Re: Fischer Boot Sizing
- From: Marsh Jones <marshjones@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 04 Nov 2005 15:14:54 -0600
Wow, what a day's worth of info. As I've mentioned before, I'm a fairly good fit for Carbons. I love my Carbon classics, but wasn't overjoyed with the height and flex of the skate. I skied for a year in Rossi Xiums, but they just never felt quite 'right', and I do not like the heel on their classics. Having 2 binding systems wasn't real fun.
So Greg at FinnSisu had me try the Centrix skate. I'm comfortable on 5wheel skates, so the wrap-around footbed isn't a new idea. It took me about 2-3 weeks to get the fit down. I wound up using a volume reducing shim and Green Superfeet, plus a heel wedge to get the fit pretty good. I also replaced those POS laces that came stock with Salomon quick-laces. Beats the heck out of the stock laces.
So where am I? I like the ankle flexation much better. The footbed stability gives me very good control on descents, and I think the more square toe on the nose fits makes it more noticable when you push back instead of out. They are reasonably light, warm -definitely better than Carbons, and since changing the laces, I haven't had any problems with wear. I'd probably be happier if I could mold them a little tighter, but then again I'm not paying for custom fitting.
One tip, regardless of boot vendor. If your boots don't fit quite right, even if you don't use custom orthotics, having a footbed molded to your feet is a huge improvement. In the 'Cities, I think REI Bloomington and Hoigaards have the equipment to form insoles to your particular foot. It's a very inexpensive way to greatly improve your boots.
Marsh Jones
Norski wrote:
Two weeks ago, we did the four hour drive down to Mpls for 'Fischer University'. Fischer USA flew in Adi Luzlbauer (Centrix boot engineer) and Hans Hubinger (Nordic race ski engineer) from Austria to present this years product improvements. Adi is a 'shoe maker' by profession and is very passionate about making the best boot. They have some good design ideas worth trying. The name 'Centrix' means to 'center' the foot in the boot for a stable position. By having a rounded last, the foot is snuggled into the boot. The image Adi presented was a round ball on a flat surface - the ball (your foot) wants to roll and is not stable. Now put the ball into a valley. It will find the bottom and not rock from side to side. They call this the 'Integrated footbed' The integrated footbed works in combination with the 'tape lacing'. These are 5 'straps' running across the top and upper portion of the boot to lock the foot into the heel of the boot. The idea I believe, is similar to the straps on cycling shoes. Only the foot is more cradled into the heel of the boot rather than pushed down from above, as in a cycling shoe. Adi demonstrated how a person should put on the boot. First, the outer cover is 'peeled down', opening up the inner boot. For me, this is a big improvement over the Salomon Carbon boot, which is difficult to get into. Next, sit down and push the foot into the heel (this was his most important item). Tighten the laces, starting at the bottom, with not too much pressure on the instep. He also said the toes should be able to wiggle. This is a design feature to help keep your feet warm. While I can ski all day in the Salomon Skate 9, I could only use the Salomon Carbons in races and had to use the 'chemical toe warmers' to keep my feet from freezing up. After 5 hours, Adi was still talking and would have kept going, but they stopped him, as time was running out. He was just getting into modifying boots to get the perfect fit. On the Centrix boot, there is an additional insole, called the 'volume reduction part'. Adi said this can be cut with a pair of scissors to reduce pressure points on the bottom of the foot. He also had a Dremel grinder with him. As Gene pointed out, pressure points on the sides of a boot can be addressed too. Adi pulled out a 'shoe makers tool'. It was about 2' long and shaped like a pair of pliers. He then proceeded to push out a half inch 'wart' on the side of a pair of Centrixs to demonstrate removing a pressure point. Adi said a dealer or consumer could do the same by using a heat gun and pushing outward from the inside with the handle of a screwdriver. They didn't say anything about the length or size of this years Centrixs being changed from previous years. However, the inner boot is new. It is lower and more flexible. There is a new lining with 2mm of foam padding and heel reinforcement. The boot stiffener is softer. Laces are now 100% nylon and a quick lacing system. New zipper with a manual lock (push down to lock). Quality control on the two steel pins. His suggestion to consumers is to wear the same socks as for skiing when fitting new boots at a dealer. Feet will get bigger during the day by 5-8%. Left and right foot differ in size. The last thing Adi told the dealers, was not to pressure consumers into buying the boot if it didn't fit. I believe he is sincere in feeling the Centrix is the best design, but knows it will not work for everyone. The Centrix boot is worth trying for the design features and many shops have demos available. I suppose I've posted too many details, as engineers tend to do, but I hope this is of some value.
Disclaimer-Fischer is the equipment supplier for our private race team.
Paul Haltvick Bay Design and Build - LLC Engineering, Construction and Information Technology Services Ashland, WI.
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