Att zipfit gurus!

[DoubleBogey]

It looks like the Freeride liner. I wonder if there’s interior leather/exterior

[M3Mike02]

After more than a decade using intuitions I spent my first winter in zipfit workhorses this past year in NZ. I'm converted for sure.
Turns out cochise 130 shells are a bit more high volume than I need, even in the right size. The intuitions were filling all the extra space.
I had to pump 4 extra tubes of cork into each liner. At some point I think maybe I've added too much, or its in the wrong place. I tried to distribute it evenly between both sides, and the tongues.

I think the cork might be twisting my feet like this... \ / and I'm getting quite bad pressure on the 6th toe area, even after having punches done to the shells. Anyone else experience this? Any suggestions?

I'm also adjusting to how much room there is in the toe box and it feels like the front half of my foot is just floating out there. Maybe the extra room is contributing to that movement? I've read through as much of this thread as I could, it sounds like some people are putting shims under their footbeds to take up space?

[gwat]

I’ve had a similar path to you…thought Intuitions were the ticket till they packed out one too many times, switched to Zipfits (and will never look back), had to pump a bunch of cork into the World Cup Sidewinder liners, fit was decent around the ankle but the front half of my foot was floating in space.

I have finally just sized down one shell size, and with an LV Zipfit I think things will finally be dialled in.

So maybe you need a smaller shell?

[FloridaSnow]

It looks like the Freeride liner. I wonder if there’s interior leather/exterior

according to Jeff from zipfit it’s just a freeride in custom colors. Nothing else is different spec wise.

[GoldenBC]

Interesting warranty info regarding too much cork https://app.zipfit.com/warranty

The zips definitely give you much for room in the forefoot. If you are in the right shell size, try shimming the foot up as it will be narrower higher up in the shell. It’s tough fitting zips into old boots. You may find that you would choose a completely different shell knowing you want zips.

Adding a ton of cork is tricky. The pockets are relatively small and they get quite bulbous when really filled. It doesn’t always work for people. Zips are definitely preferable in a tight shell fit and not a roomy shell fit that needs a bunch of volume filled. The cork moves around too much. And as mentioned, the pockets start getting weird shapes.

You are probably correct on your stance alteration causing problems. Adding to that, the thin forefoot doesn’t give padding like you once had.

[FloridaSnow]

Started molding tonight.

[criscam]

just picked up some Gara's to put in some Lange Shadows. Without going back thru this thread due to the site being extra slow lately, what is everyone's preferred heating method for a DIY home fit? I think i was leaning hair dryer or boot dryer but....

[naedward81]

just picked up some Gara's to put in some Lange Shadows. Without going back thru this thread due to the site being extra slow lately, what is everyone's preferred heating method for a DIY home fit? I think i was leaning hair dryer or boot dryer but....

The microwave instructions worked for me, quick bursts.

[FloridaSnow]

just picked up some Gara's to put in some Lange Shadows. Without going back thru this thread due to the site being extra slow lately, what is everyone's preferred heating method for a DIY home fit? I think i was leaning hair dryer or boot dryer but....

so I did a convection oven for my first three initial molds. Work well but I noticed the sole on the toes started lifting up. Once cooked they stuck right back in place but for the last three I used the microwave and got better results. Felt like the cork got warmer and was easier to mold. Did 20 sec burst on each side.
used the good old Florida boot oven to heat the shell.

[Gepeto]

The microwave instructions worked for me, quick bursts.

Remove the velcro strap. The metal buckle can do some damage once hot enough

[Skistack]

Or it can cause an arc, as I found out.


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[FloridaSnow]

Remove the velcro strap. The metal buckle can do some damage once hot enough

not saying you’re wrong. Just interesting zipfit doesn’t mention needing to remove the strap.

[Gepeto]

It didn't happen the first two heat sessions. I lean into diminishing returns, and this happened.

[FloridaSnow]

It didn't happen the first two heat sessions. I lean into diminishing returns, and this happened.

how long did you heat it for?

I did 20 seconds each side and never got anywhere near that hot. And was any of the black paint already chipped off? Supposedly if it’s been chipped you can cause issues microwaving. So new shouldn’t be an issue.

[Gepeto]

...So new shouldn’t be an issue.

30sec - 1100watts

I had skied them

Buckle was touching the liner

A little smoke is all. Works fine

[jackattack]

I wrap the liner in an old towel or tshirt to go in the microwave. I’ve never noticed any sparking or smoking. Pull the footbeds but otherwise leave them intact.

[TAFKALVS]

Those of us who have low volume height (but not width) forefoot what is your best solution for taking up vertical volume over the forefoot where the liner flips to neoprene? I wish zipfit made a liner with cork on top of the foot down to the toe box.

[mr_pretzel]

Those of us who have low volume height (but not width) forefoot what is your best solution for taking up vertical volume over the forefoot where the liner flips to neoprene? I wish zipfit made a liner with cork on top of the foot down to the toe box.

There is no good solution, I've tried sticking foam on the neoprene but it just eventually falls off.

If you can shim the whole boot that is an option, but that doesn't always work depending on the heel cup and instep.

Maybe they could make like an extra neoprene sock or something to go on just the forefoot.

[Ørion]

Those of us who have low volume height (but not width) forefoot what is your best solution for taking up vertical volume over the forefoot where the liner flips to neoprene? I wish zipfit made a liner with cork on top of the foot down to the toe box.

Killed two birds with one stone for me, gas pedaled my insole.

[waxman]

There is no good solution, I've tried sticking foam on the neoprene but it just eventually falls off.

If you can shim the whole boot that is an option, but that doesn't always work depending on the heel cup and instep.

Maybe they could make like an extra neoprene sock or something to go on just the forefoot.

I wonder if the neoprene toe covers that SVST sells for boot fitting would work? Or cut the toes off wading/water shoes?

[waxman]

There is no good solution, I've tried sticking foam on the neoprene but it just eventually falls off.

If you can shim the whole boot that is an option, but that doesn't always work depending on the heel cup and instep.

Maybe they could make like an extra neoprene sock or something to go on just the forefoot.

I wonder if the neoprene toe covers that SVST sells for boot fitting would work? Or cut the toes off wading/water shoes?

[Gepeto]

Thinkin this stuff...
Craft Felt Fabric Sheets https://a.co/d/5i2J3wt
I need to gain toebox roof contact/less volume.

And possibly line with this if there's room
HBC Merino Wool Blend Felt Crafting Sheets https://a.co/d/4r03W83

[TAFKALVS]

How will you keep it attached though?

[Gepeto]

How will you keep it attached though?

Both referenced materials are adhesive backed. Some heat gun to get good activation

[jmills]

Thinkin this stuff...
Craft Felt Fabric Sheets https://a.co/d/5i2J3wt
I need to gain toebox roof contact/less volume.

And possibly line with this if there's room
HBC Merino Wool Blend Felt Crafting Sheets https://a.co/d/4r03W83

The adhesive on the 10x10 sheets is pretty good, add a strip of gaffe tape if needed
https://www.tognar.com/ski-and-snowb...-foam-10-x-10/