What are the replacement sole options for a solid lug boot?

[ScotsSkier]

The solid lifters are not Techica ones but from boot fitting suppliers like SVST. Personally I am willing to give up the N-N-Nth degre of a solid sole for something easier and safer to walk in. But I will admit I am not always on a race ski. I would be interested in you put a set of these soles on one boot and the solid smooth lifters on the other if you would notice the difference in a race course.

Yes, would actually be possible as I have a second identical pair with the solid lifter set up that has hardly been worn. The other thing I would be interested in is whether anyone has actually done any back to back objective/ measured testing on the comparative release values with the different lifters

 

[Philpug]

Yes, would actually be possible as I have a second identical pair with the solid lifter set up that has hardly been worn. The other thing I would be interested in is whether anyone has actually done any back to back objective/ measured testing on the comparative release values with the different lifters

Releast values should be identical, both have similar boot/binding contact areas.

 

[markojp]

You keep asserting this, but Start House refuses to sell em to me & stopped returning my calls, Peak Performance would not investigate getting them & Northern could not obtain them. Clearly there is a disconnect with Head on this as I just got Race Service clamps easier than lil plastic lifters.

Again, let me know if you want some. Happy to send a set.

 

[crgildart]

I'm REALLY tired of carrying around my Cat Tracks. I have to hide them near a fence at the resort, and last year, on closing day, some *%#@*!!! stole them.

I leave mine hanging on the cable lock left on the railing at the base where I lock my skis also. Get the lock and put on the Yak Track Ski Trax on my way back to the car at the end of the day.

 

[AmyPJ]

I leave mine hanging on the cable lock left on the railing at the base where I lock my skis also. Get the lock and put on the Yak Track Ski Trax on my way back to the car at the end of the day.

I don't want to deal with ANY of that. Typically, locks aren't needed here.

 

[Philpug]

@AmyPJ , I agree, I find car track and other walking devices to be more trouble than they are worth.

 

[Wade]

I leave mine hanging on the cable lock left on the railing at the base where I lock my skis also. Get the lock and put on the Yak Track Ski Trax on my way back to the car at the end of the day.

I don't want to deal with ANY of that. Typically, locks aren't needed here.

I've had Cat Tracks and now have have Yak Track Ski Trax. I just fold them over and tuck them up under the gaiters in my pants so that they rest on top of the elastic gaiter against the back of my boots. I never notice them when I'm skiing, they're easy to access, and I'm yet to lose one.

I'd prefer boot sole plates with better traction and durability, but I otherwise like my boots, so I'll put up with this for now. Assuming I don't need to compromise on fit and performance, I'll definitely be looking for soles that are more walkable and less of a pain in the butt next time around.

 

[crgildart]

I've had Cat Tracks and now have have Yak Track Ski Trax. I just fold them over and tuck them up under the gaiters in my pants so that they rest on top of the elastic gaiter against the back of my boots. I never notice them when I'm skiing, they're easy to access, and I'm yet to lose one.

I'd prefer boot sole plates with better traction and durability, but I otherwise like my boots, so I'll put up with this for now. Assuming I don't need to compromise on fit and performance, I'll definitely be looking for soles that are more walkable and less of a pain in the butt next time around.

Ya, I'll be looking for ski boots with rockered soles and tread before I ever consider giving up the Yak Trax. Now, when there is ample storage space in the lodge and no shuttle bus BFE parking booting up at the lodge is always the better option.. again with a good parking spot and a decent place to stash the boot bag.

Hopefully soon all ski boots will be way more walk friendly and not dangerous walking on icy lots and steps..

 

[AmyPJ]

I've had Cat Tracks and now have have Yak Track Ski Trax. I just fold them over and tuck them up under the gaiters in my pants so that they rest on top of the elastic gaiter against the back of my boots. I never notice them when I'm skiing, they're easy to access, and I'm yet to lose one.

I'd prefer boot sole plates with better traction and durability, but I otherwise like my boots, so I'll put up with this for now. Assuming I don't need to compromise on fit and performance, I'll definitely be looking for soles that are more walkable and less of a pain in the butt next time around.

I already have my boot heater battery packed that takes up space in the lower leg. I have tried shoving the Cat Tracks in there, too, and it drives me nuts AND they don't often stay put.
Yes, I'm Cinderalla. No, I'm not ashamed of that.

 

[TahoeCharlie]

@AmyPJ , I agree, I find car track and other walking devices to be more trouble than they are worth.

True, that's why I had @Philpug do my Raptors. But I must say cat-tracks saved my ass the last two years after falling several times the first year I had the Raptors.

 

[Brian Finch]

The Nordica GripWalks look more fitting, but with only 4 bolts I’m a lil skeptical. Someone will solve this I predict & make some $.

 

[markojp]

The Nordica GripWalks look more fitting, but with only 4 bolts I’m a lil skeptical. Someone will solve this I predict & make some $.

They work. The problem is solved. The Head vibrams are a PM away. The latter were standard on the Head Raptor overdrive a few seasons back.

 

[Erik Timmerman]

Pain in the ass walking and trying not to bust your ass in the parking lot is a time honored tradition in skiing. Smooth as glass race lifters for me please!

 

[4ster]

Looks like I'll put the Tecnica you linked on my Head B5 Raptor boots. Will report back. I think they actually had a Lange plate on them but still too stink-in' slippery.

I could use your Lange lifters if you’re done with them.
I like slippery

 

[ScotsSkier]

The solid lifters are not Techica ones but from boot fitting suppliers like SVST. Personally I am willing to give up the N-N-Nth degre of a solid sole for something easier and safer to walk in. But I will admit I am not always on a race ski. I would be interested in you put a set of these soles on one boot and the solid smooth lifters on the other if you would notice the difference in a race course

Hmm, just checked. The lifters are actually marked tecnica 6mm but nothing in the tecnica or Nordica listings looks similar Looks like it is the SVST versions I will need to source

 

[AmyPJ]

I could use your Lange lifters if you’re done with them.
I like slippery

The heels are a tad worn. Besides, it needs to snow so you actually come BACK! (This sucks, BTW.)

 

[Philpug]

Hmm, just checked. The lifters are actually marked tecnica 6mm but nothing in the tecnica or Nordica listings looks similar Looks like it is the SVST versions I will need to source

View attachment 35087 View attachment 35088 View attachment 35089

Yeah, Tecnica (and Nordica) did offer some of those solid lifters that are only slightly less slippery than the MPS 3, 5 or 6mm lifters. What is interesting is the amount if screws that are used verses the 4 (front) and 5 (rear) that the walking soles do. I would be interested if you would notice any loss skiing performance between the two.

 

[ScotsSkier]

Let's talk about some options Phil. I have 2 pairs the same so can compare

 

[AmyPJ]

Update on my stupid situation: I need toe lifts, particularly on the right-I-broke-my-leg-tore-my-LCL side. I tested out some shims under that toe plate yesterday, about 3mm worth, and it helped me a LOT. So, I'm thinking putting a thicker set of sole plates on is probably not going to work any more. Maybe a thicker TOE piece, but I'd need a more traditional heel piece.

Thoughts from the peanut gallery?
Seems I might be beholden to Cat Tracks after all. There's worse things, for sure. But, dammit!

 

[crgildart]

Thoughts from the peanut gallery?
Seems I might be beholden to Cat Tracks after all. There's worse things, for sure. But, dammit!

No "Cat Tracks". They suck compared to YakTrax SkiTrax..