
Imported.
Item 823021
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Reviewed by 2 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-2
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vans Veil Boa Focus Snowboard Boots - Women's - 2011/2012:
I previously had a pair of Burton Axel boots, which were way too soft and flexible for me. After shopping around, I decided on these Vans. Factoring in the discount because they were from last season, it seemed like a good deal.
If you are looking for a stiff boot, these are for you. The tongue and parts of the side (the shiny panels in the picture) are actually hard plastic. I like the stiffness from a boarding perspective - it helps through the turns and I feel "locked in" to the board. They are not nearly as stiff as a ski boot, but they far from strapping in Sorels like the old days.
The boa lace system is a big plus. It lets me quickly tighten up the boots even when strapped into the bindings. I always felt like my old boots were too loose and it was a production to tighten them. Sometimes I would just leave my old boots too loose because my friends hated waiting for me. That is never a good idea, and now with a quick crank I feel like I am good to go.
Now for the negatives... I do not think these boots were designed specifically for women. The back comes pretty high on your calves (and I do not have large calves). There is also not enough cushioning at the top of the collar so the hard plastic ends up digging into your calf a bit. I actually had some bruising after boarding for a couple days.
While the boa lace system is nice for adjusting the outer boot, the liner adjustment does NOT have a boa tightening system. They just have an internal lace with a cheap plastic locking mechanism at the top. This plastic locking mechanism totally stinks -- it is very hard to get the inner liner tight because this plastic piece rarely locks the lace in place. Burton has a similar plastic lock for the liners, but the Burton one is slightly better. I think if I replace this plastic piece with something a bit more reliable, I would be very happy.
In my old boots I got tons of heel lift. Much less with these boots. If I can get the liners locked in a bit tighter, I think I could totally eliminate the heel lift.
At the end of the day, I am enjoying these boots. I wish they were a little better designed, but so far the best I could find for a stiffer boot.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vans Veil Boa Focus Snowboard Boots - Women's - 2011/2012:
I am someone who has always had difficulty "strapping" my ankles down in my snowboard boots. I have always had two options: 1) just adapt to super loose ankles (which in our famous East-Coast hardpack is not easy) or 2) tighten my boots to the point of my feet falling asleep.
Needless to say, I was super stoked about the Veil's "three zone" system. I did a lot of research into the Boa systems, and the boots themselves, and decided they would be worth the investment. I can't even begin to tell you how disappointed I am in these boots--they are no different then the old two-zone boots I have now. They tighten around the calves, and they tighten around my foot, and my ankle is still footloose and fancy free.
The boots themselves are comfortable, the tightening system works well, and I imagine they would be a good boot if you don't have the ankle problem. But I do NOT recommend this boot if you are looking for their promised three zone perfect fit. Hopefully someday someone will make a boot that will truly address these three distinct zones.
Displaying reviews 1-2
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