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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2014 11:06:52 GMT -7
I'm curious to know if any of you take boot cuff height into account when choosing a model? If so, what are your preferences? And are they based on your own height, or tibia length, or calf muscle profile? Do you notice any difference in skiing performance and behavior between a tall cuff and mid-height?
At the most basic level, it seems to make sense for a tall skier (such as myself at 6'2") to go with a boot with a taller cuff. But will he/she notice any performance difference (good or bad) if they go with a slightly shorter cuff? For example, my Infernos have what I would describe as a mid-height cuff -- not short, but not quite as tall as others. I have always been happy with their performance (other than being slightly too soft at times in warm weather). But recent boot try-ons have included a couple of models with taller cuffs, and must say I really liked the feel of those. I could see having even better ski control with a boot like that. Specifically the models I refer to are the Nordica Patron Pro (their all-mtn. Dobie), and the Salomon X-Max 130. To be clear -- I am not looking to replace the Infernos just yet, as their fit and performance is great. So my query is out of pure curiosity. If anyone has any comments or insight, it would be interesting to hear them.
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Post by HighAngles on Apr 4, 2014 10:40:17 GMT -7
I have always had a preference for the feel of a taller cuff, but I believe that stems from my pre-PMTS skiing where I was a more "knee driven" skier. With trying to be more of a "foot driven" skier I think that too tall of a cuff would possibly impede how actions of the foot translate to the ski edges. I'm really not certain about any of this since performing a controlled test is not something I've ever done (or thought about).
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Post by Deleted on Apr 4, 2014 11:57:01 GMT -7
I have always had a preference for the feel of a taller cuff, but I believe that stems from my pre-PMTS skiing where I was a more "knee driven" skier. With trying to be more of a "foot driven" skier I think that too tall of a cuff would possibly impede how actions of the foot translate to the ski edges. I'm really not certain about any of this since performing a controlled test is not something I've ever done (or thought about). I am somewhat surprised to hear that, coming from you. Aren't you the only self-confessed guy with a "boot quiver" on this forum? How many is it? Five pairs...? Aw, just bustin' on ya. Couldn't resist a jibe. Actually you bring up a good point about a too-tall cuff. In pondering this myself and wondering how a taller cuff would translate into ski performance and movements, that was one of the things that occurred to me, was locking up most of the lower leg and losing some ability to create some of the more finesse movements. OTOH, having a longer lever to work with could have advantages too. Interesting question. Deserves some more digging into.
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Post by JimRatliff on Apr 4, 2014 15:22:37 GMT -7
Svend: I always assumed that the primary thing was a comfortable good fit, but I agree with both of the points above. A taller cuff will give you more leverage and spread out the force over more of the lower leg. Using your feet to tip should mostly happen down in the boot with the ankle muscles so should favor a shorter shell?. I will say that my Zipfit liners were taller that the stock, but I didn't notice anything different because of that extra height, either positive or negative.
or maybe I do. Before, the inside of my ankle would be sore by the end of the day from pressing against the boot/liner. That is no longer the case? Maybe the Zipfit IS spreading out the force and I just took the better fit and function for granted?
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Post by HighAngles on Apr 4, 2014 15:37:45 GMT -7
Clearly, the lower the cuff, the more ankle mobility will be available. Consider hiking boots and all the different styles available depending on how much ankle support you desire. Or even ice/hockey skates - you have options there too depending on your skating skill preferences. I would think that this would definitely be a "true" variable in skiing; a characteristic that would result in some kind of impact. However, I don't recall ever reading anything about what the impact is (beyond fit issues). I know that when the knee-high boots were all the rage they ended up dying out not because of problems with their performance, but due to issues of fit. Having all of that "extra" boot shell made finding a good fit even more difficult. In the end it just wasn't worth the hassle for whatever the perceived benefits were.
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Post by HighAngles on Apr 4, 2014 15:39:08 GMT -7
Svend: I always assumed that the primary thing was a comfortable good fit, but I agree with both of the points above. A taller cuff will give you more leverage and spread out the force over more of the lower leg. Using your feet to tip should mostly happen down in the boot with the ankle muscles so should favor a shorter shell?. I will say that my Zipfit liners were taller that the stock, but I didn't notice anything different because of that extra height, either positive or negative. or maybe I do. Before, the inside of my ankle would be sore by the end of the day from pressing against the boot/liner. That is no longer the case? Maybe the Zipfit IS spreading out the force and I just took the better fit and function for granted? The ZipFit is a more "substantial" liner; clearly more supportive than the typical stock liner. I would fully expect that it has helped distribute the load more evenly across the "control surfaces" (aka your legs and feet).
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