protectors for the bottom of ski boots?

[m185]

Hi guys

I noticed last time I was in NZ that some of the ski instructors had these neat things made out of silicone that you stretched across the bottom of the ski boot to protect it while walking on a non snow surface.

Does anyone know what I mean? And if so where to get them? I can't find anything on a google search - but my search terms are probably not right!

I don't want to wreck my boots and the carpark can be full of gravel on the way to the slopes!

Thanks!

Mx

 

[itri]

I think these are probably what you're looking for, no?

 

[m185]

EXACTLY - thank you thank you thank you!!!

 

[BackCountryGirl]

Cat Tracks are a must -- walking in your boots can wear your soles down unevenly and screw up your alignment on skis.

 

[prairiedawn]

Don't worry about it unless you're doing a lot of walking. You can just replace the heel (the little part on the back of the heel attached with screws) easily. Just have to find get the right heel piece to go with your boot, which a shop can tell you. I had a shop do mine because it was convenient at the time. Cost $15--10 for the heels and 5 for the labor.

 

[volklgirl]

Only a few manufacturers offer replaceable heel and/or toe lugs; Atomic and Lange come to mind first.

Oh, and the canted version for the Langes are $50!

 

[WildKitten]

I just got new heel pieces for my three year old Head boots. About $7. We replaced them ourselves.

It was suggested to me by a bootfitter that the next time I buy boots I buy an extra pair of heels at the same time. Great idea.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Small, possibly helpful hint for those using Cat Tracks (which I highly recommend, have been using for years): carry along a sandwich size freezer bag (or other heavy duty plastic bag), because when those things come off, they can be grimy. Nice to have a bag on person in which to store the things until needed at end of day. Also put a grab handle on the heel aspect, can be something as simple as paper clip - makes it much easier to snug them on tight. If not tight...well, too easy to "walk out" of them (I've left a few behind...). Best option is not to do any more walking on non-snow surfaces than necessary, but alas, it does present, especially when at an unfamiliar resort/hill/mt.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Seirus Cat Tracks now on sale for 9.93 at REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/435109

 

[itri]

Thanks for the tip, MSL. Just picked up a pair!

 

[Robyn]

Me too, thanks for the heads up MSL!

 

[SkiGAP]

Don't worry about it unless you're doing a lot of walking. You can just replace the heel (the little part on the back of the heel attached with screws) easily. Just have to find get the right heel piece to go with your boot, which a shop can tell you. I had a shop do mine because it was convenient at the time. Cost $15--10 for the heels and 5 for the labor.

The heels on my Dobermanns are molded - that's one of the things I was worried about. These cat tracks might be just the thing...

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Heck, why even take a chance of wearing boot soles at all? Replacements of toe/heel, even if available, is something of a PITA.
Wear USED to heavily affect boot-to-binding fit (and probably still does).

This is cheap insurance. Seirus has been making these things for as long as I've been skiing (35 years), no changes to design, same old. "If it ain't broke..."

Just remember the tip about carrying a baggie of some kind, will spare pocket/pack interior the grime issue.

 

[m185]

I am hoping that the ones I ordered will fit - I picked up the youth ones and think they will be the right size - I have the same size feet as my 11 year daughter lol!

Will definately take note of the baggie tip - sounds like a great plan...now I just have to wait for them to arrive so I can try putting them on my boots!

Spring has arrived here (Hong Kong) so I'm still dreaming of the snow...