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686/New Balance boots

18K views 29 replies 11 participants last post by  wernersl 
#1 ·
Has anyone ever tried the 686 New Balance boots? I had never seen them before last week and picked up a 2010 Double Boa version marked down from $300 to $129. I couldn't believe how well they fit. I bought them because of the fit and I couldn't beat the price (I almost bought off-the-rack Burton Raptors) but now I cannot find but one vague review (positive though) of them online.

Just curious. Anything is an improvement from my 10 year old Rossis but these fit perfectly. Too perfectly?
 
#3 ·
Just an update.

I am loving the 686/NB 580 double Boas. I've been wearing them around the house at night to try to break them in before next week. I initially thought I would wear them tightened as much as possible (because I could never get my old boots tight enough and I thought the Boa would help) but I am finding that "cranked down" causes hotspots whereas "just snug" feels nice.
 
#7 ·
I wear my snowboard boots a half-size or so smaller than regular shoes. I want to feel the boot edge with my toes.

I had not tried this one beforehand (which goes against everything I usually say) but I told myself the deal was too good to pass up and I could return them if they didn't fit. Thankfully, they did.
 
#11 ·
Well, I can't - and only one other person here has 686/NB boots.

Either buy some online knowing you are willing to return them if they don't fit (check the return policy!) or try them on in a store first. Given that these were closeouts, I had to do the former - but everthing worked out fine.
 
#14 ·
old thread revival here...

i just picked up the 580 double boas over labor day at a shop in Big Bear, CA. marked down to 99! couldnt believe the fit. the fit much like their sneakers in size and are super comfortable. i put em on and played with the kids outside for like 4 hours and almost forgot i was wearing snow boots. i havent ridden them yet, as nothing near me is open yet. feels like a good stiff boot though. thats what i was hoping for. my DCs packed out way too much and are too loose, plus have numerous "hot spots" or pressure points. they made my feet ache until they went numb. not a good combo for freeriding! or any type of riding for that matter.

if i remember, i will come back and update with my thoughts on the boots. the wife finally let me get a season pass this year, so really hoping for a good winter to put em through the paces; no pun intended.
 
#15 ·
Surprisingly, REI started carrying them this year. Pretty shocked that they have them while none of the core local shops carry them such as Evo and Snowboard Connection. I tried them on, loved them, and swiped my cc. Tried them out for the first time yesterday so will have to throw up a review at some point.
 
#18 ·
i rode the 790's the first season they came out... and they were horrible. I seriously couldnt be in them for an hour... they made my feet hurt and cramp. i have no idea why. i work at a shop and worn plenty of boots. but this just didn't mingle with me feet well. compared to my nike vapens. they were a stiffer boot than vapens.
 
#21 ·
I've had near the exact opposite experience as zk0ot. Tried on a pr of Nikes (ZF1s) at the store & couldn't get them off fast enough. They immediately made my feet hurt. Kind of odd seeing as I wear Nike shoes daily. Then I tried on a pr of 686/NBs (580 speed lace). So plush. On the stiffer side, but that's what I like. I've been wearing them for a season now & continue to like them. They may be a bit bulkier than some boots out there, but that doesn't really bother me.

I don't mean to say this like zk0ot is wrong. Instead to point out that not every boot is for everyone and that you really need to try before you buy.
 
#22 ·
Ok...so Ive ridden the 580 focus boa 8 days so far this season. Let me start by saying I do not spend any time in the park. I am a cruiser and high speed charger. This is a STIFF boot, but I have to say they are the most comfortable Ive ridden to date. I really like the focus boa system, which makes getting in and out a breeze. Its also nice to be able to loosen up with a snap between runs. Ive ridden in a variety of conditions so far this season...everything from slushy early season crap to about a foot of powder. These boots are extremely responsive. Actually loosened up the ratchets a bit till I got used to the response. That teamed with my NS RaptorX with Rome Arsenal bindings, I dont want to sneeze on a high speed charge.

With that said, I did have a problem with one of the ratches. On the left boot while cranking on the lower ratchet (side of the boot) I noticed the ratchet wouldnt lock properly. Luckily it was the lower section of the boot and I dont crank those down to tight anyway. I contacted boa...not new balance/686 and I have a replacement kit, as well as an additional side and tounge ratchet kit on the way (for spares). 22 bucks in the shopping cart, but once the order was placed it was on the house. Just used the redeem guarantee and it brings you to the warranty page. https://www2.boatechnology.com/warranty.php. Good to know for anyone with the boa system.

the moral of the story...I will continue to jam on this boot this season and will only replace if I totally screw them up. Otherwise I dont see myself switching boots any time soon.
 
#25 ·
how is it in terms of stiffness? i am riding an 6 year old Salmon Dialogue and think they are mid stiff ( 5 or 6 rating)?

sometimes i do notice my turns are sloppy and slow to go toe to heel. i wonder if a stiffer boot is what i need to upgrade to.

thanks for replying to this 2year old thread! :)
 
#27 ·
I ended up having to return these boots, luckily I got them from REI. They broke down after only maybe 30 days of riding with plenty of hiking mixed in there. One of the main issues was that the lower zone wouldn't get as tight as I needed it. Tightening the lower zone to its limit may have also related to the other issue, which was when the ankle area broke down and no longer provided proper support. I should have taken some pics, as I can't really describe how it looked. Basically they were very comfortable out of the box, and were great for the first 20 days, then started to break down rapidly.
 
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