Here’s a little video which shows the finer points of the new, full carbon Stratos rando racing boot! After watching the video, you’ll see how high tech the boot really is. The reason you’re seeing a big push in boot design by manufacturers like La Sportiva, Dynafit and Scarpa, is because over the summer, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation banned the use of modified boots in future races.
Modified boots by a second manufacturer are only allowed if there is a formal agreement between the two manufacturers, which is specified in the information notice delivered with the modified part. -ISMF
In the past, racers would add, remove, grind and drill nearly all aspects of their racing boots to get them light, stiff and with smooth ankle articulation and effortless transitions from ski to walk…and visa-versa. I like the new regs and more specifically, the new offering from Dynafit and La Sportiva. Sure wish I could afford a pair!!
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To be honest all that looks very much like the big outfits lobbied so they could sell their top-tier products and avoid people/local shops tuning more affordable gear like the regular Scarpa F1 model.
We’ll anyhow have to see how strictly these rules will be enforced in the small fun races around.
ya think? i’m not sure that the manufacturers really make much (if any) $$$ on the top end boots. it’s probably a wash between how many they sell…and how many they give a away vs how much they cost to make. the markups to retail aren’t the same across the board for all models of boots…or anything for that matter. i was told once that it costs $75,ooo for a cast of a one single size boot.
I can’t focus on the boot, for how awesome that guy’s accent is.
Steve, I just don’t see where that restriction is coming from. In the alpine race scene everyone is grinding and foaming their boots to the best fit.
yes…but the rule isn’t directed to alpine racing…its for ski mountaineering races. i think the deal was that people were showing up to races with boots that were SO modified…or carnaged…that it was becoming a liability.
Steve,
On a somewhat related gear topic, can you recommend a good general purpose ski mountaineering crampon. I definitely don’t need a dedicated ice climbing crampon. I tour in the Garmont Endorphins. Any suggestions that you have would be appreciated.
Cameron
Hey Cameron…I use the BD Neve crampon. I like it because they are aluminum and light. Also because they have a safety strap coming off the toe bail…and no plastic buckles. Pretty adjustable too! I usually roll without the ABS plates on the because they are heavy.
Sweet. Thanks. That’s what I was thinking of getting already.
That is a pretty lengthy procedure for getting in and out of boots. I couldn’t see very well at the toe of the boot if there are metal inserts for the binding fittings or if it is going straight into the carbon fiber. It looks like a cool design but I don’t think I’d want to get in and out of them on a regular basis.
david…i think some the processes you only do once…the first time you use them…and once you get things set up…you’re good to go. try getting into those damn race suits!!!
metal inserts…there’s no way the carbon would stand up to the toe pins on its own.