talus
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Post by talus on Dec 21, 2016 11:07:09 GMT -8
I know there are a few X/C skiers on this board so I'm hoping someone can help me find a pair of light touring boots. We don't get a lot of long downhills here, so I don't need a particularly stiff boot. I'd like to upgrade from the entry level pair I have now, but I'd rather not spend much more than 120 bucks or so since I don't get a ton of days that I can ski here and can't justify spending much on them if possible. I have a slightly wide forefoot. Buying in a store is out, since there are none within a 2 hour drive of here.
Thanks!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Dec 21, 2016 12:10:14 GMT -8
What binding are you using? I had a few pairs of Rossignol 3 pin, before I went to a double boot.
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talus
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Post by talus on Dec 21, 2016 13:41:43 GMT -8
NNN binding. I have some entry level Alpina light touring skis that i will probably supplant with some edged touring skis.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Dec 21, 2016 13:42:48 GMT -8
For a good match need to know the ski name and description along with current binding. There are so many choices it's best to understand the application to provide the best feedback.
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talus
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Post by talus on Dec 21, 2016 14:51:43 GMT -8
I'm going to use the boots with my Alpina Control light touring skis until I upgrade/supplant (I will probably use the Alpinas for "junk"skis and some in track stuff) them with a a pair of Fischer Spider 62 light touring edged skis. Rottefella NNN bindings.
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Post by markweth on Dec 21, 2016 15:17:36 GMT -8
I am still using some entry level Rossignol boots (and will probably continue to use them for this season), but my girlfriend just bought a pair of women's Alpina Montana boots and loves them. We ski with a guy who has the men's version (Aplina Montana as well) and he likes his a lot as well. Very comfortable and look like they'd last for a long time. You might be able to find some on 20% off, but they are usually $200 boots so they might be a bit on the high end.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 23, 2016 21:59:46 GMT -8
The biggest problem I've always had when buying cross country ski boots, regardless of the brand, is getting the proper fit. They may feel great in the store or at home even after hours of wearing them around the house. However, the unique up and down movement of the heel when skiing tends to cause me heel blisters regardless of well I originally thought they fit. It seems I still have to mole skin and tape my heels on every ski trip to prevent blisters. I haven't figured out how to circumvent this problem with new boots as of yet.
Suggestions?
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talus
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Post by talus on Dec 25, 2016 11:57:08 GMT -8
Nevermind!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2016 12:14:54 GMT -8
The biggest problem I've always had when buying cross country ski boots, regardless of the brand, is getting the proper fit. They may feel great in the store or at home even after hours of wearing them around the house. However, the unique up and down movement of the heel when skiing tends to cause me heel blisters regardless of well I originally thought they fit. It seems I still have to mole skin and tape my heels on every ski trip to prevent blisters. I haven't figured out how to circumvent this problem with new boots as of yet. Suggestions? Have you tried Solomon boots? To me it seems their heel is the narrowest. Another option might be heat mold-able footbeds. Usually the inserts take up volume and with the heat molding it may create more of a heel cup. Another thought, if your shoe has laces maybe use an alternative backpacking type lacing technique where you can maintain proper tension on the foot without being too tight but really lock it down around the ankle. I was going to replace my recreational/inexpensive Fischer boots this season and go with one of the newer Salomons. Haven't pulled the trigger yet. I may hold off and just get a new BC set up next year. If I do that I'll get some Rossingal BC65's or BC70's. That way I can still ski in the tracks but will have a more stable platform for out of track exploring. |
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talus
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Post by talus on Jan 7, 2017 10:56:22 GMT -8
I ended up getting a pair of edged BC skis (Alpina Discovery 68's) a pair of Alpina Crossfield BC boots and some auto BC NNN bindings. I got the whole mess for about $350.00 including getting the bindings mounted. I'll get to try them on groomed trail and deep powder tomorrow near Erie. I may upgrade the boots next year, but couldn't find any that I wanted that were NNN, so I bought a whole new kit.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 7, 2017 10:58:50 GMT -8
I've been wanting to upgrade my XC boots and skis for years, but we just don't get enough skiable days to justify it.  |
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talus
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Post by talus on Jan 7, 2017 12:56:28 GMT -8
I've been wanting to upgrade my XC boots and skis for years, but we just don't get enough skiable days to justify it.  I've been wanting to upgrade my XC boots and skis for years, but we just don't get enough skiable days to justify it. That's why I went cheap. I only got out 3 times last year, but many times the 2 prior years. 3 already this year, so hoping for the best... |
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Post by johntpenca on Jan 8, 2017 12:11:57 GMT -8
no experience with NNN bindings/boots, so can't comment. For what I do b/c in the sierra, full metal edge skis and 3 pins do the job fine. Agree with Jer, the boots gotta fit well, even more so than hiking boots. You won't know until they are broken in (around 100 miles).
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 8, 2017 13:05:53 GMT -8
The NNN bindings are a lot easier to engage correctly than a 3-pin binding, they pivot nicely, and they're easier to disengage, too. However, my own skis have 3-pin bindings and I've had them over 40 years, so they work well enough.
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Post by hikerjer on Jan 8, 2017 17:12:56 GMT -8
You won't know until they are broken in (around 100 miles). And that's the rub. You just don't know how well they will do for you until you've used them for quite a while. |
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