Protection for boots

bandit wrote:

Since you ask.....

They work by providing a temporary non slippery boot sole surface on which to walk.

a good thing, like I said I think most alpine norm' soles are awful and quite dangerous.

bandit wrote:They work by preventing endless amounts of grit and dirt from being ground into the sole of the boot chewing up the smooth plastic. That grit then being transferred onto the binding, also plastic, wrecking 2 smooth sufaces, which will create friction and slow down binding release.
No, I don't have any research papers showing the effects, it's OCS (just in case you wanted a linky)
:D
Anyway, it's all right for you, your boots have replaceable soles :lol:

OCS = Obsessive-compulsive syndrome ? :D

I'd not thought about grit transfer to the binding but stamping round in some snow ought to fix that shouldn't it?

Still, even anecdotally do you know anyone where the wear at toe and heel has become so bad that the binding won't compensate? I'm not sure I do. Bindings need checking/adjusting from time to time anyway so it's not too onerous.

My soles are interchangeable on the Endorphins, the Megrides aren't but I'll bet the boot is knackered before the the sole is.

ise wrote:

OCS = Obsessive-compulsive syndrome ? :D

If that works for you why not :D

ise wrote:
I'd not thought about grit transfer to the binding but stamping round in some snow ought to fix that shouldn't it?

It offers no guarantee of success though.

ise wrote:
Still, even anecdotally do you know anyone where the wear at toe and heel has become so bad that the binding won't compensate?

It's about more than the wear on the boot. It's also the effect on the friction or glide plate under the forefoot area of the boot. No I don't know of any "wear related" incidents. Anecdotally, I have worn completely awful worn out hire boots which were loose in the binding.

ise wrote:
My soles are interchangeable on the Endorphins, the Megrides aren't but I'll bet the boot is knackered before the the sole is.

Your Megarides have a cleated boot sole, so walking should be easier than with an Alpine DIN sole. Additionally as you are using a pin binding with the Megarides, your kit is far less susceptible to the issues raised on this thread :D
When the time comes, I suppose you could resole the Megarides with an old truck retread :wink:

bandit wrote:
Your Megarides have a cleated boot sole, so walking should be easier than with an Alpine DIN sole. Additionally as you are using a pin binding with the Megarides, your kit is far less susceptible to the issues raised on this thread :D

Like most ski-mountaineering boots they've also got rocker soles. In fact most rigid mountaineering boots are the same otherwise the lack of flex is just too much when you're walking.

ise wrote:

Like most ski-mountaineering boots they've also got rocker soles. In fact most rigid mountaineering boots are the same otherwise the lack of flex is just too much when you're walking.

I was sure that I had read about the Megaride having a walk mode, how inconvenient, not having that function in a touring boot :shock:

bandit wrote:This is what I was thinking of.......

http://www.snowandrock.com/shop/activity/ski/accessories/tools_and_accessories/products/SEI0003.htm

They do work, and if you buy some, remember to take a waterproof bag to store them in whilst you ski, since they get grubby with the walking :D

I've seen people unclip the shin buckles or the powerstrap and thread the loops of the cat tracks through them then redo them up so no need for a bag, give it a try first.

I'm with ise on this one. Sure it's nice to look at boots and see no wear on those heel/toe peices. Unless you are walking miles in them, it's not a problem, and if you are walking miles in them, then anything but ski boots on your feet would be more comfortable.

If I can't park close to the snow, I'll walk in some old shoes, which I can leave in the lodge, confident that no one will want to take them.

Trencher

bandit wrote:

ise wrote:

Like most ski-mountaineering boots they've also got rocker soles. In fact most rigid mountaineering boots are the same otherwise the lack of flex is just too much when you're walking.

I was sure that I had read about the Megaride having a walk mode, how inconvenient, not having that function in a touring boot :shock:

some misunderstanding here I think :D

All Garmont touring boots have walk modes, it breaks the flex between the upper and lower parts of the boot. Some also have an adjustable forward lean which I find about impossible to engage personally and I know some others find the same. They also have an extra notch on the cuff buckles for walking. Obviously for touring by walking we mean climbing or ascending on skins.

Additionally to help walking you've the vibram mountaineering soles which are on a rocker, ie a a slight curve to help walking. That's a common feature with rigid general mountaineering boots.

All of which makes them 100% more practical to walk around in than normal ski boots.

ise wrote:

some misunderstanding here I think :D

All Garmont touring boots have walk modes, it breaks the flex between the upper and lower parts of the boot. Some also have an adjustable forward lean which I find about impossible to engage personally and I know some others find the same. They also have an extra notch on the cuff buckles for walking. Obviously for touring by walking we mean climbing or ascending on skins.

Additionally to help walking you've the vibram mountaineering soles which are on a rocker, ie a a slight curve to help walking. That's a common feature with rigid general mountaineering boots.

All of which makes them 100% more practical to walk around in than normal ski boots.

:D Ah, thanks, now that makes sense. I am relieved to see that I have not lost all of my marbles...yet. Must buy a pair next time round, reads like a much better sort of boot for skiing, and getting to and from skiing! I think a rocker type sole is pretty common on stiffer hiking boots as well.