My current boots (Dalbello Krypton Cross) have on ski / walk lever, but several boots I have owned in the past did.
A couple observations, possibly some of them naive ....
> I never noticed a difference when using the Walk mode. Theoretically I understand they are supposed to allow for more flex, and thus easier walking, but they always felt nearly the same to me or possibly a barely perceptible difference
> I understand you sacrifice somewhat on rigidity when a boot incorporates a ski / walk mode
Overall, the question I'm wondering is, is the walk / ski mode a gimmick, or does it provide some value? If it does provide value, where? Primarily for backcountry or AT touring?
The reason I bring it up is the most recent SKI magazine had a little blurb about how the walk / ski mode is making a comeback with new designs that reduce the downsides of incorporating this mode. They preferred calling it a walk / hike mode.
A couple observations, possibly some of them naive ....
> I never noticed a difference when using the Walk mode. Theoretically I understand they are supposed to allow for more flex, and thus easier walking, but they always felt nearly the same to me or possibly a barely perceptible difference
> I understand you sacrifice somewhat on rigidity when a boot incorporates a ski / walk mode
Overall, the question I'm wondering is, is the walk / ski mode a gimmick, or does it provide some value? If it does provide value, where? Primarily for backcountry or AT touring?
The reason I bring it up is the most recent SKI magazine had a little blurb about how the walk / ski mode is making a comeback with new designs that reduce the downsides of incorporating this mode. They preferred calling it a walk / hike mode.