Zamberlan boot stiffness question

[Cdpp880]

I am looking at getting a pair of zamberlan boots either the outfitters, Kodiak gtx, or the hunter pros.
I do not like a really stiff boot. I do like a boot that flexes well in the center but not so flexible that it rolls/flexes side to side if that makes sense.
For reference I tried a pair of LaSportiva cube Trang’s gtx that we’re too stiff for me.
Anyone have experience with these boots that can give me some insight on how stiff they are.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

I have the outfitter 980s that are a perfect "later season" boot for me. They're by no means a mountaineering boot like the trango cubes but still have plenty if stiffness for climbs/descents. I would not want to hunt them in early September though between the height and how warm they run. I have some lighter hunting, hiking and mountaineering boots for earlier in the year but from mid Oct on I really have been happy with the zams

 

[wind gypsy]

980s are my go to boots. Very supportive with sufficient flex. The soles are not as stiff as Trango cubes which I owned in the past.

 

[Poltax]

I have the 980's as well. I have used them for the last 3 seasons and really like how they fell. My biggest problem is that I have twisted and or sprained my ankles several times in the past. The 980's provide plenty of support in any type of situation I am in. I use them year round and have had great results.

 

[jmden]

Have 2 pair of the 1005 Hunter Pro GTX RR WL and one pair of their immediate predecessor. I really like the 11" height for protection and warmth. Even in mid-September snow/cold/wind on the top of an alpine ridge...have been thankful to have them several times. Very comfortable right out of the box. I think they are a good compromise of stiffness and flexibility. If they have your size, they are on an awesome sale at Zamberlan USA. They are the wide last...I have a D width but am duck footed so narrow at heal and quite a bit wider at forefoot. Zamberlan is known for their excellent locking heel, so these work well for me as the heel stays in place and the toes have plenty of room to wiggle, which means they stay warmer when the temps drop.

 

[ELKOHUNTER]

My last pair of 980s lasted 8 seasons before the uppers were to worn out to support. I picked up a pair of the Cougars for August. Not as stiff as I would like and will be getting another pair of the 980s.

 

[wind gypsy]

Zamberlan has some intriguing new stuff out. I love the 980s but I'm lusting for the new 981's and 961's.. OK the 2092's as well. The thought of 980s with a touch more stiffness sounds great.

I have yet to find a stiffer boot than the 980s that isn't a bit tough on my feet but enjoy stiffer boots functionally until the hotspots come which has me second guessing choices for a dall hunt. Kifarucast had to go and rave about the 2092s which sound and look good but I wish they were a little taller.

 

[ELKOHUNTER]

Good call on the 981s! If they didn't change the fit of the foot box I'm down! Hate buying new gear that late in the year tho.

 

[sneaky]

The 961s are gonna be my next boots, already have the 980s and Yerens. Had the 960s, but bought the wrong size and sold them. Zamberlan fits my feet the best.

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[sneaky]

The Saguaro from Zamberlan is the 981 version of the 960. It's the 966.

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[backcountryshaffer]

Good call on the 981s! If they didn't change the fit of the foot box I'm down! Hate buying new gear that late in the year tho.

The Saguaro from Zamberlan is the 981 version of the 960. It's the 966.

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What's the toe box like on the 966, or on this family in general? Is it pointy? I don't have wide feet but am prone to pinched toes and like a wider toe box.

 

[Bluto]

I’ve stared at those boots trying to make them a wide last like staring at a tree branch trying to make it a buck.

If anyone with wide feet tries the 966 and they fit, please post. I’d pay more than retail for a zamberlan fit in that boot

What's the toe box like on the 966, or on this family in general? Is it pointy? I don't have wide feet but am prone to pinched toes and like a wider toe box.

 

[bonepoint]

I have the 980s and really like them. I hunted in 2 pair of Meindle Canda's before, and the 980s are a little less stiff. I think the 980s are perfect in stiffness for hunting (mostly chukar hunting with some moderate to steep elk and deer), which was a little less stiff than many boots of similar height and type.

 

[wind gypsy]

I got a couple days on 966s and they feel great with 1 exception, they put too much pressure on the back of my heels (this is a common problem with boots for me). Other than that the fit feels the same or very close to my 980s, I know they are listed as the same last. The new mid/outsole is a nice balance of a little more stiffness but still plenty of cushion. Stiffer boots without the cushion seem to beat up my feet pretty quick, not the case here.

I do wish Zamberlan would expand the toe box a bit in the area near the pinky toes. They can start to get crammed in there with a lot of side hilling.