Scarpa T4 sizing

[CwmRaider]

Im in the market for a pair of Scarpa T4's to have a more beefy vertical setup to complement the touring setup, which I am happy with.

For touring I use Crispi Bre boots size 46 euro (12.5 US). They fit perfectly with one pair of socks and snugly with 2 pairs.
Any size smaller feels too tight. Crispi Stetind was the same. Fischer and Lundhags boots (not ski boots) are good also in size 46.

Today I went to the only shop in town which sells T4s. They did not have my size in stock. They measured my feet and suggested a mondo point 290. I tried a Scarpa TX pro size 290, they were uncomfortable, and I then tried a pair of TX pro size 295 (300 shell) and they were still too small, especially tight around the center of the foot. The toes may have been OK.
They will order 300 as a non binding order, if they don't fit I can try another size eg. 310, or cancel.
My question is, if the boot is tight when initially fitting, how much will the fit loosen when thermoforming the liners?
Is it OK to have a boot which is too long and at the same time the proper size for the rest of the foot?
I can theoretically order Scott Excursions but they would be specially imported for me, so it would be a binding order and I wouldn't be able to return them. So I would rather not go down that road.
Does anyone have both Crispi leathers and Scarpa T4 boots to compare the sizes?

[Franz]

Not exactly what you asked but, I have Crispi Antarctics (Bre) and Scott Excursions. The Crispi is a size 43 and fits like a glove. The Excursion is mondo 28.0 and fits equally as well. My US men's size is 10.

[lowangle al]

Unfortunately you won't know exactly how they fit until you heat and mould the liners. Do a shell fit test first and hope for the best. My T2s are 26.5 and are a performance fit and my T4s are a 27.5 and are very comfortable. My foot measures 26cm x 110mm, they are EEEE width.

[joeatomictoad]

Do a shell fit test first...

I agree 100% with lowangle al.

Newer liner material is quite clever with the thermo-moulding. I purchased T1's over internet last year. Was considering to throw in the towel, but visited the boot fitter first. He did a proper liner baking, and the difference was extremely significant. (My previous boot purchase was about 20-years prior, so I was rather ignorant to the newer boot technologies.)

I know T1's and T4's are using different liners and materials (still both closed cell EVA foam manufactured by Intuition). However, If you have a competent boot fitter, and your shell fit is good... you can have confidence that the T4's will perform as per specs and will be comfortable.

[CwmRaider]

Thanks for the feedback, Ill do a shell fit test first.
The shop said they could help me forming the liner properly
Cheers
Roelant

[kniepisler]

I would strongly recommend getting the Scott Excursion over the T4's. My own personal experience plus what I've read from others can attest to it. The T4's ate my feet up initially and continually even after professional boot fitting and moulding plus aftermarket insoles. In my opinion/experience the overall design of the shell and liner cannot keep your heel seated in the pocket which causes significant blistering on the insides of your heels even on short trips. I switched to the Excursions and haven't looked back since.

That said, I ski 29.5 (liners , 30 shell) Scarpas Tx-comps and they fit great, my Euro size is 47 and American is 12.5/13. For what it's worth my Alpina Alaskas EU47 also fit like a dream even with my wide platypus-like feet. This fall I purchased a pair of T2's 29.5 and when I first tried them on was worried that they were too narrow, but after the first ski, they also fit great. Scarpa seems to have a consistent shape to their tall tele-boots but not the T4's.

Hope this helps some.

KP

[CwmRaider]

I would strongly recommend getting the Scott Excursion over the T4's.
KP

Thanks for the suggestion, however the Excursions are not on the Norwegian market, the only way to get them is to have them imported at my cost and pray to the gods that they fit. So I MAY consider this if other options fail.

A lot of people seem happy with T4s... others like the Excursions. I hope that I am in the former category.

Edit: My difficulties in locating them led me to browse around websites in other languages to find out what's going on.
So according to this french site:
https://www.skirandonneenordique.com/ac ... ment-fini/
The Excursions are not made anymore! since early last year.
After the purchasing of Garmont by Scott, the Scott Excursion was only manufactured for the US market and on demand in small volume for certain retailers in France.

My chances of finding one in my size seem VERY slim.
Crossing my fingers for the T4s to fit.
Cheers

[Rodbelan]

It depends on the shape of your feet... T4 fits me better than Excursion, especially with the thermo liner... The older liner was effectively hellish... Excursion is a little lighter (mine came with G/fit liners), a little more supple. T4 is a tad burlier, offers more support...

[joeatomictoad]

@Roelant
When doing the shell fit, ensure the shell volume compliments your foot volume. If it's less than a finger between the top of your foot and the shell, this may be uncomfortable for repetitive striding and gliding. (shell fit = checking lenght, last, and volume)

Believe the Scott Excursion is a higher volume boot. Last widths between these two boots are spec'd the same at 102-mm.

If you desire more smiles on the flats, then another option may be the Crispi Svartisen.... but this may not be a good option if you desire more smiles on the down.

[lowangle al]

I have had problems with T4s hurting my ankles. Then I saw a 30 second video about them from Scarpa that said they were designed to be skied with the lower buckle tight and the upper buckle loose. This seemed to solve the problem but earlier this season I must have had them too tight because the problem came back, on one foot anyway. Now my ankle is bruised and I have to wear them really loose to compensate. Keep this in mind and maybe try to google that video.