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Boots -- SPK vs Hotdogger

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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
Alright well my name is Mike and I have just started skiing 3 years ago so bear with me..
THis year I got a pair of volkl walls with schizo (jester) bindings. they ride fantastic maybe a little stiff for me so maybe looking for a softer ski. However I purchased a pair of Salomon boots from sports authority about 20 minutes before they closed on the night before my ski trip. Pressured into purchasing a large boot. Anyway I bought them size 28.5 (all they had) I got measured two days ago and I am a 26 and 3/4 cm. Yeah really big. Everytime I go to carve or jump my heel comes out so its a bad situation.

Now: I went to a local shop in PA. to try on some full tilt boots. I wanted Hotdoggers but they didnt have so i figured Id try on Seths because all that is different is the flex so I could order the hotdoggers online for cheaper as well. However I had the worst time putting the bottom buckle on and then finally after a long stuggle with assistance from the fitter It was on.. Yet we couldnt get the tongue to lay flat. They also had a terrible pain underneath my foot i believe due to the arch in side of boot. They were snugger than my boots but I figure thats just because of how large mine are.

THe next week I went to another store by my mountain where I got fitted and tried on the booter. I had the exact same problem of getting the tongue to lay flat and i had difficulty strapping in. The salesman also jerked it to SPK because he rides the spk pros. So i tried on a paair of them and they were comfortable but my heel was still coming up in a 27. not to mention the fact of a HORRIBLe pain where the bottom buckle goes across my foot. He said that it was the same for him and it will go away but that is an expensive risk I dont feel like taking as the season is over.

+K to anyone who reads this and has Advice because it will be greatly appreciated. Not that it really matters (kinda does) ft 2012 hotdoggers so hot. :)
Mar 19 2012 4:52PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,885
First of all, that two COMPLETELY different boots, with two COMPLETELY different fits. The Hot Dogger is narrower with a 99mm last (width of the boot) while the SPK is wide with a 104mm last, that's a huge difference, there is NO WAY you can fit into both boots properly.

Secondly, not that it matters if that's what fits you properly (although, that's not what it sounds like), I don't like the design on the SPK. The 2 buckle design doesn't give me the same feeling, I really feel like 3 buckles in the best design in ski boots cause it really holds down the ankle joint, which helps prevent heel lift. That being said, not everyone can fit into a 3 buckle boot properly, so take that into consideration.

Finally, it sounds like the sales guys are just trying to sell you their more expensive boots...I mean trying to talk you into a Seth or an SPK Pro, those are the top of the line for those two companies (well, as far as "park boots" go for Salomon). I would really suggest finding another shop if possible.

Also, how where you buckling up the Full Tilts? From the bottom up? From the top down? You really want to get the middle buckle in first. I usually work my way into it, so I start with the middle on a looser setting, then do the top then the bottom, then tighten down a few notches at a time (in the same pattern, middle, top, bottom) until they're tight enough, then do the power strap. This might make the difference, cause to me it sounds like the Full Tilts were more comfortable, but you just couldn't get them tight. Also, keep in mind that you can heat mold the FT liner to be more of a custom fit, which might ease some of those pressure points (and a good boot fitter or even sales person can add extra material to your foot while heat molding to make sure it works better). So, if the Full Tilts were more comfortable, just with a few minor pressure points, it might be the better choice than the SPKs, cause those sounded like they were miserable.
Mar 19 2012 5:23PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,585
By the sounds of it you have quite a high instep. Both the FT and SPK fit quite low in the instep, thats why I imagine you were getting the pain there, and struggling to close the boot. I think you may be better off looking at boots from Head and Atomic. The atomic is much higher in the instep, and certain models are really wide. Head also have some wide boots and are higher in the instep then ft or salomon.

Try maybe the Atomic Overlord, the head Vector 100, or Edge Adapt 100. But overall go to a good bootfitter, with allot of section. You want a shop that sells at least 4-5 brands so they have fit options. Also make sure they can make custom footbeds, they are so important.

Overall don't limit your boot choice to SPk's and FT's, there are many, many more.
Mar 19 2012 5:40PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
I dont really know if its just the way I described it. The Salesman strapped the ft on for me and he did bottom then couldnt get it so worked top down. As for the spk. It was bad pain acorss my top of foot over my arch. Horrible. But the guy said it will go away after 5 days of skiing yet not tryna take this risk. The full tilt felt good aside from the tongue being a bitch to come down and the one REally really bad pain under my heel. hmm.. anything else.?
Mar 19 2012 7:16PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
Yes I think your are right in terms of I have a high instep yet why would I have a pain in my arch then..
and yeah probably no thanks on atomic or head.
Mar 19 2012 7:19PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,885
You could get a foot bed to give you better arch support, should help that pain under the foot.

I still think you should consider finding a better shop/bootfitter...seems like the last two where just sales people trying to push their more expensive products on you.
Mar 19 2012 8:00PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
yeah its hard not living around a mountain tho... and theyu werent really tryna sell well they were but like i was looking at seths to compare to buy ft online so yeah
Mar 19 2012 8:04PM
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c_roll
Posts: 584 - Karma: 246
Most likely because your arch is being flattened out or pushed downward, not good for your arch. and why no on atomic or heads? have you tried them on? They are much more reliable and durable boots then  FTs which just break for no reason sometimes.
Mar 19 2012 8:37PM
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Dr.Gonzo
Posts: 2552 - Karma: 87
>bootfitter, and dont get fulltilts just cause. my fulltilts are legit, but they might not be for you.
Mar 19 2012 8:39PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
if i took pictures of my feet plus measurements could u guys help me out because dont really have opportunity to go to boot fitter
Mar 19 2012 9:42PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,585
Yeah
Take a pic of your foot stood on a tape measure with your heel at the very back.
Then one with the tape under your forfoot
then a pic of the side of your foot, the medial side (the arch side)

That would be a great start, but I think you are going to have to open your mind to other boots.

And your arch could hurt because the boot is pushing your instep down, stretching your arch. A footbed could help the stretching, but not the fact that the boot is too low for you.
Mar 19 2012 10:11PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
LOOK INTO OTHER BOOTS. Jesus I swear every kid think the only boots out there are fulltilts or SPK'S
Mar 19 2012 10:40PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
alright thanks a bunch ill do that in a little. PERFECT I love people that help others +K thanks so much and yeah I know whatever fits is best for me but id prefer these.
Mar 19 2012 10:40PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
Why? Because you will look "cool" with your twall boots? It's all great untill your feet start hurting like a motherfucker and you can't ski. Now look who's cool.
Mar 19 2012 10:49PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
true i really dont care well i do i dont wanna look like a rental or gaper soo yeah i prefer t wallisch boots. lol and if they fit why not but as for now i cannot make a decision +k for everyone who helps regardless of love/hate be honest
Mar 19 2012 10:54PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
jesus. i read the bit about full tilts being shit on your feet, then the last post, you saying that you want full tilts. you dumb shit.

i think its really funny how kids seem to finally understand they need to go to a bootfiter but its obvioius when they get there they just say, " im not paying for anything but spks or full tilts"


Mar 19 2012 11:08PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
GAHHH!!!, I just can't get through to you can I?
Mar 19 2012 11:13PM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
hahah I want them to fit me good. No in all honesty I want a good fitting boot. that is good looking
Mar 19 2012 11:16PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
Who gives a shit about how your boot looks?!?! It's coves up by your pants any way. Get a boot that fits no matter the look or company, and have a good time in your boots that fit you
Mar 19 2012 11:19PM
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Aiden-P
Posts: 1310 - Karma: 38
When I bought my full tilts the bottom buckle took me several minutes to do up. But after owning them for awhile it becomes second nature. The liner will thin out once heat moulded and pressured. That goes for both boots.
Mar 19 2012 11:20PM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
stop being such a little bitch!
go buy some dope as fuck twall full tilts, then make a thread next week with the title as "I GOT FULL TILTD AND I HAVE SHIN BANG"
 by then hopefully you wont be such a narrow minded cunt and can go and buy some browny grey four buckle buckle boots with "TECHNICA"  written on them and enjoy the most comfort you have experienced on skis.ever.

SHIT
Mar 19 2012 11:24PM
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dadunda
Posts: 447 - Karma: 219
.
Mar 19 2012 11:31PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
Mobile won't let me quote bit what Thredboskier said,I'm done trying to talk some sense into your brain, I'm out, have fun with your feet pains
Mar 19 2012 11:36PM
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max61195
Posts: 370 - Karma: 153
ive got the SPK's and they are truly amazing! best boot you will ever put on!
Mar 20 2012 4:42AM
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dadunda
Posts: 447 - Karma: 219
And I have the SPK's and hate them because they have the completely wrong fit for my foot.
Mar 20 2012 10:38AM
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
shut the fuck up.
Mar 20 2012 10:47AM
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mattb912
Posts: 3078 - Karma: 194
there is no use helping someone find boots if they already narrowed down their choices to two boots that do not fit them properly.
Mar 20 2012 11:04AM
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
I would get the boot that fits you right
Mar 20 2012 11:08AM
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mattb912
Posts: 3078 - Karma: 194
Think of that all on your own?
Mar 20 2012 11:10AM
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SkiLefley
Posts: 1073 - Karma: 954
Yup
Mar 20 2012 11:13AM
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walshie
Posts: 743 - Karma: 628
k what boots would u reccommend now. Click for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger imageClick for larger image
Mar 21 2012 5:12PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7160 - Karma: 17,585
Ok, well that helps allot. You can tell your going to be about a size 26.0 and you need a boot which is 100-102mm or so. You do have a high instep though, and you also have a fallen medial arch which is causing your foot to pronate.

You need to start with a good custom footbed to realign your foot. I would recommend sidas and probably a DD stabilizer. This will though raise your instep, but it prob will make your foot narrower.

Once you have a footbed you could try some boots. Maybe try the Atomic Hawx 120, that may work. Maybe a Nordica too, The dead Money or OS may work.

Honestly I dont think the FT or SPK would be the best boot for you. You would need to get the SPK streched allot of the Navicular bone which is really hard. In Full Tilits your instep would again be too high. You would need to grind the bootboard down. Not Ideal but possible, but really I would look at some other boots.

But go get some footbeds, and take those with you to try with the boots.
Mar 21 2012 6:30PM
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skiingute
Posts: 630 - Karma: 15
The SPK might work still. The pain on top of the foot actually did go away for me, I think it's the liner they use it's fairly hard to pack out. Custom foot-beds and a different liner could be the trick, if the foot fits in the shell there is always a way to make it work.
Mar 21 2012 8:30PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
STILL GO TO A FUCKING BOOT FITTER, THEY KNOW SO MUCH MORE THEN NS.
Mar 22 2012 10:30PM
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