surfinsnow

I'm checking out some of these tomorrow. Supposedly REI and a local running store carry them...I can't imagine ordering something like this online without checking them out first, but I've bought a couple pairs of Sole flip flops, and they're awesome. Great arch support. I have really high arches, and the orthopedic surgeon says that's probably why I tore my metatarsal tendon and had to have surgery.

https://secure.yoursole.com/us/footbeds/softec-ultra/

My Thirty Two Focus Boas fit GREAT, so far. I've had them heat molded. I wear a 12 shoe and bout 12 boots...my toes still touch, but I've only ridden them three times. I'm getting a very slight heel lift, but maybe I just know how to dial them in properly yet...never used Boas. I like super stiff boots (riding a NS Titan with Flow NXT-FRS bindings), and don't like any lift. I think my old boots were too loose making me force down on my toes, and helped rip my tendon. Anyway, I've had good luck with Sole products, though I've never tried their footbeds. They're heat moldable, with instructions online how to do it at home, and they're not very expensive. I haven't installed the Thirty Two heel pads that came with the boots...they don't look like'd really do anything.

Mjigga99

I wouldn't know about the heel being raised by them too much. I've never tried changing to aftermarket insoles inside of the liners. I've used them in every other shoe though and the toe side always wore down before the heel side.

surfinsnow

The ones I linked to are the thickest ones they sell; 5.5mm, with a really high arch. They are specifically recommended for use in snowboard boots, so I'll give 'em a shot.

Gdog42

Sounds good, but aren't those ones pretty expensive, too?

timmytard

I think the after market insole is more of a rigidity thing, more than a high arch thing.

The Superfeet I had didn't seem to add a higher arch, just more rigid.

TT

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If whatever doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

Then I am so close to immortality

Gdog42

Today the size 14 boobs- no, I mean boots- arrived. Like the 13s, they're also nice!



I tried them on, did the same test where I removed the insole and stood on it, and walked around in them... too big.

The insoles were a little longer than my foot (about the same distance as the 13s were shorter.) This makes me a size 13.5, which I can't get in ThirtyTwo. Once again, I find myself in a situation where I just can't seem to win.

On the inside, I felt like I had about the same amount of room that I initially did with My old size 14 Ride boots, which have become too big after packing out. These have much better heel-hold, though.

Since I have these I might as well do a quick review of ThirtyTwo's Fast Track lacing system, which is the same on all their FT boots.

It was pretty good. I yanked the pull tabs while the laces were locked and nothing moved. Because of the way the lock is hinged, it only gets tighter on the laces if you pull them with it closed. I strapped in and rocked around quite a bit too, but they didn't come loose.




As far as speed goes, I was surprised to find that I was just as fast with the traditional lace version of the boot. These look cooler and are more fun to tie though. At first the pull tabs went everywhere when I pulled the handles, but then I held them in the center with my other hand and they were fine.

The true advantage of this lacing system is being able to adjust the lower section of the boot separately from the top section. It's a lot more effective and adjustable than the Boa system on my last boots. The handle storage being inside the tongue is a good idea. It looks a lot cleaner and lower-profile than other brands which have them on the outside.
They also include an extra set of laces, just in case.



So the laces are great. I much prefer these over Boas, but that's just me. As far as fit goes though, I'm leaning more towards the 13s. I might just pay the extra $20 and order those in the speed lace version. I don't think I'd mind waiting the extra week or so.

Here's a video of me putting one on to show how the speed laces work slightly differently than those from other brands:

luckboxing

My boots were half a size big and I brought them to a ski shop that did boot fitting. They cutout a cardboard-like material about the size of your insole to go under the liner in the boot, lifting it up a bit.

This did wonders and cost me $20 I think. Would be pretty easy to do yourself.

Gdog42

The other guys were saying that getting insoles to raise the heel would give me less foot length and allow me to fit better into the 13s. I guess in your case it made your feet slide forward so your toes were at the end., but I bet that that's because you had a lot less friction. Interesting.

luckboxing

The raised heel in my 32 insoles is higher than any of the aftermarket insoles I've seen.