The boot thread

[eleveneightnate]

Man, this is really great to hear I just wish the Rift was in that 7-8/10 flex zone instead of 6. I still may try some out anyway.

6/10 might be generous. Just tried on a set of NIB Adidas Tacticals, a 6.5-7/10 boot by my scale, and they felt substantially stiffer than the Altais (7/10).

If that rating’s consistent a “9/10” Kita might be right in my wheelhouse.

The Kita might be the play then. My control boots are Acerras, so if the Kita's are around that flex they'd be perfect.

[kimchi]

Man, this is really great to hear I just wish the Rift was in that 7-8/10 flex zone instead of 6. I still may try some out anyway.

6/10 might be generous. Just tried on a set of NIB Adidas Tacticals, a 6.5-7/10 boot by my scale, and they felt substantially stiffer than the Altais (7/10).

If that rating’s consistent a “9/10” Kita might be right in my wheelhouse.

The Kita might be the play then. My control boots are Acerras, so if the Kita's are around that flex they'd be perfect.

FWIW multiple reviews on the Nidecker product page say the Kita is softer than 9/10... consensus seems to be more like 7-8 after break-in. So these are suddenly pretty high on my try-on list, although I'll almost certainly have to order online. The nearest boot dealer that might carry them is probably 200 miles away in the next state over.

[Kevington]

The Kita might be the play then. My control boots are Acerras, so if the Kita's are around that flex they'd be perfect.
[/quote]

FWIW multiple reviews on the Nidecker product page say the Kita is softer than 9/10... consensus seems to be more like 7-8 after break-in. So these are suddenly pretty high on my try-on list, although I'll almost certainly have to order online. The nearest boot dealer that might carry them is probably 200 miles away in the next state over.
[/quote]

I'd guess the Kita is comparable with the Ion, especially seeing as Ex-Burton guy is involved. I'd like to try a pair.

[eleveneightnate]

FWIW multiple reviews on the Nidecker product page say the Kita is softer than 9/10... consensus seems to be more like 7-8 after break-in. So these are suddenly pretty high on my try-on list, although I'll almost certainly have to order online. The nearest boot dealer that might carry them is probably 200 miles away in the next state over.

Who's gonna be the guinea pig?

[pow_hnd]

Who's gonna be the guinea pig?

Even though yes, it's not a local shop, Backcountry carries all the boots. With their return policy, that would be a way to try out a few pairs before pulling the trigger.

[kimchi]

Who's gonna be the guinea pig?

Even though yes, it's not a local shop, Backcountry carries all the boots. With their return policy, that would be a way to try out a few pairs before pulling the trigger.

I haven't bought anything from Backcountry since the trademark controversy in 2019 and have generally shifted my spend to locals-- but I'm considering making an exception here.

Trying new boots is so fraught, and Nidecker proper's footprint in the US is so small even finding a pair to try on at a local shop will be tough. Even the retailer stocking them is a big box store, and they only carry two boots-- my guess would be they only brought in Nidecker so they could sell the Supermatic.

[Kevington]

I’ll stomp around in a pair at my local shop as soon as they get some in stock. Do a bunch of squats. They have the new US boards in so I have some hand flex business and side cut eyeballing to take care of down there anyway. I kind of resent the place as they mostly do skis and SUPs so I’m shameless with it.

[eleveneightnate]

Even though yes, it's not a local shop, Backcountry carries all the boots. With their return policy, that would be a way to try out a few pairs before pulling the trigger.

Solid option, and maybe they even end up on Geartrade after that haha.

I was leaning toward Christy Sports since they're local-ish, but they don't stock the Kita, unfortunately. It looks like with Backcountry I can order as many sizes as needed and send them back with the one $6.99 return label.

Side note: totally forgot E.Jack signed with Nidecker boots and he rocks the Kitas:

[eleveneightnate]

Trying new boots is so fraught, and Nidecker proper's footprint in the US is so small even finding a pair to try on at a local shop will be tough. Even the retailer stocking them is a big box store, and they only carry two boots-- my guess would be they only brought in Nidecker so they could sell the Supermatic.

I know it's the Good Ride, but he has some nice data points on the Rifts in this review compared to Tacticals and Kendos. He also has a review for the Kitas.

[kimchi]

Lol I increasingly have some measure of respect for The Good Ride. At least he'll showcase footage of himself riding, unlike other Youtube reviewers.

Edit: Then I watched the video LOL.

He says every boot with an articulating cuff has "superior flex retention technology" lol. You can't actually test that unless you ride a boot 20-30+ days.

Also he compares the footprint and basically leaves it at "they're the same length!" but you can clearly see the Burton also has a more raised toe position and more heel taper... even if they're the same length, the Burton's going to get you more clearance.

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Just real simple stuff that leaves me shaking my head.