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Boot Advice

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Bamski
Posts: 814 - Karma: 79
Hey NS, I'm coming to Gear Talk today with a question I have about buying some new boots.

I have an old pair of very packed in solly boots that have served me well for god knows how long. They're falling apart now, and I feel that it's time to pick up a new pair.

I went to a boot fitter yesterday to see what kind of advice they could offer me when looking for a boot (It's been so long since I went I'd completely forgotten what kind of foot I have). According to him I have a normal sized foot in regards to width (maybe slightly on the wide side, but nothing noticeable) with a relatively high instep. I tried on a pair of Dalbello Krypton Cross' and they instantly felt quite comfortable, however the fitter said he would be reluctant to sell them to me on account of the instep. He said he could alter the front of the boot to make it more comfortable, but no guarantees.

Now I've decided to come here and put my question out to the public. What boots can you guys recommend for a 170 lb, aggressive skier? I prefer a stiff flex, and I ski everything from freeride to freestyle. I like to go fast, and I love powder.

Full Tilt is out of the options, Dalbello felt pretty comfortable, and I know Solly makes a solid product, but the SPK's are still a little too park specific for me.
Jun 3 2009 3:57AM
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JArens
Posts: 1332 - Karma: 6,854
maybe look into the ghost boot? or when it comes out the sho gun
Jun 3 2009 4:24AM
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*kiwiNZ*
Posts: 249 - Karma: 13
You could get a whole lot of suggestions but that would be pointless!
Go to a decent bootfitter who will get you into the best boot for your foot and skiing
Jun 3 2009 4:49AM
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Silence
Posts: 16030 - Karma: 150
Go and let a fitter do his thing

If the krypton cross fits well, then why are Full Tilts out of the question?
Then again if the krypton cross fits well, SPKs will be too wide for you

Jun 3 2009 5:33AM
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Twaddler
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 109
i was gonna say that. but the boot fitter knows best and is probably the one you should listen to above all of us.  upgrading from shitty boots to good ones makes such a difference though.
Jun 3 2009 7:31AM
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iFail
Posts: 2066 - Karma: 65

get the kryptons or whatever you said and get these to go in them: http://www.yoursole.com/products/footbeds/softec/ultra/

they give my flat foot an arch which I needed for a good fit, so they should fill in your arch.(I think that was the problem right?)

Jun 3 2009 8:22PM
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Bamski
Posts: 814 - Karma: 79
Just an update.

I went to another bootfitter across town, and after trying several pairs of boots the two of us narrowed down my options based off of my needs in a boot and his advice.

Apparently I have a very good foot for Salomon boots, so naturally I played around with the though of the SPK Kaos.. However, due to some injuries from biking / work / skiing I've been told to take it easy in the park for a while. Let me say that the Kaos had an extremely comfortable fit, but they seemed too soft for my taste which is holding me back.

I also tried on a pair of Ghosts. They were much more narrow, but not too tight strangely enough. (I believe my foot is about an average D in width). The boot felt like it had excellent heel hold, not to mention I could feel the general quality increase just trying it on. I noticed that the boot did get uncomfortable after having it on for about a half hour. However, the bootfitter seemed very confident that he could fit them to my feet perfectly.

This is where I'm torn. I love both boots, the Kaos had an amazingly comfortable fit right out of the box but the Ghost seems like it would offer me the best comprimise for performance.

My first question, If I'm taking fewers laps through the park (Let's say 30% of my time) and spending more time in the deeper snow would the Kaos hold up?  (I should also mention I ski in Whistler)

My second question.. If I was to choose the Ghost, should I really trust the bootfitter to do the job? In a side by side comparison the Ghost started feeling uncomfortable next to the Kaos.. I understand it's his job, but I still have my doubts.
Jun 26 2009 3:31PM
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japanada
Posts: 13784 - Karma: 1,957
The ghost is a stiffer, narrower version of the SPKs. Id stay with the dalbellos or the ghosts, or even try on a pair of falcon 110s or some salomon guns. Remember, a new boot should be tight, if it feels super comfortable right out of the box, you may run into some problems once the boot packs out a bit.
Jun 26 2009 3:38PM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10888 - Karma: 2,184

Yes you should!

What I always tell people when I'm working with them in selecting a boot, is that a proper fitting boot with no adjustments whatsoever should make your foot go a little numb in about a half hour or so. This is before heat molding or anything else is done to the boot.

If you ski in Whistler you'll hopefully be skiing more than just the park so go with the Ghost

Jun 26 2009 10:57PM
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Jesus-FlwrSubaru
Posts: 1077 - Karma: 53
The SPK PRO (110)is almost the same boot as the SPK KAOS (100), but it has a toe shock absorber and Stiffer flex (110), sounds to me you prefer the KAOS for fit, but like the flex of the GHOST and thats what the PRO is, the best of both in your case
Jun 26 2009 11:05PM
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