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TOURING BOOTS???

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s.conway
Posts: 975 - Karma: 622
so this coming season im going to be doing a fair amount of utah bc touring, and was wondering if specific "touring boots" really make a difference. im contemplating buying some, but unless it makes a huge difference i think ill just tour in my normal bc boots. thoughts? pros/cons to using/not using touring boots? recommendations for good yet cheap touring boots?
May 26 2013 12:59AM
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NinetyFour
Posts: 8650 - Karma: 13,409
Like boots with a walk mode? Or boots with tech inserts?
May 26 2013 1:18AM
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Pichi
Posts: 62 - Karma: 185
Touring boots are normally a lot lighter than alpine boots, and they offer the same flex range as those kind of boots (except for the lange race plugs, those things are STIFF).
They also have Walking mode, which makes the strides easier and allows the cuff to move forth and back for a looser movement of the ankle.

Thats all I can think of.

I was almost sure of buying the Dynafit Vulcan, but ended up with the more traditional Garmont Radiums, cause I got them for CHEAP!
May 26 2013 2:13AM
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s.conway
Posts: 975 - Karma: 622
walking mode
May 26 2013 2:39AM
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VD.
Posts: 4054 - Karma: 4,564
It really depends in the boot, some boots claimed 'walk mode' really isn't much. To be honest if you're not wanting a tech boot, you could probably stay with your existing boot, a good fitting boot will be fine versus an alpine boot with a walk mode. If you are however going to be doing longer tours, and you're going with lighter gear, even with lighter frame bindings eg. F12 or Fritschi I'd say go for a proper AT boot.
May 26 2013 6:24AM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7099 - Karma: 17,043
Honestly it depends how your boots fit now. In well fitted boot your toes should hit the end when you stand up tall, which will make them extremely uncomfy to walk in for a extended period. Touring boots usually allow for a little extra room round the toes or they are fitted bigger.

So if your boots fit correctly maybe look for some others, if they are big you may be on
May 26 2013 6:39AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
They're a luxury, not a necessity, so it's your call if the spend is worth it. I've never had a walk and I've just dealt with it, but friends say I have a weird skinning stride as a result. I'd much rather have a good fitting alpine boot than a poorly fitting touring boot anyway.

That said, Vulcans are at the top of my gear list for next winter.
May 26 2013 10:59AM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
Try a tour in your old boots, if your big toenails turn black and fall off, consider an AT boot. Punch spots that give you blisters otherwise, unless you have money to burn.
May 26 2013 3:49PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
An important question to ask is what kind of binding will you be using?

Dedicated touring boots will use a toe and heel shape that is officially not compatible with the Alpine Norm and will therefore require a binding that can accommodate the geometry difference. This different toe and heel shape offers easier walking and more traction but at the sacrifice of an "as safe-as-alpine" release.

If you are using a strictly Alpine Norm binding (non-adjustable toe height), then you have to look for boots that are Alpine Norm (or at least have swappable norm soles). If your binding has an adjustable toe height, then it can accommodate Touring Norm boot soles but they might not release properly and some shops might refuse to mount them.

And obviously, if you plan on using a Dynafit-style binding you will need a boot that has tech inserts in the toe and heel.
May 27 2013 7:21AM
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s.conway
Posts: 975 - Karma: 622
I will be using Marker Dukes
May 27 2013 2:50PM
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6638 - Karma: 10,532
I would look into boots that have a walk mode and swappable norm soles such as the Atomic Waymaker Carbon series, Salomon Quest Max series, Dynafit Titan, Black Diamond Factor, Tecnica Cochise series, etc. These boots will offer you far more mobility when hiking and touring and also completely work with the binding you have. Just choose the proper fitting series.
May 28 2013 5:26AM
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FrankerZ
Posts: 223 - Karma: 1,129
My boots have a walk mode but it doesn't really make a diffrence
Jun 2 2013 5:35AM
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Avifarer
Posts: 5926 - Karma: 598
i havent tried the new atomic or the cochise but i have tried the new k2 boot and it was pretty amazing. the range of motion is crazy. the quest series walk mode doesnt really do shit, but i would say the k2 range is closer to a dynafit than a quest boot. the powerstrap/buckle on the 130 is money.
Jun 2 2013 4:52PM
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rozboon
Posts: 1642 - Karma: 868
The new Dynafit walk mode (when you pull the tongue out) is crazy. The range of motion is insane. Pricey boot though and I don't think they're compatible with most Alpine bindings.
Jun 3 2013 6:20AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Yes, if you're going to be touring I would look into it. The performance gap is closing fast, and most skiers don't really need a 130 flex boot anyways.

Also... THE ONE THAT FITS YOU is ALWAYSALWAYSALWAYS the right boot, not just the one that looks cool, is the hot boot this season or has the most range of motion. If you're using Dukes that gives you plenty of options, so go out and try a bunch on. If you have really wide feet or a pronounced morten's toe, Dalbello may be a good look, etc. Only your feet can tell you what boot is best though.
Jun 3 2013 10:54AM
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