New AT/Randonee boot?

[IdahoSkiGirl]

With the end of the year sales beginning, I'm on the "hunt" for a new AT/Randonee boot. After doing some research it looks like the three female specific boots that are out this year are the: Garmont Xena, Garmont Mega Star, and Scarpa Diva.

I want a boot that is light and comfy enough for trekking but stiff enough that I can rip through the deep powder and not do a head plant over the tip of my skis

Have any of the divas tried any of these boots? Have any suggestions?

 

[tradygirl]

Lucky!! The women's (and overall) AT boot market has so many more choices this year. When I bought my boots, it was Scarpa or Garmont (one women's version each). You're probably not looking at the brand-spankin new stuff, but here's some info...

I've heard awesome things about the new Scarpa boots - check out the new line:
https://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1020

Also, the women's Dynafit ZZero 4-buckle (lots of friends have recently purchased Dynafit boots and their reviews have been excellent):
https://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1007

Lisa's take on the ZZero:
https://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1015

Also, don't forget Black Diamond's new line! Buzz is huge about their new boots. Sounds like the Shiva is the women's AT boot:
https://www.wildsnow.com/?p=988

First look at Garmont's new line:
https://www.wildsnow.com/?p=1024

Personally, I'm not a fan of Garmont just because their last definitely does not work with my foot. But, if your foot fits, the boots are great. I'm a Scarpa girl, but I'm really excited to try on the Dynafits and Black Diamonds once I'm in the market for some new boots. I'm currently in four-year-old Scarpa Magics. Find the brand that fits the best and then go from there. I believe that performance is far less important than fit when it comes to touring gear. Also, think about the kind of touring you do. I prefer light and comfortable over stiff and high-performance because I like long cross-country-esque tours. If you're lapping sidecountry or skiing in-bounds a lot, a stiffer heavier boot may be the way to go.

 

[IdahoSkiGirl]

Tradygirl, thanks for the advice. When we were in SLC last week we stopped by Black Diamond, one of the guys we were with bought the Garmont Endorphins and really likes them... so far. While in Black Diamond I looked through a brochure that detailed their boots that are coming out next year.

 

[alaski]

The Divas are an awesome boot. AWESOME. They are Dynafit compatible and everyone I know who has them loves them. I am waiting anxiously for them to go on sale someday....

 

[IdahoSkiGirl]

I am waiting anxiously for them to go on sale someday....

Some of the boots are starting to come down in price, just a little bit Check out mountaingear.com

 

[tradygirl]

Looking at all these boot reviews is making my mouth water. Those Divas look sweet, and the Dynafits are making me drool. I want a 4-buckle touring boot so bad!! Maybe in a few years....

What are y'all on right now? What do you think of your current gear? Just curious.

 

[IdahoSkiGirl]

Looking at all these boot reviews is making my mouth water. Those Divas look sweet, and the Dynafits are making me drool. I want a 4-buckle touring boot so bad!! Maybe in a few years....

What are y'all on right now? What do you think of your current gear? Just curious.

At the beginning of the season I had Fritschi Freerides mounted on Volkl Auras. It is a GREAT set-up that is actually light weight. The Auras are a great ski for the backcountry and is also a blast inbounds. However, I don't do as serious of touring as you do...give me another year or so...I'm still a newbie in the backcountry world

If I start looking at gear it makes me want to buy. I can get into trouble really quick, it runs in my family

What are you on? I thought in previous pics you have posted on this site you were on tele gear.

 

[climber.girl1]

I'm not touring as much as I should, but I love the setup I have...

I'm on Karhu Bertha's mounted with Fritschi Freerides. The combo is really lightweight... it's almost the same weight as one of my friends who has dawn patrols with dynafit bindings...

As for boots, I'm in the Garmont Dynamite, which is super light (maybe six pound for the pair??) and a little on the low side. I swapped out the liners for the garmont gfit liner, which sticks way out the top of the boot but provides just the extra support I need. I don't huck cliffs or carve super g turns, so I find that they're stiff enough for what I need but are still super comfy to tour in. They're my first pair of AT boots, so I don't have a lot to compare to....

Before I bought these, I tried a bunch on, and I fell in love with the Scarpa Diva's, but they were almost $700, and I got the Dynamites (two seasons old) new for like $325 including swapping out the liners. I couldn't say no to that!

 

[alaski]

I'm on Fritschi Explores on Volkl Queen Attivas. Nice setup, but I get smoked on the skin tours by those lucky people with Dynafits...

 

[jaydog]

I'm an aspiring AT-er too. Just got myself some Black Diamond Mystics with Naxo bindings, and Garmont She-Rides. All from previous model years so they were cheaper. Unfortunately I ended up with a full-time winter job that seriously cut into my ski time, so I haven't gotten the chance to take them exploring yet...

 

[alisongannett]

I've tried them all - I recommend either the mega star or the diva. The mega star is lighter, while the diva is heavier and a bit stiffer. Also fit is a big issue, generally the mega star fits more women better. but it all depends on your foot.

 

[alisongannett]

Dynafits

Oh yes, if you are in the backcountry a lot, go Dynafit for bindings. If you are on the mtn a ton, go for fritche freerides (adds about 5 lbs).

 

[IdahoSkiGirl]

So I broke down, tired on AT boots, and bought the Garmont Xena. For the type of touring I do they are a great fit for me. I currently have a strained muscle in my left foot but I hope by Sunday (Happy Easter) I will be able to get my foot into a boot and see how they perform.

There was not a store in town that carried the Scarpa Divas. I wish I could have tried them on :(