendan, although I agree the S12 is a good boot..sounds to me given your current ski skills and your interest in PMTS....maybe the Head RS line might be the way to go. Still, if it's Head, make sure the shell fits your foot anatomically without the liner in it. Heel to toe is one check point but also side to side. You should not have any side play between the sides of your feet and the shell. Yes, there will be some grinding and heating of the shell to custom fit it, but the RS / RD series are their upper end boots.

Having said all that, there are some great high performance boots out there. I would reccommend not getting anything that is too stiff. The upper end Head boots are their version of plug boot. Although you may not find a companies upper end boots labled "plug boots," those upper end boots still may need some heating, grinding etc to fit your fit properly. They will also give you the versatility to ski "all mountain". Even some of the new plug boots, like Rons Atomics, give him the flex and versatility to ski all mountain.

Start with one that fits the same shape as your foot keeping in mind that some grinding will make minor adjustments, find one without too much forward lean, and one that fits snugly around your lower leg cause a lot of PMTS action happens here around the ankles.

I'm a big fan of the Head boots today cause they really fit my foot. Seek out the upper end boots, keeping in mind not too stiff, and go "Cinderella" on them.

Best,
Gary

jim-ratliff

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2007, 06:34:56 pm »

I have very big feet ? duck shaped, wide across the toes (115mm at the widest point - which is 20mm back form the base of the big toe), my shoe size is US 12.? Also my second toe is longer than my big toe.


Brendan:  I ski Head S12's and do like the Head line.  However, if your 115mm width measurement is pretty accurate, you will probably need advice from a real bootfitter.  The S10/12 are, I believe, a 103mm last (the measurement of the forefoot width) and it comes with the cradle thingy that can be inserted to make it about a 100mm size.  The RD/RS series are a 97 mm last (I think).  Also, you will probably need a relatively narrow heel (my interpretation of duckfoot).  The longer second toe isn't that unusual (unless you and I are the only ones) so it's probably a minimal problem, but you may be looking at a fair amount of grinding to get the width without getting an overall too large boot.  I think you'll need to check with bootfitters to make sure that 1) your way of measuring is the same as the manufacturers last measurements, and 2) that there is enough plastic in the side to grind 5mm or so on each side.

I didn't get my boots from Harald, but I was very impressed with the overall assessment and the modifications they made to my footbed.  I would suggest going to them (or, as a minimum, get some boot suggestions from them).
"If you're gonna play the game boy, ya gotta learn to play it right."

Brendan

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2007, 02:39:48 pm »
Thanks guys - great.

Gary thanks for the tip on posting at PMTS - I got a lead for a boot fitter there.

Best

Brendan

Ron

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2007, 08:04:13 am »
Brendan, where do you live? Good advice here. I loved the Head boots for sure, it was just that the Atomics fit better and that is what its all about (HEAD plug instep was too high). A boot that is too big can't really be made smaller, lifts, shims and such are filler and that's not what you want. Most Plugs are going to be race oriented and narrow. Atomic Racetec CS is a wider forefoot boot but I am thinking more Head or Nordica or even Salomon Falcon's. You really are going to need to try on with an expert fitter. It would be great if you could get to HH's shop. Rule of thumb, 2 sizes below your street size but each manufacturer is different. For instance, my Atomic is a 26, but sole lenght of 304. Head's 26  has a sole length of 310.

Cinderella? 'zactly ;D

Gary

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2007, 01:51:41 pm »
Brendon....cool on the boot fitter via PMTS...along with Ron, Jim and my few cents....

The stories the same...

If the boot fits.....!

Brendan

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2007, 06:41:11 pm »
Ron - to answer your question - I live just south of the Gold Coast and north of Byron Bay in Australia - very beautiful and near the beach.    I may have a lead for a good bootfitter in Australia but it seems that the really good ones are really hard to find.  HH shop - where is that?  I usually come to the US every year so if I can't find one I may have to wait.

All good advice guys - perhaps the heads may be the answer as my foot is very wide across ball of foot.  Ron I seem to remember from a previous post that you have "a low volume foot and barely D width"  which is one reason you went with the atomics.  I also remember your reccomendation of not buying by the brand but by the fit, so I am trying to stay open to other brands, not just head. 

Head website support is reccomending the S 13, they say this is exactly the same boot as the RS110 (minus a couple of features and different colour).  Do you think the flex is too stiff for me (my weight and height etc are above). 

I will continue the hunt.

Thanks again

Brendan 

jbotti

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2007, 03:54:09 pm »
Just a correction on boot sole length. Head in a 27 is at 310mm. The 26 I believe is 300mm. JB.

Dave T

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Re: New boots - what should I get?
« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2007, 12:25:40 pm »
Head has changed the boot designations this year; with probably not many if any technical changes.? S10 is now S11 and S12 is now S13. jBoti is 'bang on' on the shell length. My 26.5 are 305 mm.
From previous years S10 and S12 had the exact same liner; with only minor shell differnces.? You do not need stiff Flex with modern ski technique (PMTS); but you really need is lateral stiffness and not rotary forces from the hinge when you do flex.? The Head line is a wonderful 'lateral' stiff boot that does not part any rotary forces.? If you are not participating in masters' or other racing series you probably should stay with comfort and avoid a high stiffness in the Flex rating.

Good luck with your selection

Dave T