Hi All,
I have recently been on the hunt (Sept 2017) for Twintip footstraps to accomodate large feet (US 15, LxW = 30x12cm) and since I found very little on the topic in various forums (a common problem for people with feet the same size as LeBron James), I thought I would give back a little and share what I found.
I tried on a few straps in store:
Cabrinha H2 - Definitely go wide enough and the pads are nice and long. Strap in mechanism is double velcro and they are comfortable. These were my runner up choice.
Cabrinha H1 - Similar to above but with single velcro. Personally I like this strap mechanism more than the H2 and they are easier to slip on off (for better or worse). However the pads were a tad shorter and my heel was over the edge slightly (but not by much)
Crazyfly (All round or Hexa, cant recall, were bright blue) - Straps were too stiff to fit feet and the pads were too short. Overall wasn't a huge fan of design but thats personal preference. Not recommended for the larger foot.
Liquidforce Pro - Great straps. Easily fit feet and had stacks of customisation like moving strap up or down the pad, changing level all the bells. Only downside was price ~AU360 which was more than I was up for at this stage. If you are in the market for some top line straps, definitely give these a go.
And Finally, my weapon of choice
Shinn Sneaker SRS-1 - These pads were spot on. The toe ridge was well aligned for excellent grip and the lock down mechanism uses a ratchet similar to snowboard bindings. Straps are super comfortable and have plenty of space to fit large feet. In my opinion, the ratchet is a great idea, its the only system I can see being able to adjust easily in the water if needed. Its super easy to loosen slightly or crank up as they soften in the water.
I will admit I havn't taken them out on the water yet (and am also only second season kiter) so I will update this post with performance when I know.
Hope this helps some of my big footed brethren...we need all the help we can get.
Goodwinds,
James
Hi All,
I have recently been on the hunt (Sept 2017) for Twintip footstraps to accomodate large feet (US 15, LxW = 30x12cm) and since I found very little on the topic in various forums (a common problem for people with feet the same size as LeBron James), I thought I would give back a little and share what I found.
I tried on a few straps in store:
Cabrinha H2 - Definitely go wide enough and the pads are nice and long. Strap in mechanism is double velcro and they are comfortable. These were my runner up choice.
Cabrinha H1 - Similar to above but with single velcro. Personally I like this strap mechanism more than the H2 and they are easier to slip on off (for better or worse). However the pads were a tad shorter and my heel was over the edge slightly (but not by much)
Crazyfly (All round or Hexa, cant recall, were bright blue) - Straps were too stiff to fit feet and the pads were too short. Overall wasn't a huge fan of design but thats personal preference. Not recommended for the larger foot.
Liquidforce Pro - Great straps. Easily fit feet and had stacks of customisation like moving strap up or down the pad, changing level all the bells. Only downside was price ~AU360 which was more than I was up for at this stage. If you are in the market for some top line straps, definitely give these a go.
And Finally, my weapon of choice
Shinn Sneaker SRS-1 - These pads were spot on. The toe ridge was well aligned for excellent grip and the lock down mechanism uses a ratchet similar to snowboard bindings. Straps are super comfortable and have plenty of space to fit large feet. In my opinion, the ratchet is a great idea, its the only system I can see being able to adjust easily in the water if needed. Its super easy to loosen slightly or crank up as they soften in the water.
I will admit I havn't taken them out on the water yet (and am also only second season kiter) so I will update this post with performance when I know.
Hope this helps some of my big footed brethren...we need all the help we can get.
Goodwinds,
James
nice foot, good post
Thanks James for your write up. Certainly saves a lot of work for others facing the same issue as you.
agree that LF pads are both amazing and too expensive.
Let us know how the shinn pads go. Great to see that old buckle that loosened is gone and new ratchet is in.
My pads on my older Airush Switch are also long enough and fine for entry level but the pads on the Mako i tested were way to small.
I also looked at my mates Tronic on the beach and his pads looked long enough, maybe they were the H2's?
I'm a US16 so i know the continual challenges with any footwear in Australia.. Places like LA is where you want to shop. Loads of choice
It's been a season, help this size 16US, new to kiteboarding, fellow out!
How'd it go? Do you like them?
Im a US14 and found the shinn pads a fraction too small... Which was a shame cause they are realy nice footpads.
The axis ones seem to fit pretty good. Not sure what they call them, but they are a few years old and are the black and red ones. I've kept them a for a few boards now...
Try litewave Daves Sandal Straps while do not have a one have a very wide foot with high arches these are great.
The FLS binding, is the go.
Have a set of SRS-1, which are very good, but find the Litewave Dave, more comfortable.
Unfortunately there is no local dealer, but received them 2 weeks after i ordered them from states, so service is excellent.
Cost about the same as SRS-1
Im a US14 and found the shinn pads a fraction too small... Which was a shame cause they are realy nice footpads.
The axis ones seem to fit pretty good. Not sure what they call them, but they are a few years old and are the black and red ones. I've kept them a for a few boards now...
Traction Plus for the double velcro straps. They still do them. And they've a big lump of that alpha gel type stuff in the heel too, super-comfy on big drops.
I'm only US13 so I wasn't going to say anything, but I've enough room in the those pads both length- and width-wise. I like the straps loose, and I twist my left foot a lot it seems when I ride toe-side, so I have to be sure adjust the straps to keep padding on the instep otherwise I wear a hole in my foot on the hardware.
I've not had issues with boards I've borrowed so maybe 13 is near the upper limit for pad designs...