New Ski Boot Recommendation

[Babylon Sister]

I love you Ski Divas...I just discovered this site and am having so much fun reading the posts! Actually, I discovered it just in time as I am about to purchase my first pair of boots in over 10 years! Sad, I know...embarassed even. I used to be a ski fanatic. However, I moved out of CO back in 94 and haven't felt the need to buy new equipment as I only take a trip once or twice a year at the most. I still ski on my old, stiff, orange Tecnica racing boots (yes, I am a past racer)...which seemed to fit the bill for awhile. Well, I'm finally over those boots. I fell in love with the sport all over again last season in Vail and decided to invest in new equipment, well, most importantly...boots. I just demo skis now.

Anyway, I am looking for advice on a great performing boot that is more for recreation...not racing. I am looking for something a little more comfy, but not so comfy that I can't ski aggressively. I'm 37 and still a very aggressive skier.

Any recommendations? I've tried a few and am leaning toward the Tecnica Attiva V8's.

Any advice would be helpful as I have been out of the ski technology loop for a while.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to a few great trips out west this season in my new boots.

 

[Kano]

I don't know if I'm going to be any help, but I tried the Technica Attiva V8 on when I picked out my Lange Exclusive 100's. They came in a really close second. The Lange is a little narrower overall and held my heel better than the Technica did, which is what made the decision for me. Now, if I were to say I'm an aggressive skier, DH would fall out of his chair laughing. I was replacing "beginner boots" that I bought when I started skiing in 2001.

When I started talking with the boot guy, I told him I'd like something more performance oriented, cuz I want to be a better skier than I am now. I'm 50 years old, and I'm 5'4" and about 165 pounds -- that's kind of heavy, which may have had a little something to do with the flex level? Boot guy started me in the Exclusive 80 FR's, (those are the pretty purple/white ones) then said, no, that's got too much flex for you... I'm not real clear on how that flex thing works yet.

I've skiied on them three times now, and I like them a lot! Nice and snug, but also very comfortable! Especially delightful is that while riding on the lift, I don't feel like my knees are being stretched anymore! (they're lots lighter than the old Salomons!)

Kano

 

[smpayne]

Going from race boots to the V8 seems like a big jump down. If the Tecnica's fit, you might want to look at the Attive Flames. I got these and absolutely love them. I am an advanced skiier (not expert) and by no means a racer. I can make these boots softer as needed, by adjusting the flex adjustment or pulling the power strap off. I was actually surprised by how much I can change the flex.

 

[skigrl27]

I love my Nordica Speedmachine 12's. The lower the number, the more they flex (softer) so any boot in that line is almost the same in build...just in different degrees of flex.

I have skinny feet, but strangely wide. Long & odd toes and pretty skinny legs, calves anyway. So while I love mine...they may not work for you.

Try on as many as possible in the flex you want...that's the best advice I can give.

 

[Robyn]

I highly recommend going to a good boot fitter, where are you located maybe someone here can recommend someone? I'm an ex-racer and now coach as well and just bought new Tecnica Diablos from Surefoot and so far I love them!