OT: Snowkite boot suggestions

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

So with the snowkite season almost upon us, (yes I know it isn't here yet) I am looking for some suggestions for a new pair of snowboard boots but I want them to be ridiculous flexible, but more importantly, warm/dry and look somewhat decent. Preferably not to spendy either, under 150 would be awesome.

Friend recomended a pair of Vans. Seeing if there are any other ideas.
http://vanssnow.com/mantra.php

I have a par that I use now but they are so stiff that I have to lean forward when I walk.

Anyways, looking for some advice/opinions.

Link

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2622 Posts The 503 METAL

I have noticed that my ancient boots which suck pretty bad for alpine, seem to be fine and comfortable for snow kiting. I think becasue there is a lot less downward force and pressure. Cool

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 283 Posts Obsessed

"32" made a boot called the "ultra light" and they are just that, ultra light. They might still make it. A lot of the freestyle kids were wearing them because of how soft they were.

j · Since 08 Nov 2006 94 Posts Seattle

I went through this the last couple years, first I tried my Burton Rulers, way too stiff. Then I used some old sorel's that were pretty decent. I then used the Sorel's with the Burton liners, that was a decent set up, but I was always wanting my old N boots from 10 years ago, they would have been ideal. So I ended up buying a 10 or 12 year old pair of Vans boots from some Thrift store...old boots just have the right amount of flex and no built in forward lean like the newer boots do.

forrest · Thu Sep 09, 10 9:08 am

Any park boot is going to be soft.

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

I must agree with windpig ,
I had some Burton step ins for several years and the boots were pretty stiff .
I bought , 32 ultra light and they are nice . You don't even feel them they are so light and they support fine at the same time !
I noticed a few people at Snowkite soldier event that had the backs removed from their bindings . I tried it and I thought it worked fine for snowkiting .
I was liking this setup a lot .
Anyway 32's
JackZ

Wind Slither · Since 04 Mar 2005 2622 Posts The 503 METAL

Oh and PS...I have the old clicker system...very nice to be able to launch your kite and then simply step into your bindings. I know there are some newer step in systems.

Sella · Thu Sep 09, 10 3:20 pm

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

Sucks to be talking about snow already; at least for me. This is my setup and I'm super happy with it. I use this all the time snowkite or skibowl. These bindings work like flows but clamshell up so are super easy to get into kite in hand or not.
http://k2snowboarding.com/bindings/cinch-ctx
These boots have one boa to control the inside liner and one for the outside liner so they are adjustable between soft or hard. They are super comfy too!
http://k2snowboarding.com/boots/maysis

Another nice thing is they sell them at REI, so try them and if you don't like them take them back! That is worth the extra bill by itself. I have used my bindings for two seasons and boots for one. DOPE

42qn30 · Since 22 Jul 2009 41 Posts Michigan City, IN

Screw step-in's. They have no side to side support. Flow bindings are the only way to go. I'll have to check out the 32 boots. I really need new boots because mine are completely packed out.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Sep 09, 10 6:00 pm

Flows are sooo money.

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

anyone know where I can try on a pair of new "32"s?

Seem cool but I have wierd feet, got to try stuff on Very Happy

ecameron · Since 29 Jul 2009 90 Posts PDX

Hey, don't really say much on this forum (or any other), but wanted to get this out about my opinion on step-ins. Step-ins are not intended for backcountry riding.
Don't have any experience with them snowkiting, but have plenty of experience listening to the "at bar" conversations between friends about how dangerous they are once you have to take them off in powder. These bindings are for resort riding. Lived in tahoe for two seasons right when these things were getting big and heard the whole spectrum of how bad of an idea these things are in powder. Much rather ride down a chute with just a toe strap than nothing at all (have done it).

Not hating, but looking out. Whole bunch of people on here have helped me out at a beach locally, trying to give back.

Side note, 32s are the sh*t and high end northwaves are a joy. And make great bike shoes.

Keep the step-ins for days at stowe and killington. Stay strapped for days at places like the high sierras. (once again not hating, i'm a new englander myself, not mass, ha...)

See ya at the beach, um i mean the mountain.

Sailut · Since 31 May 2005 72 Posts Utah

My boot of choice, is quite a soft boot,
Burton, Ozone
with K2 Cinch bindings.

Not just because I like Ozone kites either,,ha

1surfer · Sat Sep 11, 10 7:09 pm **My input**

The K2 CTX is way better than flow.
As far as boots, its all about the fit. Try 10 pairs on and it will be obvious what boot is the one or you.