ZipFit vs Conformable vs Intuition

OK, when molding the Alpine Intuition liner how much do they expand to fit length-wise?  I've read in this thread that your toes will definitely feel 'scrunched' before molding.  I've a pair of size 12 (mondo 30, 30.5) for my 29.5 boots (BSL 334mm) and my toes are VERY scrunched prior to any molding taking place.  I can get my foot into the liner, but they don't seem to fit in their current condition and I wouldn't want to even try to mold them if they're not going to expand.  In comparison with the existing stock liner they're at least half an inch shorter.

Test fits before molding don't mean much.  Once they're heated they become incredibly floppy (unless it's like the 5th re-heat) and they expand after heating, then stretch like crazy during molding to conform to your foot, and then shrink up during cooling.  With each re-heat they become more dense and shrink up a bit more.  So if they seem like they're too high volume in the first heating you can just go at it again (and maybe again) until they get to where you need them.  Nothing else available gives you the combination of a custom fit, performance, and warmth like a thermoflex-type liner.

sinbad7 - sounds like you don't have any experience with these liners so I recommend you take them to a shop that can bake them for you.

Oh!  Don't worry about that, I'm not doing this myself.  I know a great bootfitter who'll work on them for me.  Thanks for the response.

Thanks to everyone in this thread for their input.  I was in need of a new boot solution and wanted to start from scratch.  My goal was to find a shell that looked close to my foot, and consider an Intuition liner (for comfort and control).  The only problem was I only had a couple of days to do it and the only bootfitters I had access to where in L.A. and Mammoth.

Data: 10.5 D shoe; low volume above toes, but high bump on top of high arch with outside ankle protruding more than average.  Usual tights spots are top of foot and outside ankles.

Claude in L.A. wasn't available and I was leery of going back to him anyway, since he fit me in a Rossi Zenith which was the most uncomfortable boot I had ever owned.  Kittredge in Mammoth was the only supplier of Intuition liners and when I called them the considered them "old" and didn't even have any in my size.

So, I wasn't ready to dump $1,100 at surefoot and didn't have any confidence in the techs I talked to on the phone.  So I went with the old standby in Mammoth--Footloose.  I had an idea of what I thought I wanted (Nordica speedmachine; Tecnica Phoenix or Dragon; Salomon).  I tried these on.  The Nordica was okay, but not great.  The Tecnicas were way to high volume above the toes and mid foot.  Von (not sure of the spelling) suggested I try a pair of Fischer X120s on because they had a 98mm last.  I reluctantly did so and they weren't too bad.  A bit loose, but had the correct general dimensions.  Footloose had a Fischer/Zipfit package too so I asked to try on the zipfit too. The combination was very impressive.  Fit very snug, but no bad pressure points (for a boot right off the shelf). 

I ended up buying the Zipfit Gara with the 98mm Fischer X120 boot (used my old foot beds) and really liked the combination.  Amazing that you don't even really have to have the second buckle locked with the Zipfit in there.  That helped me because the compression over my arch was what hurt before.  Much more control than I was used to, but didn't have to clamp down the boot to get it.

Nice liners!  I've been jonesing for the new GARA liner from ZipFit.  Luckily this season I've renewed my love with Intuition and after padding out the hot spots on my now healed leg and ankle the Intuitions are now working well for me again.  Good thing since the GARA is unbelievably expensive (especially since I want it with the leather lining).

Sounds like you went to the right place - I've heard good things about the guys at Footloose.

Edited by Noodler - 2/10/10 at 10:37am

My Intuition plugs are going strong  They are warm and precise. 

I do not have a plug boot.  I ski a Fischer WC 150 retail boot.  I have EE and EEE feet.  I had to have the boots punched.  At first I tried a regular Powerwrap, but it was too thick.  The Plug version is perfect.  If I had narrower/normal feet, I would go with the non-Plug liner.

Reep-

Is Footloose selling the Fisher as shell only, then you pick the aftermarket liner? 

I ask because our store here in Jackson is doing that this year.  You save over $100 dollars going that route and you don't throw away the stock liner.

I am in the XR120 with my 3 year old Zip FIt Grand Prix.  How do you like the abducted stance? 

Zip fit is really taking off for us this year, the boot guys are molding people up and letting them ski them-  9 out of 10 people buy them.  It was a risky proposition but one that has worked out for us. 

With the shop employees, it used to be all Intuition, but is now getting closer to 50/50 with Zip Fit.

As has been said in various ways above-  Intuition for warmth and comfort, Zip Fit for performance (and longevity).