Bootfitter's Notes: Nordica Dobermann Ski Boots

The Nordica Dobermann EDT 130 is one of the better boots in the test for the narrow-footed expert.  Nordica has redesigned the Dobermann to be slightly roomier toe box, and with more space along the sixth toe* than in previous versions - but it still has the same Italian power and precision we’ve grown to know and love.

To clarify, there are a couple of Dobermann boots. This post is reviewing the Pro EDT, not to be confused with the World Cup.  The World Cup uses a completely different mold and is for top level racers.

At the Start Haus, our boot fitters break the boots essentially into three categories; narrow fit, medium fit, and wider last.

Of the narrow class the boots fit into certain subcategories, snugger still, sort of snug, and generously snug, if you will. In the past couple of years the Dobermann (which we affectionately refer to as the Dobie) has been vying with Head Raptor for snuggest of the snug, and on the other end of the spectrum, the Lange RX L.V. and RS as the most generous of the snug.

While Nordica backed off just a bit, I have the Dobie on my foot as I write this, and I must say it's anything but roomy.

I do notice more room in the toe box than the previous iterations of the Dobermann, and more room along the fifth metatarsal.  The instep shape has been changed, I have a bit more room in the instep*, but the Dobie fits quite snug on top of the metatarsals*.  The heel pocket is not the snuggest in the category, but not overly loose either. To sum up: the updated fit will put the Dobie in the middle of our three snug boot subcategories.

The performance is all there and more.  The boot simply rips, ski instructors, ex-racers, truly good skiers with good form will be fired up on the edging ability of the Dobermann.  The EDT boot board (Efficient Dynamic Technology) which is essential a carbon fiber frame boot board screwed into the sole, ensures there is no lag in the boot whatsoever, providing lightening quick, efficient response, and proving torsional rigidity to the boot sole.

The upright stance is reminiscent of what the competitors Lange and Tecnica are doing, and has become the ski industry norm.  This is another hot boot from Nordica.

Terms Defined
*Instep: Top of the foot
*Metatarsals: “Knuckles” of the toes