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Tecnica boot changes - Sole lengths vs sizing

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susteve
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
Hey everyone - Thanks for looking and taking time...

I'm in the market for new boots and Tecnicas have always been my foot's choice. However, from what I am seeing, they seem to have dropped the sole sizes vs foot sizing.
For example, my Explosion 8s (yeah - I'm still in Ex-8s...) are 26.5 - 8 1/2 - and a 312mm sole length.
My food measures dead on 26.5 cm (no sock) and the Ex-8s are snug on and have to be loosened after a few hours for a "breather".
Current Tecnica models seem to have the 26.5 shell at around 304mm. The 312 of the Ex-8 leaves about 5/8 inch of heel clearance with the liner out.
There is not a Tecnica dealer close by or I would just go there...
I'm afraid the shorter soles in current models would be too short as other boots of similar sizes I have tried leave very little for the liner.
The 27 sizes in Tecnica seem to have the lengths at around 314mm. I'm older now, too...(50)  so my feet may have... changed a little - but still measure heel to toe at 26.5

Did Tecnica modify the sole / shell lengths for the newer boots? It seems the binding tabs of the Ex-8s may protrude a little more than some of the modern sizes. I'm trying to pin down some details before I hit a shop slopeside so I dont kill too much of a day "shopping".

Thanks to everyone for their time.
Dec 22 2011 12:51PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
The boot you are in currently is nothing like what they offer currently. Honestly, you should ignore the brand now a days since each brand has 7 or 8 different foot shapes (models of boots) from mega narrow to mega wide and everything in between. Back when you bought your boots, each brand pretty much had "their own" fit, so it would have made sense to stick with Tecnica. Now, you really need to spend the time and get fitted for which of the 7 lasts works best for your foot shape. Might be Tecnica, might be Atomic, might be Head, etc etc.

Every brand makes a great product, it just comes down to which one best matches your foot shape.
Dec 22 2011 10:14PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24703 - Karma: 29,680
For the most part, amen.

Some aspects of many brands are still carried over into newer boots, or at least somewhat retooled.

For example, a 98 last in boot A might be a whole centimetre further back on the foot when compared to boot B. I have stuck my foot in, and fitted many people for boots where, the 98mm last somehow fit better than the 101mm last. I have seen this on occasion with technica and my foot, actually.

example: I try on something like an Agent 130... and compare it to a Dalbello Krypton Pro. Both high-end freeride 98 last boots. The widest parts of the last seem to be on two different extremes of where they should be on my foot - with the Krypton Pro being too far back, if i'm not mistaken, and the Agent 130 being too far forward (I could have those mixed up, but i'm pretty sure i'm right). With something like the Nordica Enforcer, however, the last fits perfectly over my toebox, right off the shelf without needing to tweak it in any way. The last just fits right...

Furthermore, many different boots have slightly different angles of instep shapes. Technicas are notoriously too deep or shallow for me - either giving my foot too much vent space or downright crushing my arch, Salomons are almost always too shallow, whereas Nordicas seem to be damn near perfectly snug without inducing any significant pressure, and Dalbello/Fulltilt seem to be a very close second.

I am in the Dalbello Krypton Pro, and the Nordica Hot Rod 130. They both fit and work fantastically after slight tweaks in each, as well as "Bode Punches" in each.

Dec 23 2011 8:25AM
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susteve
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
Both good and informative responses with good advice...  But...  Not what I asked.

Are current boot models (specifically Tecnica) shorter in "sole length" for the same sizes as, say, previous models (Explosion series, TNT, etc...)  ?

The example, again: Explosion 8 in 26.5 / 8.5 US is a 312mm. Diablo, Dragon, etc seem to be 26.5, 8.5 US at around 304mm.

"See a boot fitter" is great advice and all that, but I'm after information as a starting point. Did the boot makers modify sizing or simply reduce the sole lengths vs basic shell interior space?

I know about "lasts" and widths and "shell fit" and variety in manufacture and "take the time with a boot fitter"...

It is just a question

Thanx
Dec 24 2011 11:20AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
A standard 26/26.5 shell uses a 305mm BSL with a 287mm internal last length. The boot you have is now closer to a 27/27.5 shell which uses a 315mm BSL with a 287mm internal last length.

So, to specifically address your question, yes the manufacturers have completely changed their lasts since your Explosion was on the market.
Dec 24 2011 11:29AM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
^whoops 315mm = 297mm last length
Dec 24 2011 11:32AM
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susteve
Posts: 4 - Karma: 10
Thanks!!! Now I have a "research" starting point to have some info before stepping into the shop(s). Possible models / sizes combined with flex and other factors to "fit" the list so I can narrow down my time (and the fitter).

Thanks - and Happy Turns!
Dec 24 2011 12:36PM
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Heikkii
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10

Was searching the net about new boots and found this thread; almost a year old now. I was wondering what you did? Did you purchase new boots? And if so what kind? I'm currently on a pair of Tenica Explosion 8's the same size you were talking about. They are getting pretty beat and I'm looking to pick something newer up.

I'm 55, 185 lbs., 5'9" and ski the bumps quite well I must say, espicially for my age. I live in Northern Lower Michigan and ski here often ( about 500'). I make it out west once or twice a season. If either of you gents view this, I would certainly appreciate any advice to point me in any direction.

Nov 16 2012 9:56PM
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