I picked up a pair at the end of last season hoping to better fill in my Zero G Pro Tours whose liners had packed out to the "basically unusable" setting. I have only used them once and haven't dialed in the fit yet, I do have high hopes for fit and ski-ability given all I have read about them especially considering my low volume foot and heel.
I think one thing has to be stressed though and Skimo did not do a good job in the description above is that THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY. Not like a little heavy, very very heavy. Mine weigh in at 613g for a 28, my stock intuition liners are 249g.
I think a liner like this may have a place in a big quiver, but unless I am skiing a short day or going out with slower friends I don't think they are going to work, just too heavy. I'm ordering a set of Intuition tour tongues and I'll A/B test them this winter and see what I end up liking, who knows maybe I'll change my mind, but I have a very hard time imagining I would bring the Zip Fits out on a "big day."
I'm not averse to adding weight for performance, I'm just really on the fence as to whether adding this much weight will is worth it for the performance.
One more thing that is annoying, you are supposed to put the liners onto your foot and then get them into your boot shell (with the assistance of a shoe-horn). Apparently pulling your heel in and out while in the boot isn't great for the cork. I'm not optimistic that I'll be able to meet the exacting standards of the fine folks at Zip Fit, especially while getting snowed on standing next to my sled in the middle of nowhere.
Hope this helps!
ZipFit GFT Touring Liner
Similar to a stress-free childhood, the fit provided by boot liners, being made from compressible foam, will come to an end. Not a fan of the stresses of adulthood and worn-out boot liners, Zipfit created the GFT Touring liner, which promises to lock in the good memories of a well-fitting boot, for a lifetime. With the utilization of cork instead of foam, the GFT will take some time to break in. Once they do, however, they continue to provide a supportive and comfortable fit, without losing their hard-fought shape. When properly taken care of, Zipfit liners have been reported to outlast multiple sets of boot shells, for year after year of reliable performance. The neoprene toe box happily conforms to a variety of foot shapes while the combination of merino wool and Thinsulate provides enough insulation without being suffocatingly hot during spring laps. With its performance fit, the GFT Liner comes with less OMFit cork installed than other Zipfit liners, though it is always possible to add more if need be. Providing excellent heel hold and consistent performance that will last for many years, the GFT allows you to focus on skiing and have a G.F.Time.
- Constructed with a flexible Neoprene toe box that accommodates many different widths of feet.
- Merino wool and Thinsulate material in the toe box keep your tootsies toasty warm for days when temps are frosty.
- Integrated laces and power straps help secure and stabilize the foot within the liner.
- Three adjustable cork pouches in each liner allow for a precise and performance-driven fit.
- Rear flex panel and two additional flex points offer adequate articulation in most touring boots.
- Consistent performance that will easily outlast multiple pairs of boot shells.
- Long-lasting performance provides a better cost-per-use ratio relative to other higher-end liners.
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Questions & Reviews
10/2/2024
Thanks for the detailed review, Allen! To be sure, these have a weight penalty when compared to Intuition, Palau, etc... In my opinion, these don't necessarily add noticeably better performance than a freshly fit Intuition liner; however, unlike foam-based liners that will pack out with every use, these retain their shape for hundreds of ski days once broken in. Additionally, with an emphasis on durability, these should last for hundreds of days as well.
While everyone has a personal threshold for "what is too heavy," given their consistency and durability, I think the trade-off could be worthwhile for many folks. But certainly, if weight is a concern, there are much lighter options to be had!
While everyone has a personal threshold for "what is too heavy," given their consistency and durability, I think the trade-off could be worthwhile for many folks. But certainly, if weight is a concern, there are much lighter options to be had!
10/3/2024
Yep, heavy. And miles better in every way, up and especially down. Good pairing with ZGPT. Please report back after some ski days.
Hints: Several folks remove the power strap (overkill), some even sand the hard waffle outer down a bit (less for weight, more for entry).
Google & practice the "world cup entry" that every junior alpine kid does, it works nicely & is handy for drying them, shoehorn generally not needed. Maybe add a slippery strip of duct tape down the spine of the shell to help entry, If you must put your foot in the liner+shell and displace the cork a bit, it will migrate back to where it needs to be in about half a hike (heat + pressure does that). World cup entry is easier IMO.
If your heel is lifting at all, add cork to the lower end of the tongue pouch first, thumb-squeegee to the sides. Then front-of-side pouch second (push that heel back). 1-2 15 second bursts in the microwave, slip them in, wear 10-15 minutes & they are "molded" enough to head out.
Hints: Several folks remove the power strap (overkill), some even sand the hard waffle outer down a bit (less for weight, more for entry).
Google & practice the "world cup entry" that every junior alpine kid does, it works nicely & is handy for drying them, shoehorn generally not needed. Maybe add a slippery strip of duct tape down the spine of the shell to help entry, If you must put your foot in the liner+shell and displace the cork a bit, it will migrate back to where it needs to be in about half a hike (heat + pressure does that). World cup entry is easier IMO.
If your heel is lifting at all, add cork to the lower end of the tongue pouch first, thumb-squeegee to the sides. Then front-of-side pouch second (push that heel back). 1-2 15 second bursts in the microwave, slip them in, wear 10-15 minutes & they are "molded" enough to head out.
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