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Those ARE cool!! We do in fact just go in circles, don't we?! Those look exactly like boots nowadays, probably just better!

One thing I can't figure out.... Everyone seems to want a Dynafit toepiece on a SOFT boot. My question is WHY? A soft boot with a flimsy sole wouldn't offer any support for touring. It would flex all over the place on icy sidehills, and you couldn't ever really ski any sections? Its seems like the touring binding or hardboot shell provides that critical support?

Anyway, I'm developing some new views these days: Both a snowboard specific hardboot, and a SOFT boot with mountaineering boot technology BOTH have their own unique utilities. Hard boots might always be better at sidehilling on hard ice in ski mode, but don't tons of mountaineers climb incredible Gnar in SOFT mountaineering boots with rigid soles? I feel like the technology is already here, it just needs refinement.

I personally want to see both types boots available to shredders.

I've posted these before, but here are my rad boots!





Key features these have are a reinforced toebox, waterproof rand, and a semi rigid vibram sole. The sole didn't turn out as stiff as I would have liked. I must say however, that climbing hard snow in these (even without crampons) is pure joy. Kicking these gives me the same sensation that I get when I swing an ice tool; you just swing your foot into the snow, and you hear a "thud". Shits solid! The lugs allow a much higher available surface area to come in contact with the ice. Mass produced resort boots are a freaking joke!


In terms of soft boot performance, I believe that the sole is only our first problem to solve. There are issues with breathability and waterproofing that I've been working on, too.

Who said they have to full-on step-in compatible??? Hybrid crampons are plenty bomber, didn't SHouse use them on Nanga Parbat...

So why is accommodating a heel bail going to ruin boots?

I think realistically, strap crampons are fine for snowboard boots. Are you planning on climbing hard mixed and water ice in snowboard boots?

Accommodating semi/fully automatic crampons would add to the sole profile, and obviously it's good to keep that down, especially if you have larger hooves. There's a whole other level of construction that goes into making and attaching a sole with heel/toe welts too, fully automatic crampons put a huge amount of force through these areas, people have peeled the soles right off boots before... that would add a fair whack more to the rrp of the boot, at the end of the day.

I climb in automatic crampons (BD sabretooth) and they are a great crampon, but strap crampons will do just fine on most stuff, especially pretty much anything you would encounter in a days splitboarding, I'd imagine. If I encountered a feature that made me want the sabretooth over say the neve or serac, or a G12, then I sure as hell wouldn't want to be wearing snowboard boots!

Yes agreed, anywhere I am going with my Split on my back, with crampons on, is not going to be too hairy. My trusty strapon Petzl Charlet 12 pointers will get me anywhere I need to go quite safely.

NZ people, let me know your mondo sizing if you are interested in these boots, I'll be pre-ordering a bunch to make sure we don't miss out, the worldwide demand will be high for these so realistically we get one chance this Winter 2011 to have these puppies.

Cheers
Rich

Oooh shit man, you are killing my budgeting skills!

Really sorry Todd....... yeah right

Watch your beer budget for a couple of months ok and you'll be a lot closer to getting them !

Your hoof size?

cheers
Rich

Hahaha I'd be 29.5 - 30 mondo I guess... do you have an idea what the nz rrp might be on these bad boys?

Pretty interested in these badboys,I use vibram five fingersat the gym and they are bomber.When are the deeluxe spark avail? No info on deeluxe site that I can see

Just preordered mine...

theres gonna be about 6 pairs size 8-12 at next adventure in se portland in about a week...

these just arrived at the shop, super light, bomber and awesome! they are the doopest booots eeever.....

Christoph, great to hear!

Can you put them on a scale -- how much do they weigh in? (e.g. at size 11)
Thanks!

Snocon (Seattle) has a fresh shipment and are in stock today. $350 price point.
Obversations following a quick fitting: The dual speed lacing zones are a plus and seems easy to replace a lace if snaps. Boots feel a little small for the size. I'd go a half size larger than normal. Liners are easy and simple to remove. The liner lacing harness (heel hold) is removable as well. It's merely attached to the shell with velcro around upper ankle. I 'm interested how well the boot breathes. The liner itself is thick and fury. Boot shell features a gusset around the tongue similar to Driver X's. The upper boot strap should help prolong stiffness long after boots are broken in. And the Vibram sole is no joke... inspires me to go kick steps up a Cascade volcano.