Alfa Skarvet Advance GTX NNNBC XC Ski Boot Review
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- Опубліковано 3 гру 2019
- This is my review of the 2019 Alfa Skarvet Advance GTX NNNBC XC Ski Boot. I ordered the boot in 2019 directly from the Factory Store in Norway and pair it with my Fischer Traverse 78 ski. I use this combination for offtrail forest service roads and for moderate rolling terrain in the backcountry. Here is the boot description from Alfa's website:
"A warm and sturdy ski boot made from full grain leather for demanding backcountry ski touring in the mountains and alpine environments. The boot features a winter lining with GORE-TEX® and has a thermal insulating midsole as well as anatomical insoles. Extra toe reinforcements protect the leather from sharp ski edges."
I've been skiing the Alfa Skarvet for several years and have about 40 days on them. They did have a break-in period (about 10 skis/100+ miles) but it was well worth it. They are extremely comfortable now and I have several 20+ mile days on them with no foot issues. They provide good support while turning. They seem to be reasonably high volume in the forefoot which could be an issue if you have narrow feet. They are by far the best XC boot boot I've used in 45 years of skiing.
Thanks for posting. I hope we have a great snow season.
Thanks for this comment, would you say that the boots run small, large, or more true to size?
I hope John will post his experience with sizing. I measured the length of my bare feet using the method suggested by Alfa. My largest foot is 26.6 cm long. Alfa suggests adding 1.5 cm to the measured length for backcountry ski boots and that would have taken me up to a size 43 on their chart. At the time I purchased these boots, they were not available in the USA, so I did not get a chance to try on a pair before purchasing. Others had told me that the reason Alfa suggests adding 1.5 cm was the fact that many Norwegians wear very heavy thick wool socks. I had no way to verify that hypothesis. I ended up ordering a 42 because their chart also showed a cross reference to US sizing, and their 43 cross referenced to a size 11 US, and I have never worn any shoe that large. I also only wear one layer of medium weight socks. That being said, the Skarvet at size 42 is about the right length for me. The most comfortable boot I own is a set of Lowa Rennigade GXT hiking boots, and I wear that boot in a size 10 US. I don't have any problem with length of my Alfa Skarvets, and there is plenty of room in the toe box for my feet. I also ski the Alfa Greenland boot. It is basically the the same boot as the Skarvet, except it is a 75 mm 3 pin boot. I also ordered it in a size 42. I do have one toe on one foot that is having issues. My toes don't feel too crowded in these boots, but I'm beginning to wonder if I would be better off in a size 43 with the Greenland. I use the two boots in very different ways. I spend a lot more time in the telemark position in the Greenland and that puts more pressure on the toes. With my Skarvets, it is mostly kick and glide tours.
Good video. This confirms what I have found: Despite all the advances in synthetic material, nothing beats real leather.
All the synthetic boots I have tried over the years have only lasted a few years before needing replacement. I'm hoping these leathers will have double the life, but only time will tell.
@@tomm9850 Same for me. The synthetics crack usually. They also tend to delaminate from the soles.
Thank you for this really insightful video, Tom! It’s so helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
i love this channel :D i still rock the old rottefella 3 pin :D
Hi from Norway. I appreciate the review. God jul 🎅 skål 🍻
Thanks Godt nytt år til deg.
Thanks for your advice on ski length ended up ordering rossignal bc 80 at 196 as like you suggested. I also ordered the Alfa boot that you suggested and I can't wait to try them out with my new skis come. I really enjoy your videos keep them going.
Fantastic. Hope you have a great ski season.
Do you enjoy the boots?
Love mine, even if I'm still breaking them in.
@@memewizard8372 Yes, I think they are the best boots in their class. I still have some rub issues with my heel pocket, so I continue to tape my heels with 3M micropore tape, but they are worth the extra effort.
Tom this is an excellent review. I was actually deciding between the Rossignol shoes and Alfa exactly as you showed in your video :) Lateral stability is all that matters to me. Not easy to find videos which go into some detail on the topic of the lateral stability.
Thanks for the positive feedback. I've been skiing this boot for a couple of months now and I can honestly say that they are the best NNNBC boot I have owned. The boots are at the point now where they have started to form to my odd shaped feet. My left boot had a great fit from the beginning and I think the right boot will get there by the end of the season. I skied the boots this week on my wife's Excursion 88's. Next weeks video showcases the Excursion 88's and I don't really mention the boots, but check it out if you would like to see another ski video where I'm using the Alfa Skarvet Advance boots. I plan to post a follow-up video on the boots while skiing the Fischer Traverse 78's in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Funny, our feet seem to be identical, to go along with our similar gear choices. I have Garmont Excursions in 27.5, which fit well...but due to my narrow heel my foot lifts a little with every step. I get blisters, not on my heel, but around my ankle bone. My usual practice is to cover the vulnerable area with a bit of adhesive tape direct on the skin, prior to an expedition. This has worked well. My best fitting boots are the old Asolo Extremes in size 9. Enjoy the snow out there--I'll be on my way soon.
Hi Tom, Nice video.
These Alfas are probably the best boots for light xc touring, hope you didn't give up on them. I use them myself. I have tried Rossignol's and Fisher and other similar brands based on modern teck. they just dont work as good as the Alfa leather boots, Same story with Alfa synt boots, they are not good either for this purpose. I'm sure other leather boots are equally good as alfa's, I have just not been able to find any other brands with similar designs and function.
Re breaking them in, you are right about its hard and can take time, but they should be, as they will last you much longer.
What I do, which I learned in the military in Norway, put on a thick pair of 100% wool socks put on the boots tighten them really tight, stand in a bucket of water until the leather is soaking wet. Then walk them dry (semi-try is fine) the leather will then form to your feet and you avoid all blistering or other skin wear issues, And if you take care of them they will last a 'life time'.
And to all of you that loves 3 pin binding and boots.. they are shit.. NNNBC bindings are much, much better. stability, weight, just better. Through my upbringing I've gone through bindings from Kandahar (heal strap) to Rottefella (3 pin) and lately NNNTB.,
One important note is that 3 pin Telemark is just a slightly reinforced racetrack binding from the 60's. Reason why they become so dominant is they where relatively easy to use compared with Kandahar, putting on your skis without having to remove your mittens/glows etc, and they where very cheap to produce comparatively, so they out competed the Kandahar bindings
Going back to 3 pins now, would be like switching out my 4x4 SUV with a VW Beetle from 70's to get to the backcountry, I get it, its nostalgic.. however I'm to old for that. I want function over form.
This is just my opinion.
Thanks for taking the time to share your tips. I'm hoping that my Skarvets will be less of a problem this year since I have one season's use in them. I plan to tape my heels for the first few outings as a precaution. I've used the wet leather trick a couple of times, most recently in an effort to move the flex crease further back on my Alfa Greenland Ski boots. I packed the wet toe of one boot with rags, put the boot in the ski, propped the heel up and strapped the toe down so that the boot was in a telemark position. I have a little bit of a toe pinch problem on one foot, so it is a work in progress. All my previous leather boots have lasted a long time. There is nothing like a good leather boot, that is for sure. The NNNBC is a great system. My wife is also in the NNNBC camp.
@@tomm9850 my pleasure. enjoy your ski season :) and thanks for putting these videos up
Hi Tom,
Are you putting any leather treatment on the new Alfa boots, or do you wait until they need that (I don’t know if the manufacturer puts any treatment on the leather)?
I have been debating whether I should put something on my Alfa Guards, like Nikwax Conditioner for Leather (which would soften and waterproof), or just the Nikwax Waterproofer. Or something else (better), or nothing, until they seem to need it.
Thanks
I'm using Sno Seal on my leather boots. It is a wax based product and is easy to apply when the boots are warm and dry. www.atsko.com/sno-seal-wax-8-oz-jar/ I don't treat them right out of the box, but wait until they start to show signs that the factory treatment is wearing off. Here are Alfa's recommendations for care of their full grain leather boots www.alfaoutdoor.com/service-center/care-instructions/full-grain-leather Alfa sells their own branded product, but I've never tried it. Both products use beeswax
Great video. How do they compare in stiffness to the Alpina Alaska?
The Alpina Alaskan's are a popular off trail boot, but I have never skied them. I tried on a pair of the Alaskan's in the store several years ago, but I couldn't find a fit that felt good for my feet. As I recall, the sole on the Alaska was similar, but the upper seemed a bit softer than the Skarvet. REI carries both boots, so if you happen to live near a store, it would be worth your time to try on both pairs to see which one you prefer. I'm very happy with the Skarvets, and hope that they last a long time. I have been so impressed, that I bought a set of Alfa Greenland 75 boots, which is the Skarvet equivalent in 75 mm, for use with my SBound 98's. My video posting for this week is a review of the Greenland 75. Thanks for watching. Hope you are having a great ski season.
@@tomm9850 Thanks. This is a helpful summary
Hi Tom, I'm having a real tough time getting my Skarvets broken in. I'm getting blisters on the back of my foot/ankle, right in the heel cup area. Any tips on how to help get over the hump? Best Regards, Tom C
Hi Tommy. It is a bummer that you are having blister problems. I'm in my third season and I still tape my feet. I can get by without tape for a short ski, but I'm sure I'd get blisters if I did not tape my heels for a long ski. My rub spots are on the inside of the heel just below and rear of the pointy bone. I love the boots, but I'm at the point where I think I'm going to start looking for a different boot. I have a long history of boot and blister problems due to heel slippage. It will take some experimentation to figure out if you can solve the issue with your current boot, or if you will need to try a different size or model. If you have blisters, be sure to wear a blister patch. There are lots of different brands, but I often use the "Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages for Heel Blisters". I use 3M micropore tape for blister prevention. This is the best tape for this purpose as it bonds to the skin. The adhesive is activated by moisture, so I find it helps to moisten the skin before you apply it, then carefully put the sock on, making sure that you don't "roll" the tape. Don't apply this tape over an existing blister, only use it to help prevent blisters. There is another product that some people swear by, but I have not tried it, Ezeefitsports Ultrathin Blister Prevention Ankle Socks. I can see where this might help in some circumstances. One technique that has helped me on my Alfa Skarvets is to use a surgeon's knot on a couple of the eyelet hooks on the upper part of the boot. It helps to fine tune the tightness of the boot. Last but not least, I also use a velcro strap at the very top of the boot to help keep the heel from moving up and down. Check out this thread over on telemarktalk. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=3299&p=38777&hilit=velcro+strap#p38777
@@tomm9850 Thanks for the timely reply. These are great suggestions for mitigating the blister situation. I've also been experimenting with adding/subtracting insoles, therefore raising or lowering where my foot sits in the heel cup at the back of the boot. I've tried just the single stock insole, and added as many as two more insoles to see how that works. Seems the blister issue is best with less bulk under foot. But still not solved for me. Anyhow, onwards and upwards!
@@tomchenoweth My trick has always been to make sure the laces are thight enough, and wear two thin socks. Two socks will allow any movement to let the socks rub on each other, instread of on your skin :) I usually have a thin and thight inner sock, and a slightly thicker wool sock as the outer layer. But its also important to have boots that fit your feet, we are all different, and figuering it out can be a hassle. Alfa shoes are usually pretty good you need a wide toe box and have a normal or lower arch.
Sounds like these run a full size larger? I wear a size 44 in all of my classic Nordic boots. My shoe size is 10.5. So I’m guessing I might need to go with a size 43 in theses BC boots?
Everyone's feet are a bit different, and short of trying on a pair, the only alternative is follow their sizing advice. If you pick up a pair, post your results so that others can benefit from your sizing experience.
Lastly, any info or experience with the Fischer BCX 875 boot?
I'm not familiar with the Fischer BC X 875, but I've owned a couple pairs of the Fischer BC X 675 boots. The BCX 675's are a 75 mm boot. They are comfortable, warm, and ski pretty well. I could only get a couple of seasons out of the boots before they would wear out. Here is a link to my video which compares the Fischer BCX 675 with the Rossignol BC X-12 boots. ua-cam.com/video/p_l_ntJwSaA/v-deo.html
Tom M I did see your Fischer bcx675 review. Thought maybe you’d heard if the 875’s hold up better. Maybe down the road some more reviews will come in. I guess I’ll go with the Crispi Svartisens GTX. Thx for the feedback. Keep those trail vids coming.
@@Malinois_Whisper Ah, thanks for mentioning the Crispi shoes. I was not aware of them. They look good. Why did you choose them? Can you share which videos to look at? Thanks a lot.
Mukiker These and Scarpa’s and Scott where the brands my local Telemark dealer carried. I felt they met my non steep hill type skiing better than the plastic Scarpa’s. I skied all day on a moderate resort slope with them. No discomfort or cold toes. And I was able to even where the driving home.
Can you get them in the United States??
REI has carried the boots for the past two years, but are currently sold out. www.rei.com/product/162239/alfa-skarvet-advance-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots Vemo Sports is also listed as an Alfa dealer. www.vemosports.com/alfa-xc-boots.php I purchased mine directly from Alfa's website and they arrived in 10 days from Norway.
Tom, Have you ever heard or tried these?
crispi.it/en/349/svartisen-gtx-75mm
I went to try on different telemark boots at a the only telemark store (really a cozy ski shop next to his house) here in New Hampshire. He had basically only Scarpa’s, and some Scott excursions, but his main boot was Crispi. I didn’t know a thing about them. Was wondering if you’d heard pro or con about them?
I have not tried the crispi svartisen. Check out this thread. It would be a great place to ask for user experience with these boots. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2251&hilit=SVARTISEN