volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Specifics: 2014 Lange XT 100 W LV (low volume = 97 mm last), size 23.5
Features: Vibram sole, single cuff alignment pivot, lace-up heat moldable liner with firmer padding around the heel and ankle to improve fit and resist packing, hike feature.
About the tester:
- 49 year old heavyweight, PSIA L2 certified, gold/platinum NASTAR/league racer with a love of high speeds and junky snow. Using Superfeet Cork footbeds from 1980-something. History of bunion and neuroma removal on the right foot.
- Foot measurements (unsupported): Right = 235 mm long, 98 mm at widest, 65 mm heel width. Left = 242 mm long, 95 mm at widest, 70 mm heel width.
- Previous boots: Lange World Cup 100 Jr (last 95 mm), 23.5, with significant bump and grind work in the toe boxes, heel lifts, 1/2 saddle wrap left, full saddle wrap right. Lange Banshee 120 W (last 98 mm), 24.5 (upsized to account for neuroma surgery) with heel lifts, full saddle wrap left, 1-1/2 saddle wraps right plus additional padding in the heel and Achilles area.
First impressions: This is THE BEST out-of-the-box fit I've ever had!!! I've now used these boots twice with no irritation of the neuroma or bunion areas, no tingling or numbness in the instep or bottom of the foot, and no sign that I need heel lifts to put my ankles up into the pockets, to improve my stance and balance, or to get my low and muscular calves up out of the cuff. I will need some paddling around my right heel, but likely only an L pad rather than a full or even a 1/2 saddle wrap. The stance is upright and relaxed yet incredibly balanced and strong. The forgiving 100 forward flex made it a breeze to go from groomed to deeper snow while staying balanced and relaxed, and their significant lateral stiffness was more than enough to drive the Kikus easily into a fully carved turn with fairly high edge angles.
Raves:
- That see through green color is HOT!!
- I like the ability to use the liner laces to keep constant shin contact with the liner.
- Fit!!!! I never thought I'd be able to say that about a mass produced boot!!
- The Vibram sole is a godsend when hiking, both on the snow for turns, and cruising around the lodge and parking lot.
- The pull tabs on both the tongue and back of the liner.
- Getting these on and off completely and totally SUCKS! I fully expect to sprain my ankle sometime during the season during the process. OUCH! Neglecting to fully loosen all the lacing, even deep into the lower shell, results in serious frustration.
- The hike feature pull needs to be bigger, as it's current size is completely incompatible with mittened hands.
- The liners are pretty chilly, so plan to add the cost of heaters if you're contemplating buying these boots.
- The overlap in the shell leaks, just like all Langes.....you'd think they would have figured out how to fix this by now?????
- The heel lugs tend to hang up getting in and out of the bindings, but this issue isn't boot specific as this happens with most Vibram-soled boots used in conjunction with alpine bindings.
I'll continue to keep track of my experiences and will update the review as I use them more.