As many of you are finding out or have found out in the past 6 months, Koflach is no longer making plastic boots. We used Koflach boots in our rental fleet for the past 12 years, and are sorry to see them go. The one reason we liked Koflach is because in a rental fleet, they fit a wide range of feet well. Over the past 6 months, we have studied and tried the three remaining plastic boot companies to determine who we should go with in the future. We will carry Scarpa Inverno and Omega, Asolo AFS boots, along with the Lowa Cirvetta boots in our retail store. We have decided to carry the Scarpa Inverno boots in our rental fleet and will recommend the Scarpa Inverno with high alititude liners for those who are going to Denali. We are also in the midst of getting feedback from a dozen or so mountain guides in regards to the leather boot world. We carry some leather boots, but after we collect our data from the past 12 months we will be recommending leather options for Rainier and other mountains.
Sizing plastic boots can be very confusing below you will find sizing info for the Scarpa Boots
Sizing:
Scarpa manufactures its boots in whole AND half sizes, but the markings on the boots and packaging can be confusing. Here are several things to be aware of when you receive your new boots:
The sizes listed on the packaging and the boot components are given in UK sizes. UK sizes are one full size smaller than US sizes. Example: A size 10 UK is a size 11 US, and a size 10.5 UK is a size 11.5 US.
The inner boot (liner) is made in whole and half sizes. It is clearly labeled in UK sizes on the back of the ankle.
The outer shell boot is only made in whole sizes. Therefore, any half size boots use an outer shell that is one half size bigger than the inner boot. Example: A size 10.5 boot uses a size 10.5 inner boot and a size 11 outer shell. Sizes can be found in two places on the outer shell. The most obvious one is inside the collar of the boot (the flexible, hinged ankle portion). However, this is not the true size of the boot; it is simply the collar size. The true boot size is found just below the collar on inside of the main portion of boot, again in UK sizes.
Confused? Here is one final example: You ordered a size 9.5 US boot. The inner boot will be labeled 8.5, and the outer shell will be labeled 9. There may also be a small gold sticker on the outside of the shell identifying the boot as an 8.5.
Fit:
Be sure to wear appropriate socks when trying your boots on. We recommend a well-cushioned wool sock layered over a thin liner sock. When you lace your boots up, be sure to leave them loose around your ankle to allow for movement and to avoid bruising your shins. Walk around: your boots should feel loose but not sloppy. Unlike hiking boots or ski boots, it is normal for your heel to lift up inside of the boot when you walk. Now kick the toe of the boot into the ground: if your toes hit hard into the front of the boot, they may be too small. Remember, your feet will swell throughout the day, so it is a good idea to try your boots on after a long day on your feet.
Still confused about sizing? Not sure if the boots fit? Give us a call with any questions at 800-238-5756.
5 comments:
I am sorry to see Koflack go, I have wide feet that don't fit well in other boots.
Why has Koflach stopped making plastic boots if mountaineers like them so much? What is it about the leather/synthetic boots that makes them a better choice?
It seems as if Asolo is continuing to make plastic boots. I've had Asolo leather backpacking boots for years and love them. Do folks find Asolo's plastic boots to work well?
Great stuff.. Those plastic mountaineering boots looks very trendy, comfy and durable. I try to get one of them for my next camping.
I understand the problems of using mountaineering boots with randonee bindings (poor skiing performance, possible non-release on a fall).
But I used to use my Koflach boots (may they rest in peace) with randonee bindings, and I miss this capability. Is it possible to use the Scarpa Invernos with randonee bindings? If not, what (if any) mountaineering boots will work with randonee bindings?
I've read that Invernos can be used for Randonee, however I can't personally vouch for their performance. The Omega's are apparently too soft for good performance while skiing.
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