My old red and grey Dynafit Aero backcountry skiing boots are wide and basically a bathtub fit. I’ve had to pad and extensively custom fit them for my long narrow feet. The 30 mondo sole measures 344 mm in length. Also, the Aeros are HEAVY. In my size they’re 11 lbs per pair, including my orthotics and thermo liners.
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| Dynafit ZZero 4 is definitely at the top of our boot list. |
In 30 Mondo, the ZZero 4 Green Machine with the carbon stringer, thermo liner and an orthotic weighs in at 8 lbs, while the sole measures ONLY 336 mm. The size reduction obviously helps the boot lose some weight, and the last is narrower and less of a bathtub (perfect for my foot shape).
However, the decreased sole length of the ZZero resulted in a multiple ski re-mounting program for me (a hassle that I felt to be worth it). This shorter sole length does more closely match the lengths of the older Dynafit two and three buckle boots, and perhaps may not be a problem for many people — but it’s worth knowing about. More, if you’re using Dynafit binding models with plenty of adjustment range (ergo, Comfort, Vertical), you may find no remounting is required depending on how particular you are about boot position on the ski. (Interior fit of ZZero is also shorter than the Aero 30 mondo, but still works for me.)
I’ve had my ZZeros out a number of times and am still fitting the boot (as always for any boot!), but I can tell they’re a real improvement. They out ski my old Aeros, hands down. Only gripe is I’d like to see the wrap thermo liner continued in the ZZero line instead of the new liner which uses a tongue. For me, a tongue in the liner just creates the opportunity for more “folds”, friction, and potential pressure points. I never had a blister in any of my older Dynafit boots using the wrap thermo liner, no matter how much vertical I climbed in a day.
Anyway, I look forward to getting the ZZero’s fitted just right (which should be easy) and heading to Marble with the WildSnow crew this season. By the way, I’m big and Dynafit bindings have worked fine for me all these years.
Shop for Dynafit ZZero backcountry skiing boot.
(Guest blogger Peter Kelley has lived and skied in the Aspen area for more than four decades. He’s seen it all, including early days in Highland Bowl when it was closed, and participation in a 1970s mid winter traverse of the Elk Mountains with Lou. He sells real estate and is also devoted to photography. Peter has provided “big guy” Dynafit feedback for years.)
Peter Kelley is a longtime Aspen resident and committed backcountry skier who Lou hung out with quite a bit during what we Aspen orginalists call the “days of wine and roses.” Peter skis and bicycle rides worldwide. As well as selling real estate, he did a stint on ski patrol at Snowbird, Utah.
