Touring Boot pre-selection

[LeoK]

Dear TGR

I am looking to upgrade my touring boots.
I come from Scapra Maestrale that I liked a few years back but now I get cramps and pain everywhere. Also I got Lange Freetour 130 for downhill oriented things so I would like to go really light with the touring boots as I got freeride and touring sub 1200m vert covered.

The thing is that the boot fitter of my trust has very limited offer in this section for this season and I wonder if I should check some other place. He has Scarpa F1 (any experience? current scrpas seem to large for my Lange Freetour 100mm feet) and Dynamit tlt8 (wich are basically out of question due to crampon issues)

I am wondering what your suggestions are. Tending toward La Sportiva Styron as they seem a bit less wide and very light indeed. Any experience here? Other suggestions of boots to be considered for proper touring?

I would than see a boot fitter anyways just trying to find out where to go to get a good choice there.

/Leo

[Choucas]

Here's what I can offer having owned the siblings of the boots mentioned in your post. I went with a Scarpa F1 and liked it for it's light weight, good touring ability and decent downhill performance. I too had pain with the Maestrales. Mine were the RS. I had a pair of the Lange's in the 110 flex. For me, too soft and too heavy for any kind of serious touring. I'm not a bruiser on skis. I'd recommend a good look at the F1's. They do a lot of things right and the weight is a big plus if you're thinking longer tours or just want to cut down the weight you are hauling up hill. Tecnica Zero G's up the skiing performance with a slight weight penalty. Also worth a look. Of course all this assumes that you can get a good fit in said boots. Good luck in your hunt.

[Jason4]

If you're looking in the same class as the TLT8 then I'd recommend the Atomic Backland. I've had really good luck working with my favorite boot fitter to get that boot to fit my challenging feet and they tour very well. I can't say much about how they ski since I'm a marginal skier. The flex of the carbon version is not progressive but that seems to be consistent with stiff and light boots.

You could consider a normal semi-automatic crampon to go with the TLT8 if you really like your normal boot fitter and those boots fit well otherwise.

[GeezerSteve]

Does the TLT7 crampon adapter thingy work with the TLT8?

[sb]

Its alive!

[smooth operator]

Leo, have you been to Heierling in Davos? Granted, they do not carry an excessive collection of ultralight touring boots, but I can vouch for their skill in fitting. It doesnt come cheap but they will make sure you get a great fit. I know they have the Tecnica ZeroG , Salomon Xalp and Atomic backland in stock in the 'light' department. Probably some dynafit too?
Btw I had the new Atomic backland on my feet and it walks amazing. I recommend giving them a call to see what they can do for you.

[LeoK]

thanks for the input. Not been to these guys in Davos. Thank you for the hint.

I was really looking for something light so f1 weight is the maximum. Would be glad if somebody could still weigh in on the La Sportivas.