Crispi leather in NA

[Woodserson]

I bit.

Honestly, I'd be stoked with that Lofoten GTX in a 75mm. I think that would be the ideal soft boot for me for my XCD pursuits.

EDIT for 411: I have the Antarctics already and now some T4's. I reserve my NNN BC stuff to my forest skis and keep the XCD stuff on 75mm (with regards to LJ whose NNN prowess I just cannot replicate). I really like the Antarctics but want just a bit more, with less fuss as the Svart... my logic.

[Cannatonic]

Agree, I would love to see Crispi make one more leather 75mm boot like the Antarcitic but stiffer - basically the Andrew Shoes Zenith. It looks like Andrew is still cranking them out but the only access for US buyers is through Bogong Sports halfway around the world. Although more NNNBC offerings are certainly appreciated.

I think the best boot for each person comes down to biology. Feet and biomechanics differ widely among different bodies. I used to room with a guy who could do aggressive snowboarding with simple felt-lined Sorel boots in the typical 2-strap bindings. The same setup absolutely killed me with extreme foot pain and lack of control. I needed a far more substantial boot, closer to a plastic ski boot. The bones in my foot are probably much weaker.

Also fit is important, the reason I must use 75mm welted leather is because my toe box and forefoot are EEEE width. The faux leather booties glued to the NNNBC sole just cannot fit me. If it weren't for highly stretch-able 75mm leather I would be out of this sport, in fact I was out of nordic skiing for about 10 years because of boots.

[lilcliffy]

I think the best boot for each person comes down to biology. Feet and biomechanics differ widely among different bodies. I used to room with a guy who could do aggressive snowboarding with simple felt-lined Sorel boots in the typical 2-strap bindings. The same setup absolutely killed me with extreme foot pain and lack of control. I needed a far more substantial boot, closer to a plastic ski boot. The bones in my foot are probably much weaker.

Also fit is important, the reason I must use 75mm welted leather is because my toe box and forefoot are EEEE width. The faux leather booties glued to the NNNBC sole just cannot fit me. If it weren't for highly stretch-able 75mm leather I would be out of this sport, in fact I was out of nordic skiing for about 10 years because of boots.

Awesome man- this is truth. This wise perspective should be in the background of every discussion regarding XC/XCD boots and bindings.

WELL SAID.

[MikeK]

I'm not sure we're going to get many more votes here. Those passionate about this stuff probably already voted, and those who don't care or don't know may never find it.

The good:

The 3 top models for votes are available in the US - whoohooo! So apparently they are on the mark. Perhaps they should carry more stock though, and perhaps maybe more in popular sizes 42-45?

The bad:

I don't know that there is enough interest that I'd even bother trying to ask about Lofoten.

The in-between:

Despite what anyone may say, and I have no idea for sure, but I'm thinking if you really did want a Lofoten, then a Svartisen would satisfy 99.9999% of your needs/wants. The upper buckle and cuff aren't obtrusive at all. Everything else, as far as I can tell, is just styling. That cuff weighs a few grams and so does the buckle. I don't think anyone could make a serious statement about the weight difference.

I think Crispi could keep improving their BC line and offer some cooler boots - perhaps a Norwegian welted leather with some internal heel support and a instep buckle? Likely won't happen as I'd bet the Norwegian welt boots are on the decline.

Perhaps breakout the Svartisen 75mm into a boot with a stiffer sole, maybe like the Fischer BCX 875?

Redesign the laces on the Svartisen to go down the toe more? Maybe replace the leather rand with rubber?