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Ski boots and buttering

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chicknfriedsteak
Posts: 984 - Karma: 4,692
So I've recently seen several posts on threads, mentioning that ski boots have more to do with being able to butter than the actual skis. I tried asking local shops about this, but nobody around here is into freestyle and so no one had any clue what a butter even was. My boots I'm riding right now are already too loose for the kind skiing I do, and although I have no problem holding a tail press for a long time whenever I try to nosebutter I can't get my tips off the ground. I assume a tighter boot would help, but should what about boot stiffenes? Or could anyone just break down pulling off a nosebutter in general?
Feb 5 2015 2:47PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
You need a boot that's going to hold your heel down.
Feb 5 2015 2:49PM
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profa_212
Posts: 9004 - Karma: 37,359
GokuYou need a boot that's going to hold your heel down.


AKA go to a bootfitter. It will help all kinds of skiing, not just freestyle
Feb 5 2015 2:52PM
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chicknfriedsteak
Posts: 984 - Karma: 4,692
The problem is none of the local shops know a thing about park. I'm going back in to get fitted and buy a pair, but I was just curious which is better for park, a stiff boot or a soft boot.
Feb 5 2015 9:39PM
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rballs_
Posts: 709 - Karma: 2,992
rainydayinspiredThe problem is none of the local shops know a thing about park. I'm going back in to get fitted and buy a pair, but I was just curious which is better for park, a stiff boot or a soft boot.

You don't need a park boot, you need a boot that fits. Getting Tammy Walnuts pro model isn't going to magically help you butter. I'm fitted for boots with a 120 flex and they feel great and I have no problems buttering.

Go to a bootfitter.
Feb 5 2015 9:54PM
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Negromancer
Posts: 1014 - Karma: 1,499
As everyone has said go to a boot fitter but here is basically what you want from a boot for park/buttering.

You need a boot that fits, to achieve this a custom footbed is essential. Not a trim to fit, you need a footbed that has been custom molded to your foot. This foot will put you in a proper position in the boot and hold you in place. It will also allow you to efficient control the flex of the boot which is essential for buttering.

Boot flex is a bit of personal preference but it also has to do with your ankles range of motion. If the boot is able to flex more than you ankle is this is no good and can lead to injury and heel lift. A good boot fitter will access your ankles range of motion and make adjustments and suggestions accordingly.

Personally I like a stiff boot in the park. I ski a Lange RS 130's which are a race boot because they fit me well. Personally I think with a stiff boot you can put more force into the tongue and more of that force you put in is actually transferred into the ski helping you flex it and butter. With a soft boot you flex in and if it's soft enough it can just sort of fold, I experienced this with my old boot which were 90 flex. IMO stiffer boots provide a lot more control and precision.
Feb 5 2015 11:22PM
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chicknfriedsteak
Posts: 984 - Karma: 4,692
NegromancerAs everyone has said go to a boot fitter but here is basically what you want from a boot for park/buttering.

You need a boot that fits, to achieve this a custom footbed is essential. Not a trim to fit, you need a footbed that has been custom molded to your foot. This foot will put you in a proper position in the boot and hold you in place. It will also allow you to efficient control the flex of the boot which is essential for buttering.

Boot flex is a bit of personal preference but it also has to do with your ankles range of motion. If the boot is able to flex more than you ankle is this is no good and can lead to injury and heel lift. A good boot fitter will access your ankles range of motion and make adjustments and suggestions accordingly.

Personally I like a stiff boot in the park. I ski a Lange RS 130's which are a race boot because they fit me well. Personally I think with a stiff boot you can put more force into the tongue and more of that force you put in is actually transferred into the ski helping you flex it and butter. With a soft boot you flex in and if it's soft enough it can just sort of fold, I experienced this with my old boot which were 90 flex. IMO stiffer boots provide a lot more control and precision.


Thanks! That is the answer I was looking for.
Feb 6 2015 12:32AM
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