ZipFit liners

[tominiemenmaa]

Just ordered a pair of Gara LV's to go with my FT Dropkick Pro shells.

I've had my share of foot/boot oriented problems in skiing, to a point where I had to have 2 weeks break after every full day of park skiing in 2018-2019 season. This is fortunately history already and I've been able to use the Intuition wrap liners for almost a full season. This is a big deal for me as it most likely was the starter of long series of strain injuries, mostly on my then very weak peroneal (=outer shin) muscles (which was most likely caused by septal bulge a few years earlier) where the wrap style liners tend to make pressure points.

I really enjoyed the Dropkick Pro with the stock liner from mid-february to may. The upcoming season starts for me next monday and of course I checked the fit of my boots. I was surprised how different the feel was from when the boots were new, and was left wondering if there was a solution to the issue. It wasn't bad by any means, but it hasn't been superior at any point. Like good, but way from optimal. Always thought that this was normal for most people but still the thought of the ultimate fit has haunted me since day one of my skiing a few years back.

A day after that NS dropped the ZipFit liner review and I was like BANG! How I hadn't found these before? This is like tailor made just for me. I'm so sold to the idea behind it, especially in comparison to EVA foam liners.

For those not knowing what the fuzz of these god tier / end-game 400+€ liners is all about;

https://www.zipfit.com/

Cal Carson (& Giray Dadali) use these as well.

What are your thoughts/experiences about these? Can't wait to try mine in mid november when I get another week of skiing in.

**This thread was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 6:30:29am

 

[Phatboy64]

I am a long time Intuition liner user and started looking at the Zipfit liners this summer as well. I was most interested in the Corsa but not a lot of good feedback out there on that liner. I am still considering getting a pair.

I have read good things about the Gara and look forward to hearing how they work out for you.

The thing that has put me on the fence is reports that the liner bunches up at the throat of the boot make it difficult to buckle. This is on an overlap boot, doesn’t seem like it would be an issue on a three piece boot like the FT.

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 6:56:20am

Spelling

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 6:58:19am

 

[tominiemenmaa]

I'm having a hard time believing this would be an issue in FT's as the Intuitions are far from slim, especially the wrap ones. And the Gara doesn't look bulky at all to me.

Will definitely post my experience once they arrive.

I am a long time Intuition liner user and started looking at the Zipfit liners this summer as well. I was most interested Corsa but not a lot of good feedback out there on that liner. I am still considering getting a pair.

I have read good things about the Gara and look forward to hearing how they work out for you.

The thing that has put me on the fence is reports that the liner bunches up at the throat of the boot make it difficult to buckle. This is on an overlap boot, doesn’t seem like it would be an issue on a three piece boot like the FT.

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 6:56:20am

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 7:00:08am

 

[Phatboy64]

I'm having a hard time believing this would be an issue in FT's as the Intuitions are far from slim, especially the wrap ones. And the Gara doesn't look bulky at all to me.

Will definitely post my experience once they arrive.

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 7:00:08am

Yeah they aren’t bulky but what I have read is that where it all comes together at the front of the boot where your ankle bends there is a lot of material that can cause difficulty getting the boot closed. Keep in mind I am talking about low volume overlap boots. Also these liners are meant to be put on your foot and then put in the shell.

Like I mentioned it doesn’t seem like it would be an issue with three piece boots like the FT.

**This post was edited on Oct 16th 2021 at 7:29:45am

 

[animator]

I had super gnarly peroneal tendon pain until I started using a good footbed in my boots so I feel you dude. Let me know how you like the Gara, I’m thinking of copping one myself as well.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Yeah, it's unimaginable how fucking hard it can hurt. People who haven't experienced it, have 0.0% chance of understanding, no matter how you try to describe it.

I had custom orthorics, but they were made too aggressive for my foot and that was a bit hard to believe for a long time, that the orthopedic manual therapy specialist had made a mistake. And the wrap liner multiplied the problem.

For the last two years I've had custom footbeds (Bootdoc FF S9S9) which were fitted by a boot fitter. Zero problems with them, other than the not-god-tier heel hold and fit, and the Dropkick Pro's he sold to me.

I had super gnarly peroneal tendon pain until I started using a good footbed in my boots so I feel you dude. Let me know how you like the Gara, I’m thinking of copping one myself as well.

 

[TheWeaz]

The Gara seems to be the most popular liner, although a freeride may be better suited for park skiing with the relief cut outs in the back they won’t be as harsh when you mess up and land back seat.

Also I wrote the zipfit review for NS, let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

The Freeride would have been my choice after reading all the liner descriptions as well, but the guy responding to the find my fit -form was certain that the Gara LV (used to be the Gara Stealth) would be the best fit for my feet, boots, & use case. Wanting to make sure I don't throw 450 euros to waste, I sent him a 3D scan raport of my feet and still he recommended the Gara LV for me.

Did NS reach out to ZipFit for the review (which I liked a lot!) or the other way around? Why they want to expand to the freestyle world now and not like 5, 10, or 15 years ago? The idea is very old, how come the so called flow liners died out and only came back recently? Or did they die out? The idea behind it is just genious. So simple, yet so effective.

The Gara seems to be the most popular liner, although a freeride may be better suited for park skiing with the relief cut outs in the back they won’t be as harsh when you mess up and land back seat.

Also I wrote the zipfit review for NS, let me know if you have any specific questions.

**This post was edited on Oct 17th 2021 at 10:19:28pm

 

[TheWeaz]

Zipfits been around for years and years, but were pretty much only known in the race world or by expert boot fitters. Seems like they got some younger freeride skiing staff and have started to push into the free skiing world recently.

I actually reached out to them at the same time they were talking to someone else at newschoolers, I was initially just reaching out for advice on which liner to buy because I wanted to try them and have had horrible luck with boots and other aftermarket liners and its hard to pick which model based just off the website. They also put me in the gara stealth which is now the gara LV, based on what I told them I skied and what boots they would be going in. I’ve never skied the other models so can’t comment on them other than by reading the descriptions just like everyone else.

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

Great conversation and I can totally see the thought that the "Freeride" is better positioned for freestyle skiing. I'll try to respond to a couple different comments above.

Tomi, the Freeride liner is just higher volume than the Gara LV and with your foot complications and the Dropkick shell, I think the Gara LV liner will be the better fit with the addition of some cork composite around the ankles.

The comments above regarding the bunching over the instep and the liners being too much volume for some boots is the main reason we really try to learn as much about your shell, foot, and skiing type. It is always easy for us to recommend a slightly lower volume liner fit to ensure that it fits within the shell (this is true for both 3 piece shells and 2 piece shells) as it is really simple to bump the ladders on buckles and wrap the shell a little tighter around the liner.

The Freeride liner has a fluted cuff that is great for skiers looking for a softer boot feel and skiers with larger lower calves. The Gara has a more traditional cuff that provides a forward position. It all comes down to volume though and the Gara LV is the volume liner that is compatible with the most skiers.

We offer exchanges and refunds if the liners don't work for your foot/shell combination. We encourage all of our skiers to get out in the liners for 5 days prior to adding more cork or deciding they are not a fit, as the cork really works itself into place between days 3-5.

ZipFit has been around since the late 80s when Sven started working on developing better inner boots. Last fall in October 2020, Sven and his wife Mary asked their grandson Chris to take the lead on the company. We have three employees, Thomas in Italy, and Chris and me in Carbondale/Aspen Colorado. We actually feel that we were adopted by the freeski audience when a number of pros reached out last year to tell us they already skied in ZipFits and were interesting in supporting our efforts. As our brand director and marketing guy, I see the freeski community as the most inspiring and fun to work with.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and questions and let us know if you have any others.

Jeff

Jeff@zipfit.com

 

[tominiemenmaa]

You have so much to win in the freeski world!

Now I'm wondering & pondering between the Gara LV & the Freeride. Can I order the Freeride as well and only keep the pair I find more suitable for my skiing? It would kinda suck to try the other model, return it and wait a month for the return to arrive to you and you to deliver another pair to arrive to me. And all this hassle could end in a situation where I liked the first pair more and have to wait another month to get to ski the liner I'm dreaming of

Great conversation and I can totally see the thought that the "Freeride" is better positioned for freestyle skiing. I'll try to respond to a couple different comments above.

Tomi, the Freeride liner is just higher volume than the Gara LV and with your foot complications and the Dropkick shell, I think the Gara LV liner will be the better fit with the addition of some cork composite around the ankles.

The comments above regarding the bunching over the instep and the liners being too much volume for some boots is the main reason we really try to learn as much about your shell, foot, and skiing type. It is always easy for us to recommend a slightly lower volume liner fit to ensure that it fits within the shell (this is true for both 3 piece shells and 2 piece shells) as it is really simple to bump the ladders on buckles and wrap the shell a little tighter around the liner.

The Freeride liner has a fluted cuff that is great for skiers looking for a softer boot feel and skiers with larger lower calves. The Gara has a more traditional cuff that provides a forward position. It all comes down to volume though and the Gara LV is the volume liner that is compatible with the most skiers.

We offer exchanges and refunds if the liners don't work for your foot/shell combination. We encourage all of our skiers to get out in the liners for 5 days prior to adding more cork or deciding they are not a fit, as the cork really works itself into place between days 3-5.

ZipFit has been around since the late 80s when Sven started working on developing better inner boots. Last fall in October 2020, Sven and his wife Mary asked their grandson Chris to take the lead on the company. We have three employees, Thomas in Italy, and Chris and me in Carbondale/Aspen Colorado. We actually feel that we were adopted by the freeski audience when a number of pros reached out last year to tell us they already skied in ZipFits and were interesting in supporting our efforts. As our brand director and marketing guy, I see the freeski community as the most inspiring and fun to work with.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and questions and let us know if you have any others.

Jeff

Jeff@zipfit.com

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

Of course. Just follow up with Thomas and me in that email thread.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

?

Of course. Just follow up with Thomas and me in that email thread.

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

Any other questions out there?

 

[Jared.rider]

If you are thinking about buying the zipfit gara liners for park skiing, I would definitely tell you to pull the trigger. I purchased them this summer before a trip to BigSnow and they worked really well in my full tilt B&E boots.

They felt much more responsive than the stock intuition liners, and my feet weren't going numb due to tightness. Also, idk if it was just my skiing but my back 270s felt more whippy, but that's probably due to the fact that I was using packed out liners previously.

I also tried to see if I would get shin bang with them since I was uneasy about the liners not being a wrap liner. They performed great and I didn't experience shin bang with them... granted I was skiing indoors with a pretty small park jump to to test these, but I didn't have any shin pain while using them. Previously I would get shin pain after landing off a rail that was high off the ground, so this was huge for me.

I ended up going with the hv(high volume) model and they are a tad too big for the boots in the middle/ankle buckle area, but after a few days they became much more comfortable. Once everything was all buckled up the liner compressed in that spot and would naturally wrap so it was not an issue. Overall, they made my skiing experience more enjoyable and I'm happy with my purchase. I honestly might've been better off with the LV version, but I bought the HV since the B&Es are 102 and considered a high volume shell. I haven't seen anyone on newschoolers speak on the HV version so I thought I might as well let yall know what I think of them. Also, if you're wondering if the big red piece in the front of the liner is uncomfortable it's not. It fits inside the shell and you don't really feel it.

(I included pictures of what the liners look like in the boots incase anyone was wondering what I was talking about with them being a little too big or the red piece.)

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Thanks for the input! I actually swapped to Freerides over the Garas in the process. Really looking forward to skiing the ZipFits starting next weeks sunday. Hopefully they make it to me before that tho, some hassle going on in the delivery as the tracking shows "possible delay in delivery, not related to TNT" and the parcel's been scanned 5 times in the same spot in the last week...

Will definitely post my experience after unboxing & first day of riding these.

If you are thinking about buying the zipfit gara liners for park skiing, I would definitely tell you to pull the trigger. I purchased them this summer before a trip to BigSnow and they worked really well in my full tilt B&E boots.

They felt much more responsive than the stock intuition liners, and my feet weren't going numb due to tightness. Also, idk if it was just my skiing but my back 270s felt more whippy, but that's probably due to the fact that I was using packed out liners previously.

I also tried to see if I would get shin bang with them since I was uneasy about the liners not being a wrap liner. They performed great and I didn't experience shin bang with them... granted I was skiing indoors with a pretty small park jump to to test these, but I didn't have any shin pain while using them. Previously I would get shin pain after landing off a rail that was high off the ground, so this was huge for me.

I ended up going with the hv(high volume) model and they are a tad too big for the boots in the middle/ankle buckle area, but after a few days they became much more comfortable. Once everything was all buckled up the liner compressed in that spot and would naturally wrap so it was not an issue. Overall, they made my skiing experience more enjoyable and I'm happy with my purchase. I honestly might've been better off with the LV version, but I bought the HV since the B&Es are 102 and considered a high volume shell. I haven't seen anyone on newschoolers speak on the HV version so I thought I might as well let yall know what I think of them. Also, if you're wondering if the big red piece in the front of the liner is uncomfortable it's not. It fits inside the shell and you don't really feel it.

(I included pictures of what the liners look like in the boots incase anyone was wondering what I was talking about with them being a little too big or the red piece.)

View attachment 1015447

View attachment 1015448

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Did your boot stiffness/flex change compared to the Intuition liners? Did you have to change your buckle settings?

If you are thinking about buying the zipfit gara liners for park skiing, I would definitely tell you to pull the trigger. I purchased them this summer before a trip to BigSnow and they worked really well in my full tilt B&E boots.

They felt much more responsive than the stock intuition liners, and my feet weren't going numb due to tightness. Also, idk if it was just my skiing but my back 270s felt more whippy, but that's probably due to the fact that I was using packed out liners previously.

I also tried to see if I would get shin bang with them since I was uneasy about the liners not being a wrap liner. They performed great and I didn't experience shin bang with them... granted I was skiing indoors with a pretty small park jump to to test these, but I didn't have any shin pain while using them. Previously I would get shin pain after landing off a rail that was high off the ground, so this was huge for me.

I ended up going with the hv(high volume) model and they are a tad too big for the boots in the middle/ankle buckle area, but after a few days they became much more comfortable. Once everything was all buckled up the liner compressed in that spot and would naturally wrap so it was not an issue. Overall, they made my skiing experience more enjoyable and I'm happy with my purchase. I honestly might've been better off with the LV version, but I bought the HV since the B&Es are 102 and considered a high volume shell. I haven't seen anyone on newschoolers speak on the HV version so I thought I might as well let yall know what I think of them. Also, if you're wondering if the big red piece in the front of the liner is uncomfortable it's not. It fits inside the shell and you don't really feel it.

(I included pictures of what the liners look like in the boots incase anyone was wondering what I was talking about with them being a little too big or the red piece.)

View attachment 1015447

View attachment 1015448

 

[eheeth]

Any other questions out there?

What is the general vibe on buying used zipfits? obviously the cork will continuously mould over time, but is there any disadvantage to buying them for a quarter of the price?

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

I think vibes are good. Keep these products going, extend their lifespan, use less.

A couple considerations:

- cork composite kits cost $40 for a plunger and two tubes, easy to add more cork and dial in your fit.

- feel around the tongue and the ankle pockets and make sure the cork feels pliable and there aren't any incisions.

- warrantees only apply to original purchaser.

- make sure it's the right fit.

- we changed the design of the toebox about 10 years ago, this was the major update to add Thinsulate and merino wool.

Feel free to send us photos of the liners you find used, happy to provide insight or answer questions you might have.

What is the general vibe on buying used zipfits? obviously the cork will continuously mould over time, but is there any disadvantage to buying them for a quarter of the price?

 

[Jared.rider]

Did your boot stiffness/flex change compared to the Intuition liners? Did you have to change your buckle settings?

Yes, the boot felt more stiff after swapping the liners. The stiffness helped me hold butters longer and felt pretty nice. The boot wouldn't flex as much when I would land off a jump or rail and I feel like it gave the boot a more upright stance. I personally liked the more upright stance feel but I know some people would prefer more of a forward lean for their boots. I did have to move my buckles out farther to accommodate the larger liner.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

That's what I was expecting to happen. If the stiffness grows to an unwanted level, and you ride FT's, you can always switch in softer tongues.

Did you heat the boot or do any other kind of modification to help the liners mold faster, or just throw them in the shells and start using them?

This method looks easy and reasonable;

Yes, the boot felt more stiff after swapping the liners. The stiffness helped me hold butters longer and felt pretty nice. The boot wouldn't flex as much when I would land off a jump or rail and I feel like it gave the boot a more upright stance. I personally liked the more upright stance feel but I know some people would prefer more of a forward lean for their boots. I did have to move my buckles out farther to accommodate the larger liner.

 

[Jared.rider]

That's what I was expecting to happen. If the stiffness grows to an unwanted level, and you ride FT's, you can always switch in softer tongues.

Did you heat the boot or do any other kind of modification to help the liners mold faster, or just throw them in the shells and start using them?

This method looks easy and reasonable;

I just dropped them into the shells and started skiing. I will probably do the boil method for my shells before the season starts to see if it makes a difference.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Got them yesterday. First impressions;

The build and craftsmanship is on par with the price tag. They feel very sturdy and solid on my feet. Way different than any other liner I've ever worn. They kinda feel like a ski boot on their own.

Wore them yesterday for 45 minutes and had some minor to medium pressure points on the top of my feet & outer heels. Massaged the cork a bit around 30 minute mark and they started to feel better already.

Just had them on my feet for another 90 minutes. Most of the time way tighter than I presume I'm ever gonna ski them. The pressure points are still there but lesser than yesterday. Walked in them for 10 minutes as well, could even feel the cork stuff finding it's way to the right spots. The liners feel already very snug and responsive.

Can't wait to ski them next sunday! Hopefully the pressure points are gone by then. Will wear them in sauna today as well. The [tag=277647]@ZipFit_Liners[/tag] dude recommended me to do so

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

We typically find that after 4 days of skiing in the liners, the cork over the instep micro adjusts and that pressure you fee will alleviate.

Got them yesterday. First impressions;

The build and craftsmanship is on par with the price tag. They feel very sturdy and solid on my feet. Way different than any other liner I've ever worn. They kinda feel like a ski boot on their own.

Wore them yesterday for 45 minutes and had some minor to medium pressure points on the top of my feet & outer heels. Massaged the cork a bit around 30 minute mark and they started to feel better already.

Just had them on my feet for another 90 minutes. Most of the time way tighter than I presume I'm ever gonna ski them. The pressure points are still there but lesser than yesterday. Walked in them for 10 minutes as well, could even feel the cork stuff finding it's way to the right spots. The liners feel already very snug and responsive.

Can't wait to ski them next sunday! Hopefully the pressure points are gone by then. Will wear them in sauna today as well. The [tag=277647]@ZipFit_Liners[/tag] dude recommended me to do so

View attachment 1016192

View attachment 1016193

View attachment 1016194

 

[BradFiAusNzCoCa]

Damn I need some zipfits.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Admitting is the first step ?

Damn I need some zipfits.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Skied these for 2 hours yesterday and 3 hours today.

They're amazing. The heel hold is something I've never thought possible. There's so much wiggle room in the toe area that I caught myself thinking do I need a smaller shell (that ofc isn't the case but gives you a glimpse of the feeling).

What they don't do, is make you a better skier, but they do feel very responsive and sharp.

Well worth the money so far. Foam liners won't feel like this ever, and they only get worse day after day. These stay as awesome as they age, and even get better. Or at least everyone in the review section writes on the ZipFit page.

Will post again in a week as I get more days on them.

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

If anyone is skiing in some ZipFits and wants some stickers for their boots, happy to mail some to you. Just send me a message with your address.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

The fit of the Freerides is already amazing.

Still caught myself thinking, could it be better? I felt like there was some extra snugness to be achieved in the sides, in front of malleolus bones, and in the front of the ankle, middle part of the tongue. At this point I had 6 ski days on them in the park & slopes and a few hours at home on top of that.

Added a portion (a thumbs length / one portion marked on the plunger) to both of the tongues to where the instep & the ankle meet and massaged them in place. Walked around & waxed a few pairs of skis with my boots on.

Felt like there was still room enough for another portion per foot. Added the cork, walked around for a bit, and skied for 2 very active early season park hours in them. Started to feel like the lower ankle & instep are tucked real good in place.

Still thought the upper ankle / shin could fit tighter so added half a portion per side of the upper ankle area, both sides of both liners. Now the malleolus area is tucked so good there's like zero heel lift even without skis on my feet. Added the two portions left over from the two tubes I had to the velcro strap area of the tongues. Still might add some to this area at some point.

So now I'm skiing in a high volume liner, on a 1.25 finger fit, on a narrow shell, with two full tubes of added cork. I guess I really like a tight fit and/or have very, very skinny feet ?

Skied these yesterday and they felt even better than before. Gonna ski again tomorrow so probably will be coming back to post with even more hype. People skiing without these are missing out.

[tag=277647]@ZipFit_Liners[/tag] if you sent me a sticker I've lost it. I will probably order some more cork in a few weeks so please slip a sticker in when sending my order. Very happy to put the sticker on my boots and show some love.

 

[tominiemenmaa]

Status update after a year & 92 days of skiing park.

I've took the liners off the shells to let them dry after every use, and these also need to be put on first on your feet and step into shells with the liners on. Traditional foam liners would be completely packed & worn out at this point.

The Zipfits are almost as good as new. Simply amazing quality and worth of every penny invested.

Added Kintsuglue over the t-nuts in the shells & Gorilla tape to the spots where they meet the liner to prevent abrasive damage.

Used to ride flex 4 & occasionally 6 with foam liners a year back. Zipfits (& gym) have enabled me to use flex 12 tongues this season. Which give you fucking awesome touch & feel to your skis compared to anything else btw!

 

[Ghini]

I love ZipFit liners, great product.

 

[Whaddup]

ZipFit heads, I sold my Freerides and want the Garas, is the LV the same boot as the HV, just less cork? Cause I don't need it in the tongue just the heel pockets and am leaning towards the LV for that reason cause removing it is a pain in the ass

 

[ZipFit_Liners]

ZipFit heads, I sold my Freerides and want the Garas, is the LV the same boot as the HV, just less cork? Cause I don't need it in the tongue just the heel pockets and am leaning towards the LV for that reason cause removing it is a pain in the ass

Hey [tag=285213]@Whaddup[/tag] -- The Gara HV has between 15%-20%(depending on the size) more cork in the tongue and ankle pockets than the Gara LV. Otherwise, they are the same construction. If you are looking to fill up some space in your shells, I'd go with the Gara HV. If your fit is pretty tight, go with the Gara LV.

Cheers and Happy New Year

 

[Whaddup]

Hey [tag=285213]@Whaddup[/tag] -- The Gara HV has between 15%-20%(depending on the size) more cork in the tongue and ankle pockets than the Gara LV. Otherwise, they are the same construction. If you are looking to fill up some space in your shells, I'd go with the Gara HV. If your fit is pretty tight, go with the Gara LV.

Cheers and Happy New Year

Happy new year!

Yeah I'm a tight fit in my boots. I just want to get a better ankle hold once my intuitions pack out, and I used the HV(freeride) with a little extra cork in the ankles on my last set of zips, but I had some pressure on the top of my foot. I might trim a little of the plastic on the tongue away, as I've seen someone else do. I do still wish the metal eyelets weren't there, but it'll probably be okay