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November, 2024

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Boot Advice (narrow heel & high arch)

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jets_DZA
Posts: 14 - Karma: 23
Hey guys at the start of the season I had planned to get a new pair of ski boots to replace my full tilts with something a lot more burly. I went to my local bootfitter and he gave me a quick run down on the shape of my foot and why the full tilt's were not the best boots for my foot. He told me I have a narrow heel and a "B" width foot (I.I.R.C), as well as a mid-high arch. After this he stated that I would be best to be in a plug style or race boot. The problem is that the boot I am looking for is a big mountain or freeski specific boot that has a good boot board for bigger landings and hard impacts. It seems really hard to find a boot that is both good for my feet and ideal for the type of riding I like to do. I was also wondering if a high arch would mean a higher volume foot? I was eying up the Patron Pro but apparently it is for a lower volume foot shape. Has anyone else had to deal with this kind of foot shape? I need some recommendations for a boot that fits the bill. PLEASE!! I dont want to deal with another year without new boots
Jan 2 2013 4:28PM
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Cyanicenine
Posts: 966 - Karma: 2,294
You can freeride just fine in a plug or race boot. I suffer from the same issue, extremely narrow heel. While it would be nice to be able to ride some of the freeride boots out there it just isn't an option with my foot shape. The happiest I've ever been in my boots was when I switched to a semi plug boot, the nordica dobermann. It's a 95 last width which is as narrow as you can buy without special ordering a true plug boot which is a 92 last. The point with these kind of boots is that the shell is made super thick. No one can put their foot in a boot that is 92 last, you're not suppose to. You're suppose to bring it to a boot fitter where they will completely carve and punch it out to give you a completely custom shell fit. The performance is unmatched, and entirely worth it. Just be ready to spend a lot of time with a good bootfitter that has the proper machinery needed to do this high level of bootwork. It took me 2 months of going to the bootfitter before I got my shell carved and punched enough to work with my foot shape, but now that it's there it's the best shell fit I've ever had and my skiing and confidence level has shot way up.
Jan 2 2013 6:37PM
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jets_DZA
Posts: 14 - Karma: 23
Thanks good advice
Jan 3 2013 1:54AM
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
I have the same kind of foot. I just sold my full tilts, they weren't working out.

i just got fitted for Nordica Girish Pro (this year its called patron pro). its based of the nordica dobermann, intended for big mountain, with a more comfortable "freeride" 98mm last. stiff.

I also got fitted for Salomon Ghost 120. advertised as a big mountain freeride boot. feels somewhat racey. Based off of the Salomon Falcon boot. true 98mm last. tight as a tiger in there.


Jan 3 2013 2:22AM
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jets_DZA
Posts: 14 - Karma: 23
How would you compare the feel of the Ghost and Nordicas, I would have to wait for them to bring back a stiffer version like the 120 as I think they only make a 100 or a 90 flex this year for the ghost. I'll have to look around for a shop that carries the patron pro, from what I read that seemed like a good option
Jan 3 2013 2:29AM
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
264$ with code:winter. if you can fit into a dobermann, this is as close it will get for freeride.

http://www.evo.com/outlet/alpine-ski-boots/nordica-enforcer-pro.aspx#image=47591.Color.Hardgoods_Blue_Image.jpg
Jan 3 2013 2:31AM
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
the patron pro/girish is real 130 flex. enforcer pro/patron 110 is a real 110. a bit more instep volume than the ghost by feel.

the ghost is soft 120. Its the Ghost 120 CS. a couple mm longer (both in 27) but low volume instep.

If you have a high arch i would say the patron pro might be better. it has to fit YOUR foot tho. patrons should be pretty easy to find at a boot shop as well.

the ghost is not around really, since next year there coming out with the ghost max it kinda got sideshelved this year. its only 500 new which is good tho
Jan 3 2013 2:42AM
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jets_DZA
Posts: 14 - Karma: 23
great thanks guys
Jan 3 2013 2:52AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6673 - Karma: 10,972
Given your foot shape, you should also check out the Atomic Redster series. I rarely ever recommend a boot on here, but with your foot details (narrow and high instep) this boot should be on your list to check out. The instep is 5mm taller than our previous 98mm boot and the tongue has a special cut-out over the instep that allows a high instep to be comfortable. The underfoot chassis of the boot is designed to allow natural forefoot flex and dampening- things you will also appreciate being a big mountain skier.

Many of our big mountain athletes (like Todd Ligare and Sage) are in this boot because they have a similar foot to you and similar shock absorbing expectations.
Jan 3 2013 5:04AM
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momentz
Posts: 875 - Karma: 285

go with what he says over the other people in this thread. Literally when it comes to ski boot fitting onenerdykid is never wrong.

Jan 3 2013 9:53AM
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
this is exceptional advice...

OP, on backcountry.com somebody reviewed the Patron Pro and said they returned it due to high arch/low instep discomfort.
Jan 3 2013 1:09PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Just get plug boots. Your shop guy knows what's up, trust him.
Jan 3 2013 5:59PM
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