Dalbello Sherpa 2/8 I.D.

Where have these been all my life?

These are my first brand new boots and the first I have bought online. I must admit I was worried about the fit but I was very impressed after they arrived. These are also my first touring boots. I own two other pairs of downhill-only boots.

These were on super clearance. They may be discontinued.

My skiing style: As the boots say, I am 80/20, meaning I ski 80% in the resort and 20% off-piste. I am a blue-black skier trying to become better at diamond runs.

Rainier

Features: The best part of these skis to me is the walk mode. Flipping up two levers gives the boots incredible flexibility for skinning. Releasing the upper buckle helps even more and the keeper in the buckle keeps the buckle in place even though its technically released. 

Once they are locked in the boots are medium flex, not truly for ridiculous jumping and high speed bomb runs but perfect for my mid-level skiing. 

I have hiked these boots over ice and rocks on Mt. Hood and a couple other scrambles and really appreciate the grippy Vibram soles. 

Warmth: Never an issue, down to single digits.

Rainier

Blisters: One heel blister before I got them thermo molded, all good now. 

The bad: I skinned halfway up Mt. Baker and there was so much rain and sweat inside the boots that night that I poured a trickle of slimy sweat out of them and had a mild case of trench foot that night. Now I'm having a hard time getting the funk out of them. 

Hood

Like the name implies, if you are mostly in-bounds but like to skin up on dawn patrols and summit climbs, consider these boots.