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February, 2025

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Are dalbello boots worth buying?

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m.alcolm
Posts: 28 - Karma: 65
I’m looking for some new boots and I’m stuck between ft and dalbello. Any advice?
Jul 4 2018 8:55PM
1 1
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5024 - Karma: 18,161
Bootfitter yadda yadda yadda.........yawn.
Jul 4 2018 8:59PM
4 1
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6731 - Karma: 11,641
This is what you do:
1. Research in your area (or where you will be skiing) which shops are the best boot-fitters
2. Call them and make an appointment (budget at least 1 hour, maybe 2)
3. Trust their boot recommendation that is based on your foot shape, budget, and footbed needs.
4. Enjoy the best boot for you, for all types of skiing.

FYI- at this time of the year, shops do not have all boot options in stock. Some things are sold out already, so you might not find the ideal solution for your needs. Your best bet is do this in September/October when all options are available.

There is no other correct answer.
Jul 5 2018 6:38AM
10 2
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weastcoat
Posts: 6489 - Karma: 75,039
Get full tilts
Jul 5 2018 4:38PM
3 0
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mattm7
Posts: 355 - Karma: 1,974
onenerdykidThere is no other correct answer.

Full Tilts
Jul 5 2018 6:13PM
5 0
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6731 - Karma: 11,641
mattm7Full Tilts


besides that, obviously
Jul 6 2018 3:16AM
7 0
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Rparr
Posts: 5694 - Karma: 47,972
onenerdykidThis is what you do:
1. Research in your area (or where you will be skiing) which shops are the best boot-fitters
2. Call them and make an appointment (budget at least 1 hour, maybe 2)
3. Trust their boot recommendation that is based on your foot shape, budget, and footbed needs.
4. Enjoy the best boot for you, for all types of skiing.

FYI- at this time of the year, shops do not have all boot options in stock. Some things are sold out already, so you might not find the ideal solution for your needs. Your best bet is do this in September/October when all options are available.

There is no other correct answer.


I have very mixed feelings about this after a lifetime of Midwest skiing. Boot fitters are absolutely useless here in Ohio, it’s always just some generic shop guy that they’ve trained to explain their different boots. It usually just ends with me trying on damn near every pair of “freestyle” boots in the house and picking whichever feels best for me. I imagine it is like this for many non-skiing states. I would love to see a real boot fitter. The only thing they have to offer me around here is the ability to make custom footbeds and order parts for the boots, which I do need
Jul 7 2018 5:43AM
2 0
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6731 - Karma: 11,641
RparrI have very mixed feelings about this after a lifetime of Midwest skiing. Boot fitters are absolutely useless here in Ohio, it’s always just some generic shop guy that they’ve trained to explain their different boots. It usually just ends with me trying on damn near every pair of “freestyle” boots in the house and picking whichever feels best for me. I imagine it is like this for many non-skiing states. I would love to see a real boot fitter. The only thing they have to offer me around here is the ability to make custom footbeds and order parts for the boots, which I do need


That is a difficult spot to be in (literally and figuratively).

Do you only ski in Ohio, or do you ever make it out East or West? If you ever go on a ski vacation to a known destination area, it would for sure be a good idea to research which fitters are in/near that ski area. Then you can enjoy your holiday and get dialed at the same time.

While this is by no means an ultimate list, it's a good starting point for anyone in their search for finding the right boot:
https://www.bootfitters.com/find-shop
Jul 7 2018 7:52AM
1 0
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Rparr
Posts: 5694 - Karma: 47,972
onenerdykidThat is a difficult spot to be in (literally and figuratively).

Do you only ski in Ohio, or do you ever make it out East or West? If you ever go on a ski vacation to a known destination area, it would for sure be a good idea to research which fitters are in/near that ski area. Then you can enjoy your holiday and get dialed at the same time.

While this is by no means an ultimate list, it's a good starting point for anyone in their search for finding the right boot:
https://www.bootfitters.com/find-shop


I do make it out here and there. You’re absolutely right, I should probably visit a better shop one of these days on my travels. I suppose I’ve never considered it because it would be a financial kick in the pants to buy a pair of boots during a ski trip where I’m already shelling out a decent amount of money

And I’m not trying to criticize your list, that’s definitely the best advice for somebody in search of a better fit. Just saying it’s not as simple for those of us in not so great skiing states. I could only imagine being in Florida or something and needing boots
Jul 7 2018 8:11AM
0 0
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fasa
Posts: 37 - Karma: 61
Obligatory see a (good) boot fitter, as everyone's foot is different.

My experience fitting boots, Dalbellos are better, easier to work on, more customization, more durable. They fit a larger variety of feet (doesn't mean that's the case for yours, but generally speaking) the Contour 4 pattern is much more anatomical than Full Tilt's which is a straight taper in the classic shell, the newer descendant shell is sorta just modeled after the krypton...

I've definitely seen Full Tilt's work better for some people but generally speaking I'd go Dalbello over Full Tilt.
Jul 13 2018 7:25PM
1 0
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,762
here's my experience: Had Dalbellos (2008ish) then got FTs (2010-they were lighter and new), Had 2 pairs of FT's, but they take A LOT of work to get just right, and the fucking buckles moving around and breaking got old.

Tried a new Dalbello (2014), they were the same weight as a FT by then, loved them...no more buckle issues, and felt like there was a better power transfer... Dalbellos are just a better FT imo (on my second pair of KR2s since I switched back)
Jul 16 2018 4:36PM
1 0
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