Light a freeride fire under your feet with the Deeluxe Men's Spark XV Snowboard Boot. Its resemblance to a mountaineering boot is no coincidence—this is Xavier de la Rue's pro model that he uses not only to ride down the scariest lines imaginable, but also to help him with the just-as-gnarly task of hiking up to the top of those lines.
Section Control lacing allows you to independently adjust the tightness of the boot in the forefoot, heel, and calf so you can dial in the right fit for your riding style. You can also customize the flex of the boot with removable TPS Shield tongue inserts, which allow you to run the hard insert for the stiffest flex, the medium one for a slightly more forgiving feel, or go without for the softest flex. The DuPont Surlyn backstay stiffens the boot for reliable support and response that will last over time. A D-Tex waterproof membrane prevents moisture from seeping into your boots throughout the day, even when you're postholing your way up the mountain.
The Thermo Flex liner is heat-moldable to allow you to get the perfect fit for your foot; its E-Lacing system help you crank down the tightness, and the integrated ankle harness prevents heel lift. An EVA midsole absorbs shock from harsh landings and reduces vibrations for a smoother ride. The rugged crampon-compatible Vibram outsole has aggressive lugs to provide traction on icy surfaces, and it's extremely durable to resist damage from hiking across jagged ridges and rocky approaches.
Midsole:
- EVA midsole
Weather and Wind:
- D-Tex waterproof membrane
Outsole:
- Vibram outsole
Straps:
- Power strap
Features:
- TPS Shield adjustable flex
- DuPont Surlyn backstay
- Section Control lacing
- Thermo Flex liner
Deeluxe Spark XV Snowboard Boot Reviews:
Reviews:
Originally I got the boot for doing mixed\ice climbing with long approaches or snowy descents. But my crampons don't fit, Petzl has a heel bail system that will work. I've been using it for a lot of touring this fall already, with its full shank it hikes really well over gravel and rocks carrying my split. Same with walking back down. Its very stiff and supportive and thus rides aggressive. For normal touring I like boots with double boa systems cause you can loosen the ankle while keeping the foot tight, so I'm still adjusting to touring in these stiff beast! All in all I really like the boots! they're rad for boot packs which I do a ton of here at Crystal. Burly and very warm!
The only cons I have are well the crampon thing, the overall size of the boot, they're huge! I've had to readjust my bindings to fit them, they're just big and bulky. And lastly is the lacing system, which is personal preference only, I prefer boas or traditional laces to the "speed cinch". They hold well but its just annoying to loosen and the pulls make the top of the boot even wider.
Online they use the Mondo sizing, in which case I'm using a half size larger than my ski boots at 28. but its half size smaller in both Euro and Us sizing. I wear a 10.5 DC\32\Burton boot and the Deeluxes in 10. Euro I wear 43.5 sportiva\fiveten\mammut and these in a 43. They fit perfect, I wished I'd gotten them molded before I started using them. they're broke in now after a solid 20 days. but first day the Nat'l parks opened I went up Rainier and had huge blisters on both inside ankles. Zero problems now!
Great boot with a substantial heel support inside the insole that might feel uncomfortable to some. They do run at least a half size short. I am giving it a 4 because I am one of the people who really mind the intense heel support in the boot. Other than that, its all fives.
