Which ski boots to get for freestyle? Full tilts?

D

dskid1234

Member
So I got into freestyle skiing last year and I'm sick of using shitty rental boots. I want a lighter and narrow ski boot, so I decided on full tilts. I'm not really sure on what boots to get though. I'm thinking either the classic or the drop kicks. I don't know how they both compare to each other. Is the only difference between the two the liners? I've also heard that the classics have durability issues with the straps? If anyone has experience with these boots or full tilts in general, your help would be greatly appreciated. No, this isn't a troll and I'm not really sure why everyone hates on full tilt. I just want a really light, and non-bulky ski boot for freestyle skiing. But I am opened to other brands aside from full tilt, if you guys can recommend some other boots. And don't give me the "get whatever boot feels good on your foot" crap. I'll obviously try on the boot before I buy it, but I just want to see what you guys love to ride in.

**This thread was edited on Oct 27th 2017 at 1:39:32am
 
I'd appreciate it if I can get actual help on what to do. If you're just gonna be an asshole and say I'm trolling, then don't respond.
 
The answer to what boots is consistent as anything on this site. Go to a bootfitter, buy a boot that fits your foot and your needs.

If you want the full tilts really bad go ahead and buy them. Please don't post threads about your ill-fitting boots in the future.
 
Besides the liner difference, Classics have the rigid boot board and the Drop Kicks have the shock absorbing boot board. You can ride "freestyle" in pretty much any boot, it doesn't have to be a Full Tilt. Lange's fit my feet best and have lots of adjust ability so that is what I wear currently in RX130s. Have you worn a Full Tilt boot before? Do you know they fit your feet well?

**This post was edited on Oct 27th 2017 at 1:25:40pm
 
13849245:Skora89 said:
Besides the liner difference, Classics have the rigid boot board and the Drop Kicks have the shock absorbing boot board. You can ride "freestyle" in pretty much any boot, it doesn't have to be a Full Tilt. Lange's fit my feet best and have lots of adjust ability so that is what I wear currently in RX130s. Have you worn a Full Tilt boot before? Do you know they fit your feet well?

**This post was edited on Oct 27th 2017 at 1:25:40pm
Click to expand...

I haven't tried on full tilt boots before. I'm not sure if my local ski shop carries them, but I'm sure they can order them so I can have em fitted and try em on. They do carry dalbello boots though. I've heard good things about them, so I might stop by soon and try a pair of those on.
 
Nice! Yeah the Dalbellos are a similar boot design so you can at least get a feel for them. Good luck with the new boots, should be a lot better than rentals!
 
13849258:Skora89 said:
Nice! Yeah the Dalbellos are a similar boot design so you can at least get a feel for them. Good luck with the new boots, should be a lot better than rentals!
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot man
 
The boot chooses the skier, Mr. dskid1234. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied bootlore.
 
13849277:shitty said:
The boot chooses the skier, Mr. dskid1234. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied bootlore.
Click to expand...

I'm hoping when I go in to try on some pairs at my local ski shop, one will stick out.
 
13849240:mystery3 said:
The answer to what boots is consistent as anything on this site. Go to a bootfitter, buy a boot that fits your foot and your needs.

If you want the full tilts really bad go ahead and buy them. Please don't post threads about your ill-fitting boots in the future.
Click to expand...

13849277:shitty said:
The boot chooses the skier, Mr. dskid1234. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied bootlore.
Click to expand...

The best freestyle boot is the one that fits your foot, leg shape, and has a flex that is appropriate for your body weight, ankle flexibility, and strength. Do all of those things correctly and you will have a winner. If you listen to what works for other people, that will only confuse you. They don't have your foot shape, leg shape, body weight, ankle flexibility or strength so don't listen to what works for THEM. You need to find out what works for YOU, and this is where your boot-fitter will come into play. Listen to his/her recommendations, get a proper footbed (your new boot will be a waste of hard-earned money without this), and enjoy the season in comfort.
 
13849414:onenerdykid said:
The best freestyle boot is the one that fits your foot, leg shape, and has a flex that is appropriate for your body weight, ankle flexibility, and strength. Do all of those things correctly and you will have a winner. If you listen to what works for other people, that will only confuse you. They don't have your foot shape, leg shape, body weight, ankle flexibility or strength so don't listen to what works for THEM. You need to find out what works for YOU, and this is where your boot-fitter will come into play. Listen to his/her recommendations, get a proper footbed (your new boot will be a waste of hard-earned money without this), and enjoy the season in comfort.
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks for the advice man.
 
Agree with others that you need to talk with a boot fitter to get the proper fitting boot in the right size. Full Tilts are nice and light as are the Atomic Hawk Ultra series which have a range of flexes and their shell and liners can be molded to your feet for a great fit.

Go with an open mind to a fitter and they should give you a bunch of boots that may work best with your feet. A lot of times it's boots you might not have considered initially that work the best for you.
 
13849491:Greg_K said:
Agree with others that you need to talk with a boot fitter to get the proper fitting boot in the right size. Full Tilts are nice and light as are the Atomic Hawk Ultra series which have a range of flexes and their shell and liners can be molded to your feet for a great fit.

Go with an open mind to a fitter and they should give you a bunch of boots that may work best with your feet. A lot of times it's boots you might not have considered initially that work the best for you.
Click to expand...

Do most ski stores have a boot fitter? My dad and brother bought boots from my local shop and they said that the guy working there just took some boots out and asked if they felt good when they tried them on. I'm pretty sure that's all the guy did. I'll have to find out when I stop by tomorrow.
 
Not every place has certified boot fitters but even a decent sales person should be measuring your foot length/width, looking at your foot/leg shape and then going from there to recommend boots that may fit your foot.

RUN from any place that doesn’t at least measure/inspect your foot and ask you lots of questions about previous boots/ability etc before they start grabbing boots for you to try.
 
13849519:Greg_K said:
Not every place has certified boot fitters but even a decent sales person should be measuring your foot length/width, looking at your foot/leg shape and then going from there to recommend boots that may fit your foot.

RUN from any place that doesn’t at least measure/inspect your foot and ask you lots of questions about previous boots/ability etc before they start grabbing boots for you to try.
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks for the advice.
 
Whatever boots fit your feet. Full tilts all though very popular only fit certain feel. Skinny slim feet low instep. They do make a wider pair but. You really need to go to a shop and have a bootfitter look at your feet and try a few different pairs on. They all fit differently and it's extremely important to have the correct fit. A good boot fitter is hard to find. Feel free to PM me with any questions I've been boot fitting for 4 years. Fulltilts are a great boot if you fit into it though. Very light, easy to get on and off, excellent liner. They kill it for freestyle design. But the best boot is the one that fit you correctly. You will be much happier and happiness = good skiing! Peace yall

topic:dskid1234 said:
So I got into freestyle skiing last year and I'm sick of using shitty rental boots. I want a lighter and narrow ski boot, so I decided on full tilts. I'm not really sure on what boots to get though. I'm thinking either the classic or the drop kicks. I don't know how they both compare to each other. Is the only difference between the two the liners? I've also heard that the classics have durability issues with the straps? If anyone has experience with these boots or full tilts in general, your help would be greatly appreciated. No, this isn't a troll and I'm not really sure why everyone hates on full tilt. I just want a really light, and non-bulky ski boot for freestyle skiing. But I am opened to other brands aside from full tilt, if you guys can recommend some other boots. And don't give me the "get whatever boot feels good on your foot" crap. I'll obviously try on the boot before I buy it, but I just want to see what you guys love to ride in.

**This thread was edited on Oct 27th 2017 at 1:39:32am
Click to expand...
 
Went to the ski shop and they actually do have a boot fitter. I tried on a few brands and ended up getting a pair of 2016 dalbello panterra 100 boots. They're super comfy. Thanks for all the responses guys.
 
Sick bro! That's awesome your gonna do amazing things owning your own boots. When you've had the worst the best tastes a lot better. Stoked you found a good fit.

Next you should get some foot beds. When you have a ski on edge your arch collapses and elongates your foot. Flattening it out. This makes the boot feel to small. The point is to keep the foot in place and support it where it needs it. A custom footbed is a great idea if you have the cash. Otherwise a trim to fit is a great option. Also it will make the boot fit a bit tighter. Hope this helped

13849650:dskid1234 said:
Went to the ski shop and they actually do have a boot fitter. I tried on a few brands and ended up getting a pair of 2016 dalbello panterra 100 boots. They're super comfy. Thanks for all the responses guys.
Click to expand...

**This post was edited on Oct 29th 2017 at 7:29:28pm
 
13849766:dh1028 said:
Sick bro! That's awesome your gonna do amazing things owning your own boots. When you've had the worst the best tastes a lot better. Stoked you found a good fit.

Next you should get some foot beds. When you have a ski on edge your arch collapses and elongates your foot. Flattening it out. This makes the boot feel to small. The point is to keep the foot in place and support it where it needs it. A custom footbed is a great idea if you have the cash. Otherwise a trim to fit is a great option. Also it will make the boot fit a bit tighter. Hope this helped

**This post was edited on Oct 29th 2017 at 7:29:28pm
Click to expand...

I think the boot fitter mentioned a trim to fit after I take the boot out skiing a few times. I'll have to check out foot beds though. I just can't wait for this upcoming ski season. Cheers man!
 
13849282:dskid1234 said:
I'm hoping when I go in to try on some pairs at my local ski shop, one will stick out.
Click to expand...

Yo bro my rentals are some nice 4 buckle Dalbello boots they seem to always do the job for me!
 
Id say look for a boot with a 3 piece shell (usually full tilts). I struggled with finding boots as i have wide feet and a high instep. Dropkicks would work if you have this issue. Otherwise I think dropkicks should be fine
 
Go with the classics. It's been the best boot on the market since they started Raichle started making it. And the drop kicks are wider than the classics.
 
13849992:iced said:
Id say look for a boot with a 3 piece shell (usually full tilts). I struggled with finding boots as i have wide feet and a high instep. Dropkicks would work if you have this issue. Otherwise I think dropkicks should be fine
Click to expand...

13850095:Lyricsylvan said:
Go with the classics. It's been the best boot on the market since they started Raichle started making it. And the drop kicks are wider than the classics.
Click to expand...

Did either of you actually take the time to...um...I don't know...uh...read the thread?
 
I have the 2017 drop kicks (the teal green ones) and they are soo damn nice. I've tried the classics and they feel the exact same just a little stiffer and less comfortable on your arches due to the rigged board. So honestly I'd say go with the drop kicks just because i've skied a full season on them and they were amazing. I used to ski on salomon spk's and they were super good too and just as light but they felt super bulky. So answer: Drop kicks.
 
13851967:harrista1 said:
I have the 2017 drop kicks (the teal green ones) and they are soo damn nice. I've tried the classics and they feel the exact same just a little stiffer and less comfortable on your arches due to the rigged board. So honestly I'd say go with the drop kicks just because i've skied a full season on them and they were amazing. I used to ski on salomon spk's and they were super good too and just as light but they felt super bulky. So answer: Drop kicks.
Click to expand...

I ended up ordering a pair of Dalbello panterra 100's. I tried them on and they were really comfortable, but I'm still a little hesitant. I've read online that they are a heavier boot and better for freeride/pow. The manager that helped me try on a few pairs said that he hated full tilts because every single pair he had, the liner would move up and down when he skied. It just sucks because they don't carry full tilts, so I wouldn't be able to try on a pair to see for myself. Maybe another ski shop near me has full tilts, but I doubt it. Unless I just take the chance of ordering them online in the same size that I am in dalbellos.
 
Drop kick is probably the best you could get if you want a narrow and light boot. It's not as durable as some of the more heavy duty models but they still lasts a long time
 
Do most of you guys actually go to a boot fitter and buy boots in person? Or do some of you just risk it if your store doesn't carry a brand, and buy a boot online? I'd like to try on a pair of full tilts, but I feel like I'm kinda screwed since the ski shop near me doesn't carry them. Unless I just buy a pair online to see if they feel good, and then return them if they don't?
 
That's a perfectly fine option in my mind if you can be objective on the fit. Don't deceive yourself into thinking they fit well because you like the look our cool factor.

Perhaps take them to your bootfitter that doesn't carry them and get some objective analysis from them? They should understand your purchasing the boots elsewhere. I'd expect to pay for a consultation and of course whatever the shop rate is to work on them thereafter.
 
I've never been to a boot fitter and i've always been pretty happy with my boots. The only reason my spk's didn't work was because they were a size too big and so I had to grow into them for a year, but after that they were good. The only thing you really need to worry about though is your foot size and width, other than that it's just nip picky differences between boots. And make sure to get a boot to your TRUE foot size. If you wear size 8 shoes look for size 26.5's and narrow your search to that. A good fitted $150 boot will feel so much better and will perform better than a $600 boot that's the wrong size.
 
13853622:harrista1 said:
I've never been to a boot fitter and i've always been pretty happy with my boots. The only reason my spk's didn't work was because they were a size too big and so I had to grow into them for a year, but after that they were good. The only thing you really need to worry about though is your foot size and width, other than that it's just nip picky differences between boots. And make sure to get a boot to your TRUE foot size. If you wear size 8 shoes look for size 26.5's and narrow your search to that. A good fitted $150 boot will feel so much better and will perform better than a $600 boot that's the wrong size.
Click to expand...

This is horrible advice. There are massive differences in fit between different boots of the same size from different brands, and even within the same brand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top