Which boot to get?

[Solarmoon]

Hello all!

So, I get my new boards this year (First ever ski-boards, been riding snowblades for 3 years now). And my first set of boots I bought the cheapest because at the time it was comfy for my shin splints, but I feel there is a better boot out there now. So I was looking at a few places and I tried on the Head Dream http://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=4292096&cp=3733354.3767836.3767837.3767844.3758128 however there is 2 boots (I know there ain't much females on here but the question isn't related to if anyone wore this and there review).

The question is the flex. It comes in a 50 flex and a 70 flex. The only difference is the price, it's like $100 dollar difference. Should I go with the 50 or 70 (They are both comfy). This is the straightest boot I can find that isn't too far forward lean.

Or is there a better boot out there for females for this sport?

Thanks in advance ye'all :)

[bee]

For hard shell boots you can't go to soft of a flex for skiboards. Softer flex is usually cheaper which also works out.
Always buy the boot that is the most comfortable, but is still tight fitting. There are plenty of guides out there for choosing a boot that fits properly, it can get a bit complicated. What most people do is trust the boot fitter.
I am not familiar with the model you linked to, but you should definitely try on some Full Tilt boots to see if they fit. They are considered one of the best style boots you can buy for this sport IF they fit. if you go to the full tilt website they will have a list of dealers, hopefully in your area.

[MitchK]

Seeing that you're in western Canada, Shop-Task in Vancouver carries full-tilt boots, if you're in the area.

[Solarmoon]

Actually im in Alberta, I checked and there is a shop, going check them out on Wednesday.

But i'm confused, the only 2 boots they have for women seem to be tilted quite a bit, I thought the sport needs more of a straighter back than a tilted one? Can someone correct me on this. (Doesn't help full tilt only have 2 selection for women lol)

Thanks :->

[MitchK]

I know for the men's full tilts it depends on if it's the old shell design they have or the new ones that came this year. The old ones have a removable shim in the back of the boot that you can take out for a more upright stance, but the new shell design doesn't. The difference between the two different shells is the width, with the new shells having a 102mm last, and the old having a 99mm last.

Looking at the site, the "Soul Sister" model is the old style, and the Mary Jane is the new one.

[shortydude]

Check this deal out. It's a Head I-Type 10 in a Mondo 23 which is a womens size 6 I think for $89.
http://www.levelninesports.com/Head-I-Type-10-One-Hf-Silvergold-Women-S-Ski-Boots

If you can wear a 23, I'd be all over this deal. They probably only have one pair at this price. If you snooze you'll lose this one. There are several threads here at SBOL on the Head I-Types that are very posative and encouraging about them.

[Bill]

I thought the sport needs more of a straighter back than a tilted one?

It's a fact that most folks who skiboard prefer a more upright stance in a flexy, lighter weight boot. I'm fond of my fulltilts, thay're light and flexy but they aren't automatically that upright out of the box and some of us have modified them to take out some forward lean beyond just removing the shim. The Head I-type Shortydude mentioned are nice and upright, flexy enough, super-easy on and off, but relatively heavy. If your set-up includes nonrelease bindings, another good option popular with many skiboarders would be the Deeluxe hardshell snowboard boots sold by SBOL.

The truth is, though, while many folks get along just fine with any style of ski boot, no one gets along fine with uncomfortable boots. Keep in mind that comfort and good fit trumps everything else.

[Solarmoon]

Sadly a 23 won't fit >.< Damn! That is a good deal!

So from what I understand, light weight, flexy and upright. Got it :) oh yea and comfy too lol.

Checking out the full tilts tomorrow.

Thanks everyone!

[shortydude]

That same site has excellent prices on boots if you can find your size in what you want. I think I saw some I-Type 12's (which are a little bit stiffer than the 10's) in a couple of other sizes.
http://www.levelninesports.com/Womens-Ski-Boots
Do you know what size Men's boots might fit, or is that too weird?

[Plorr]

That same site has excellent prices on boots if you can find your size in what you want. I think I saw some I-Type 12's (which are a little bit stiffer than the 10's) in a couple of other sizes.
http://www.levelninesports.com/Womens-Ski-Boots
Do you know what size Men's boots might fit, or is that too weird?

It is generally not a good idea to buy boots online. You might save a few bucks, but they are the most important part of your equipment, and probably the last thing you want to skimp on. Having boots that fit you perfectly will improve your riding experience MUCH more than having the newest, nicest boards and bindings. Its best to go to a reputable boot fitter in your area. They will be able to set you up with a pair that match your riding style and your feet, and will even modify your boots to make sure they fit absolutely perfect. Most ski shops have a boot fitter on their staff, but it is probably a good idea to google around for a while and find the best one in your area.

[shortydude]

I've had very good luck buying boots online over the years. I've bought probably 8 pairs online for myself and family with no issues. I do agree it's money well spent to see a boot fitter and get custom footbeds or maybe liners.

[Roussel]

dont buy boots online pleease

[Solarmoon]

So I finally tried the full tilt mary janes (Can't try the Soul Sister as I have wide feet :'( )

I have to say it's comfortable, one thing I do NOT like about the boot is the weird buckle set up, other than that I love it.

So now I just need to save up to get them :)

Btw, at the shop they said a tight fit is good? When is a boot too tight? When I tried it on my big toe for sure was touching the edge with no room to spare. Is that too tight?

Thanks so much everyone!

[slow]

Btw, at the shop they said a tight fit is good? When is a boot too tight? When I tried it on my big toe for sure was touching the edge with no room to spare. Is that too tight?

Because the use of skiboards allows a more comfortable upright stance, a longer boot where your toe does not "just touch" is fine and preferred by some. When riding more upright, your toes are not pulled back in the boot as they would be when you are in a more aggressive crouched stance, ankles and knees bent with your knees over your toes.

Stand as straight as you can in the boots you are trying on. If your toes touch, they may be too short for skiboarding and you may loose a toe nail or two.

BTW: the tight fit should be around your foot, not trying to shorten your foot.

[bee]

Its really hard to judge a proper fitting boot. Even once you think you found it, you might have to bring the boot back for custom work after actually using it. Obviously you need to have close cut toenails for a proper fit. If you do what slow says and just stand upright and your toes are just touching that is probably fine. If they are bent even slightly that will be a major problem.
What slow is saying is that for skiing when you lean forward it forces your foot back into the heel pocket, giving you more toe room. This isn't the case for skiboarding in an upright stance.
If you get them heat molded to your feet make them use a toe cap. A lot of the time they don't but it is a must for skiboarding.

[Solarmoon]

Thanks :) Ill go back in and try a half size up, but I think the width is fine (Although i'll try the smaller width just to see the difference).

[Roussel]

full size and half size boots are the exact same, the half size simply having a thinner insole. that means a 26 and a 26.5 is the exact same size! the 26.5 just has a thinner insole inside the liner. so if youre going up to the half size, there is no difference in the length.

6 years boot fitting.