Bootfitter's Notes: 2015 Nordica Dobermann Pro EDT 130 Ski Boot
The race to build the perfect narrow lasted boot is a tight one these days. Most manufacturers have a superb option and selecting the one that’s right for you can be a tall order. Nordica’s Dobermann Pro EDT 130 has been a contender in the category for years and is unchanged for the 2015 season.
Affectionately referred to as the “Dobie,” Nordica has produced a boot that is stiff and mean, with plenty of snarl and bite, but is well trained. Two years ago Nordica opened up the last and instep making the boot accessible to many more skiers than previous iterations of the boot without involving countless hours of fit work.
So what does the Dobie fit like? The heel hold is top notch and the instep is manageable. On my narrow-ish foot I felt the normal sixth toe hot spot that I usually punch but other than that I had no complaints about fit. As with some other boots in the category I felt pretty close to the medial wall, though not offensively so.
The Dobermann 130 is stiff. Very stiff. Even for a 130 the Dobie feels stiff. Lightweight skiers may want to consider dropping to a 100 flex boot or having the Dobermann flex softened for you. In cold temperatures this will be one of the stiffest 130 flex boots available.
Not surprisingly, the Dobie skis amazingly well - it accommodates every type of movement and nuance; it is hyperaware and skis with a race quality finish. If you’re not an expert skier, I’d recommend shopping elsewhere, because the Dobie will most likely just highlight your weaknesses.
If you’re looking to make the perfect turn on firm snow, the Dobermann will be a boot you won’t want to pass up at try on time. The balance is fairly neutral for me, though tends to be more outside than competitors models. I loved the Dobermann’s strong, polished turn and the more you lean on it, the more it gives back to the skier in dynamic feedback.
Over the years Nordica has tweaked the EDT boot board, which essentially is a boot board that is secured to the sole of the lower with four screws and T-nuts.
In the past the boot board was constructed out of aluminum, which accomplished the goal of creating a system that had absolutely zero slop, play, or movement in it, but also made the boot exceptionally cold.
More recently the boot board is made of high-density foam so it doesn’t turn your feet in expedition temperature blocks of ice the way they have in the past.
Nordica’s Dobermann 130 is a stout ski boot. If you’ve got game and you’ve already got the turn the Nordica will let you go farther. If you’re trying to buy a turn to improve your game look elsewhere.
