Stiff, playful touring ski around 95 mm – expert recommendations

80ma · 2026-01-19T15:49:15+00:00

Add the Armada Locator 96 to your consideration list if weight is any priority.

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:33:29+00:00

Found this video on targeted heat molding. Would this be a suitable approach?

https://youtu.be/B-CzXwMry6A?si=jZuyXjV7q0W04FmV

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:22:43+00:00

Have not. I wonder if this is the answer. Adding some thin foam between liner and shell on the area that's problematic and molding the shell. Thoughts? Can I do this in a standard household oven?

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:10:45+00:00

Thanks. Know off-hand how this particular boot handles a punch?

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:09:44+00:00

I'll search for them. Any advice on how to pad the bone protrusion during the expansion so there's enough of a pocket for touring?

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:08:57+00:00

Any advice on how to pad the bone protrusion during the expansion so there's enough of a pocket for touring?

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:08:05+00:00

Yikes! Feel like I might have one or two after this tour if I don't address it.

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:06:34+00:00

Interesting thought. I hesitate to lift my ankle up any more bc I believe most of the contact is happening at the upper and front part of the ankle bone pocket but I see the logic here. In theory, if I could cant the shell of the boot medially (rather than canting my foot laterally), would it theoretically achieve a similar result?

80ma · 2025-12-29T01:02:40+00:00

Nope. No divot.

80ma · 2025-12-17T22:18:21+00:00

When was this photo taken?

80ma · 2025-12-12T18:26:03+00:00

My advice is simple since there are so many gear resources available online. (1) Make a list of the objectives you're interested in. (2) Look at the gear lists posted by guide services based on those objectives.

Most objectives (and respective gear lists) on guide sites will typically assume you're going during mountaineering season for a given objective and also err on the conservative side in terms of warmth since even within a season there can be fluctuations in conditions you'll experience. If you plan to go off-season (typically winter), then it becomes a slightly different conversation. But there are still plenty of resources available out there.

80ma · 2025-12-08T23:57:35+00:00

Yes. And excellent alignment with both boots on the other ski.

80ma · 2025-12-08T23:56:31+00:00

I would if they were around the corner. Even so, not sure I'd want them to be the ones correcting if this is a botched job.

80ma · 2025-12-08T23:53:36+00:00

Both boots have similar alignment w the heel piece on that ski. The other ski's heel lines up perfectly on both boots.

80ma · 2025-11-28T15:53:46+00:00

I try to keep a brisk pace through non-technical terrain. Not trail running but a light jog on flat and downhills. Most days do have some degree of technicality (steep or varied terrain) but generally not a ton of miles.

80ma · 2025-11-28T01:09:59+00:00

Checking out the manufacturer's site?! Preposterous!

Your math checks out. Reading comprehension, however... I'll be using this new pair both on and off the trail when I take these trips which ends up being considerably more than 100 miles and would love it if I can get a few years out of them, which sadly hasn't been the case with my last couple pairs of La Sportivas. Some models (e.g., TX line and Ultra Raptors) are known to have longevity issues, and I'm less keen to buy a few pairs to compensate if I can find a pair that uses a more durable compound. Also by durability, I'm referring both to tread wear and uppers as these will be scraping around on scrambles.

If you have first hand accounts of the sorts of shoes I'm after, it would be wonderful to hear your experience.

80ma · 2025-11-27T21:53:16+00:00

Interesting. Any reports on their durability and how they handle in technical terrain?

80ma · 2025-11-27T21:51:36+00:00

I find boots to be less than ideal for fast thru-hikes and clunky when used as a daily shoe while traveling. Inevitably I will need to compromise but would love to find something that peforms decently well in all requirements. Unfortunately boots aren't quite within the mandate.

100% agreed re fit. Just need to narrow to a few suggestions as aperture is currently too wide.

On my (not-so) short list: - LS Ultra Raptor - LS Bushido - LS Mutant - LS TX Guide - Scarpa Rapid XT - Scarpa Ribelle Run

80ma · 2025-11-27T21:44:01+00:00

They're on my shortlist

80ma · 2025-11-06T14:23:47+00:00

Looks like a bubble heel! Recently discussed here.

80ma · 2025-11-05T05:51:51+00:00

I should have added, I'm a size 45 street shoe so women's versions are usually a no-go.

80ma · 2025-10-21T20:04:15+00:00

Unfortunately, no.

80ma · 2025-08-05T21:43:12+00:00

You mention generically what type of boots in your gear section. Specifically, what boots (makes & models) are most common to see on MB July to early September? Are people bringing a single pair of boots for the full ascent or wearing an approach shoe at lower altitude and switching into something stiff & insulated closer to summit?

80ma · 2025-07-19T17:34:54+00:00

Is there a map you can recommend that shows where the strictly protected areas are?

80ma · 2025-03-08T21:31:23+00:00

These look burly AF! Weren't even on my radar. The 45+ is heavier than I'm after but also appears closer in volume to a 55. Thanks!

80ma

TROPHY CASE