Round 5 – Boot Selection, Resort Choice, Pick 8
The benchmark boot for turning a ski has the snuggest heel in the business, the best stock liner, and the easiest shell to work on. I bought a used pair in 2003 just to see what it felt like to ski in the oh-so-scary plug boot... and I’ve been skiing them ever since. Modern ultra-wide skis put more lateral torque through the boot, and the Dobermann is the only boot that holds my ankle securely on bumpy traverses or lets me really drive a super-fat ski on firm snow. I’ve had to replace the worn soles with Vibram, but the liners, amazingly, are still going strong, if somewhat fragrant. The Dobermann also comes in bored-out civilian versions, but the liner alone is worth the upgrade to the World Cup model. Other Draft Picks By Hans Ludwig
