Advice on AT boots

A snowHead

Hi guys.
Can anybody offer some advice on AT boots please?

My other half has just offered to buy me some boots for my birthday (forgot how old I am, so don't ask). I don't currently own any boots and so far have only done alpine ski holidays. But, I really want to start moving into touring.

Would it be wiser to go for an AT boot, a dedicated touring boot or just get an alpine boot for now and then a touring boot in the future?

Are there any decent AT boots available which a rental outlet will be able to fit to skis when I go alpine skiing? (I currently rent skis)

Thanks in advance.

A snowHead

I'd suggest that you'll be lucky to find a rental shop that will put your AT boots in alpine bindings. Try this thread for an explanation:

http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=115663

There's nothing to stop you touring in alpine boots - unless you're doing lots of walking too.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

@dylan32, go for a cross-over boot which has alpine rigidity with a hike mode that allows for flex for touring.

Personally I've gone for the Technica Cochise (after a false start with the Lange XT). The advantage the Cochise offers specifically is interchangable soles (from pure alpine to rockered AT with tech inserts). I know one of snowHeads resident bootfitting experts (Steve from Sole) is a big fan of these boots.

there is a range of Cochises in varying flex, volume and construction. I found them comfy from the off, but off course that is all down to your foot shape.

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Thanks guys.
I'll take a look at the Cochise.
I'm also considering an alipne boot with hike mode as a boot to use for alpine, off piste and short hikes (currently looking at the Salomon Quest range), and then get a dedicated touring boot for tour holidays.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

In your situation I would look at a "one boot" solution. That is a crossover boot with both alpine and touring soles and dynafit inserts. Some of these will perform almost as well as a high end recreational boot and are fine for day touring. They will also future proof you if you get more serious and decide you want a proper touring ski with a tech binding. I'd look at the Salomon Quest range, the Tecnica Cochise and the Scarpa Freedom/Freedom SL as starting points then talk to a bootfitter and get something that fits.

Reasons being - you don't currently own skis and being able to rent something with an alpine binding will give you flexibility. Also, something like the Freedom SL is a lot of boot and you would need to be a very heavy/good skier recreational skier to need something more solid.

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Thanks guys, that sounds like what I'm after. I don't intend to buy alpine skis for piste, but want to use my boots for short touring excursions when on piste holidays with my partner.
So, those three boots will work fine with alpine fittings in rental shops?

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Certainly the Cochise will when it has the alpine sole on. You could then use it in say a Baron/Adrenalin/F12/Ambition type binding for touring, or if you wanted to use a pin binding or plan to do a lot of hiking in the boots get a set of rockered AT soles with DIN inserts.

After all it is free

All the things suggested so far have swappable soles. This is a bit of a fiddle but it does mean that you can put them in both alpine and AT bindings. Important to get them fitted properly - you are looking at quite similar products although the Freedom SL is a bit more touring oriented - so I'd make a decision based on fit.

also k2 pinnacles which don't require swapping a sole but do fit alpine, at or dynafit (pin bindings). i have the pinnacle 130 which are too stiff for proper touring. the next model down is cheaper and probably more useful. i think scott also do a cross over. choice should obviously be driven by fit as said above

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I have just been fitted with a pair of Solomon quest pro , perfect fit for my short/wide/foot , perform as well as my all out alpine boot , and work with my touring skis as well as powder and piste skis , the Cochise were my other choice but a little narrow for my wider foot . If you get the interchangeable soles can't see why you would struggle to get them adjusted to alpine bindings in resort .

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

This is great info, thanks guys. I'm currently leaning more toward the Salomon Quest range mainly because there are several dealers around Cardiff who stock them so I can try them on. Also, I too have wide feet (plus bunions). But, I've made a list so I can try on as many as possible.
I love buying kit, especially when it's not my money Very Happy

snow reports

@dylan32, I have wide feet and a bunion on right foot , the boot only required a small punch to toe box to accommodate the bump , then have skied 4 days straight all day no problems , great heel fit and performance , good luck with your search snowHead

Had Quest 120 for few years.Recently bought Black Diamond Factor MX130,much better fit around heel.

You know it makes sense.

Really very pleased with my Scarpa Freedom SL's after having done 4 days on them recently - however the right boot for you is the one that fits you best!

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Another +1 for the Scarpa SL if they fit. Only done a week in mine but they ski as well as my old Lange Comp 120 and tour well enough.

Help!!

Advice on AT boots

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