KathrynC
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I need to replace my AT boots. New boots need to be compatible with pin bindings. Ideally I want to be in a 22 shell, but many AT boots aren't made smaller than a 23. To compound the problem, there are only a handful of bootfitters with a range of AT boots in the UK, and most don't carry stock in my size because they can't get rid of it. I have found one friendly bootfitter who is willing to order stock for me, but as it is a hassle for him I am trying to do some homework first. Although my feet are small, they are quite wide and I have a high instep.
Current candidates:
Scarpa Gea. Smallest size is 23 with 22.5 shell. My current boots are Scarpa and are this size, so this seems like an option to try. The fit of my current boots is not perfect even after lots of input from a fitter - they are a little long and a little tight over the instep - but they are functional. Boot fitter suggested the Gea might be easier to modify than my old Divas.
Atomic Backland. The only true AT boot I have found that is actually available down to a 22 (although I think the shell on those might be 22.5). I know nothing about how they fit though - does anyone know how they are for width/volume? Can anyone confirm whether Atomic shell sizes are full or half sizes?
Scott Celeste. Smallest size is 23.5 with 23 liner. I am informed that these would probably be a good match for width and volume. Boot fitter wants to try them. I am sceptical - I suspect they will be too big.
Dalbello Lupo. These are freeride/tour boots and are slightly heavier than what I am looking for, but they do go all the way down to a 21. Again, I don't know what they are like for fit - any comments on width/volume?
So, are there any options I have overlooked? I don't want to try too many at 23.5 as I know from experience that these are usually too big. The Celeste is only in there because the boot fitter is keen. Anything else that I have missed at 22.5/22? Any comments on the fit of the Backland or the Lupo? Thanks for any input!
Current candidates:
Scarpa Gea. Smallest size is 23 with 22.5 shell. My current boots are Scarpa and are this size, so this seems like an option to try. The fit of my current boots is not perfect even after lots of input from a fitter - they are a little long and a little tight over the instep - but they are functional. Boot fitter suggested the Gea might be easier to modify than my old Divas.
Atomic Backland. The only true AT boot I have found that is actually available down to a 22 (although I think the shell on those might be 22.5). I know nothing about how they fit though - does anyone know how they are for width/volume? Can anyone confirm whether Atomic shell sizes are full or half sizes?
Scott Celeste. Smallest size is 23.5 with 23 liner. I am informed that these would probably be a good match for width and volume. Boot fitter wants to try them. I am sceptical - I suspect they will be too big.
Dalbello Lupo. These are freeride/tour boots and are slightly heavier than what I am looking for, but they do go all the way down to a 21. Again, I don't know what they are like for fit - any comments on width/volume?
So, are there any options I have overlooked? I don't want to try too many at 23.5 as I know from experience that these are usually too big. The Celeste is only in there because the boot fitter is keen. Anything else that I have missed at 22.5/22? Any comments on the fit of the Backland or the Lupo? Thanks for any input!