Alfa Free X/P/S GTX XCD Boot, First Look
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- Опубліковано 18 гру 2021
- Alfa's Free X/P/S GTX ski boot has just entered the market. This is a very expensive boot designed for Rottefella's new Xplore binding system and I'm very curious as to its benefits and shortcomings. This is just a quick overview and my initial thoughts. I'll post an updated review later this season. As always, this is not a paid review. I purchased the boots directly from Alfa and had them shipped from Norway. The Alfa Free and Alpina Alaska XP boots should be available from selected retailers in January 2022.
Tom - I am pretty much new to all of this and I really appreciate the useful knowledge you are sharing - I'm still digesting it, but I feel like it's just what is needed to prepare for the next step of walking into a ski shop.
Glad it was helpful. Be sure to check out telemarktalk.com for lots of info and advice,
I hope you get some of this snow that’s coming! I’m really looking forward to more information on the xplore system as I have a couple new pairs of skis that I haven’t decided which binding to use.
It has been a very slow and delayed rollout of the bindings and boots. Hopefully more will become available next month.
Wow that’s some backyard view. My backyard view on Long Island is a Holiday Inn Hotel. At least I’m at my snowmobile house in Maine looking at tress, I don’t feel so bad. Thanks for the information and lessons in your videos, I just got my first pair and waiting for more snow.
Fantastic. Hope you get more snow soon. Take care and have a great winter.
Tom - stumbled across your channel a year ago and love your content. You continue to give the most informed and thorough reviews and best insight on gear and other aspects of our niche in this sport. I remember when BOA’s first came out my biggest question was longevity of the system. AND when it does give up the ghost what is the recovery for backcountry situations. I see in your later video on these boots you address it from the binding side, but the BOA cables are another weak spot in the system I’d be concerned about. I’ve seen their hiking boots and trail runner cables catastrophically fail in the back country leaving the user with duct tape as the only option for keeping the shoe or boot on. Additionally, the tooth and pawl system in the ratchet is another failure point without an easy recovery. Whereas the Alaska’s or any other traditional laced boot you can either tie the two broken ends together or just carry an extra set of laces in your emergency kit. Wonder what others have seen for BOA longevity and failure points and as you put more miles on these how they hold up. Keep up the great work. God Bless!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I have an emergency kit that I carry in the backcountry with some straps that I think would work in an emergency. I'll give them a test in my back yard to see how well they would work. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great winter.
Thanks Tom; GREAT comments, examples and easy to comprehend why I'd choose the Alpina boots. I do love the BOA system, and have that on my A/T boots now, but those are not boots I'd want for a tour-they're for skinning up and hitting the "steep & deep". The Alfa's are great boots, but for rolling terrain, I'd think the choice would be easy!
Yes, I agree, and that is one of the reasons why I wanted to get this "first look" video out so soon. I know a lot of people are intrigued with this new boot.
Tom, nice to see that you've been able to get out on the skis a bit this December. I managed to get out once before some freezing rain melted most of our accumulation.
Gotta say that both of those boots looks beautiful. Curious to see what you'll think of them further into the season.
Happy holidays😃
Happy holidays to you as well. I hope you get some snow soon.
Tom you have some of the best and most thorough reviews out there. Always a pleasure to watch them.
Boas are the future of XCD. I remember them from my (gasp) snowboarding days. Love the ability to tweak fit on the fly.
Do you know who Is selling the new Xplore bindings and boots? I can’t seem to find them.
REI is going to carry the Xplore binding and some boots, but I don't know when they will get them in stock. They have only become available in Norway just this week. I've started a conversation thread on REI website and if you are interested, it might be a good idea to post there so that they know others are interested as well. www.rei.com/conversations/ask-an-rei-employee/rottefella-xplore-bindings-alfa-and-alpina-boots/td-p/45678
Thank you so much for great content! Really informative and good
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for tuning in and posting.
was hoping for a video about this!
Not convinced about the longevity of that boa system.
Thanks for the feedback. It encourages me to post content. Take care and have a great ski season.
Thanks for the input it means alot to me
Best wishes and I hope you have a great ski season
Tom - First off, let me say that I really enjoy your videos. Wanted to drop you a note about the availability of the Rottefella Xplore binding additional plates (i.e. “hard flex” and “flat”). They are available from the Alfa website. I ordered them online Tuesday the 8th, and they arrived by Friday the 11th. With the DHL delivery charge from Europe, it was $56 USD all in. At this time, I was not able to find the additional plates anywhere within the USA.
Thanks for the heads up. I plan to buy a set soon and look forward to testing them out. Thanks for tuning in and let me know what you think of them.
@@tomm9850 Will do in April. Will not have a chance to utilize them until a trip the last part of March and first part of April.
I was out on the Free's today, mounted on some new S-Bound 112's. We have very good conditions here in WA.
I was also out last weekend on the new Transnordic boots (3 pin), on my old S-Bound 98's.
I ordered 1 size up on the Transnordic (than my old pair of bcx), then put an extra inner sole in (which I didn't need).. I experienced some toe pinch in those.. However I'll take the extra inner sole out next time. Plus I'm sure they will wear in some.. After a few more uses. I am happy with the new design, although I miss the gaiter 😊...
I didn't have any toe pinch in the Free's today, although I had some friction/rubbing on my heels, so I stopped to put tape on. I was VERY happy with them overall, especially as far as control goes. Especially once I hit the snow shoe trails and fresh powder, but this was my first time on the 112's and I was super impressed with those 😎
Anyway, thanks for sharing. I am super excited and gracious to have so many good choices and extremely excited for the season. I hope you get some snow soon.
Fantastic. I'm looking forward to skiing the Free's on my 98's as soon as I can get my hands on another set of Xplore bindings. I'm excited for the season as well. Thanks for posting your thoughts and experience on these new boots. I'm sure others are very interested in how they are working out for you.
Where did you get the new S-Bound 112s I haven't been able to find them anywhere?
Thanks for that! I had been wondering about the exact thing you mentioned. But, this does make me wonder even more now - how the other "new" boot from Alpina, built on the Xplore frame; the Pioneer, will compare to the Alaska, and the Alfa Free.
I'm hoping that my local REI will carry the Alfa boots so I can see them in the flesh. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a great winter.
Great content!
Thanks. The boot is so different from all the boots I have skied in the past and it will be interesting to see if it works for me.
Very good information
Thanks. I'm glad you found it useful.
Awesome review Tom ! Do you know if the new Alpine Alaska XP boots have the same last and fit with the old Alaska 75mm last and fit ? Thank you.
I don't have a set of the NNNBC or 75 mm Alaskan's for comparison, but I've been told that there have been several improvements to the previous design besides the new sole. This would be a great question to post over on Telemark Talk Forum. I would direct the question to Johnny on this link (If you look at the photos of the two side by side you can see some of the obvious changes to the upper) www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4085
@@tomm9850 will certainly do. Thanks again for the direction and keep up making these awesome videos.
I just ordered my first pair of backcountry XC skis (Fischer Sbound 98's) and was about to order the NNN-BC Magnum binding and the Alaska boots, but then I saw the newer Explore binding with these Alaska XP boots. I don't mind paying for the more expensive boots and bindings, so is there any other reason not to go with the newer setup, in your opinion? Also, I plan to use my new skis for approaches on rolling terrain in the Adirondacks before switching over to snowshoes for the steeper sections up to the summits. Do you think the Alaska XP would be comfortable to use in snowshoes? I'd rather not carry an extra set of winter boots in my pack if I can help it. Thank you for creating informative videos!
The Alaska XP boots should work fine for snowshoes, and I really like my Sbound 98's paired with the Xplore system. They are a very comfortable boot for most people but I have heard that the toe box can be a bit narrow for those with wide feet.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for the feedback!
Hi! Really nice video
I would ask a question
Do you know a model of ski boot like this but resistant, that allows me also to walk like this without ski, that allows me also to go down if I need and I can use for days with my heavy back pack in mountains ?
Thank you
Sorry, I don't have a hiking boot suggestion that is similar to the Alfa Free.
When you get a chance could you make a video on preventing heel blisters? I've tried just about everything and I still get blisters with all of my plastic and leather Telemark boots if I ski longer than 4 hours. Thank you.
I too have struggled with heel blisters on ski boots. It is a common problem with stiffer boots and I suffered for years with Scarpa T4 plastic boots. I also battled heel blisters on my Alfa Skarvet leather boots when they were new, but less of a problem after a season's use. There are a couple of things that can help. If you don't already have blisters on the heel, you can apply a single layer of 3M micropore tape across the heel area of your foot. I use a single strip of the 2 inch wide tape and run it across the heel from just below the ankle bone on each side of the foot. This won't work if you already have blisters. In that case you should use a blister bandage. There is another product that many swear by, the Ezeefitsports Ultrathin Blister Prevention Ankle Sock. I bought a set last fall but have not actually tried them yet. Another trick that helped on my Greenland leather boots was the addition of a velcro cinch strap at the top of the boot. It is just a simple 1 inch wide strap and it allows me to tighten the boot at the top, independent of the lacing, and that helps in keeping the heel from slipping up and down in the boot. Both my Greenland and Skarvet boots have a loop at the back of the boot, so I simply thread the strap through the loop and it stays in place when I cinch it tight. I don't know how well this would work on a boot that does not have a back loop, but it might be worth a try. Others have solved heel slip problems by using different thickness of insoles and various combinations of socks, liners and heel pads. While all of these tricks can help, they are no substitutes for a boot that fits your feet. In regards to boot choices, I have never had an issue with heel blisters on the softer synthetic boots. I've skied both the Fischer BCX 675 and the Rossignol BC X12 boots for 4 or 5 seasons without heel blister issues. My only issue with those boots are that for me, they only last about 2 seasons before they need to be replaced. The soft boots are more comfortable out of the box than a stiff leather boot, need minimal break in time, and perform well enough for most. Boots are a tricky purchase, as you never know how well a given model with work with your feet until after you have skied them for awhile. I'm a big fan of REI when it comes to boot purchases. They have a reasonable return policy (as of 2023) that allows you to use your boots for a few outings and then return them or exchange them for a different size/model if you are having issues with the boot. I've been lucky so far this season as I've only had one heel blister and that was after a 7 mile ski using my Alfa Vista boots. I thought it was time to try skiing the boots without taping my heels. I was hoping that I had enough miles on them at this point but I guess not. I will try and put together a video on this topic as I know that others suffer from the same fate. Thanks for the suggestion and I hope you can find a solution to your blister problem.
@@tomm9850 Thank you! My experience has been very similar but you gave me some ideas to try. It's funny I just ordered some 25 inch Voile straps for that very idea. They are similar to the ones you wrap your skis with. I also ordered those special socks. I use 2 inch wide tape frequently as well as Moleskin. I've also tried Vaseline.
Thanks Tom. My concern is the size of the ALFA boots: How do you evaluate the size of ALFA Free boots? I own ALFA Skaget XP boots, but the boots seem at least a half size larger than Alpina Alaska NNN-BC boots. As the size explanations about ALFA Skaget and Free are the same, I wonder if the size is identical; larger by a half size.
I'm skiing the Free and the Alaska XP in size 43. The Alaska XP is a snug fit, especially in the toes, and I think the Frees at size 43 are too big for my feet. My longest foot is 26.6 cm and that matches Alfa's size chart at 43, but in hindsight I wish I would have ordered a size 42. Alfa's return policy is pretty good as long as you don't use the boots, so if you have the resources, you could order two sizes and return one set. I have not had any blister issues with the Free's but I think a shorter boot would put the toe crease in a better place. Your Skaget's are probably a pretty good reference as far as length goes, but I don't know how they compare in regards to width. I'm very happy with the Free's. They are an amazing boot for lightweight XCD.
Thank you for your suggestion. I am very much appreciated to your detailed explanations. It was beyond my imagination. My size is 45 and Alpina Alaska 45 fits best to my feet. As only possible way to get ALFA boots is to purchase from a scandinavian mail order store or directly from ALFA, I will first try ALFA Free 44. If 44 doesn't work, then I will trytry 45, as I cannot afford two boots at the same time. I hope that the snow season will last one or two more months here, I'd like to spend spare time to find the best ALFA Free boots. Thank you again for your kind help.
Please post back with your results as I'm sure other's would like to know what size worked for you.
@@tomm9850 Hi Tom,
I finally received ALFA Free A/P/S boots in EU44 size from one of mail order store. I’d like to send the fitting report as you suggested.
With respect to my foot, boots with a wider footprint like EEE fit best my feet at US11 or 28.5cm for hiking boots as well as downhill ski boots. My feet fit perfectly to Alpina Alaska NNN-BC boots (EU45) and “almost” perfectly to Alaska XP boots (EU45). Because of the difference in the sole stiffness and the lacing system, Alaska XP boots provide slightly increased free motion at the finger area.
After opening the package, I tried the size comparison between ALFA Free A/P/S and Alina Alaska XP boots. Unfortunately, I could not upload the photo, but it clearly shows that both XP soles for ALFA EU44 and Alpina EU45 are identical. However, ALFA boots are slightly (one quarter to one half quarter in EU size) roomy because of the shape of boots upper.
The E44-sized ALFA Free A/P/S boots fit almost perfectly to my feet. With a medium-thick ski socks, the boot width is perfectly my size, and the length is slightly longer but in acceptable range. When I move my foot forward to touch my foot thumb with the toe wall of the boots under an open lace condition, the boot has a one index finger space, which is within a normal room to prevent foot thumb problem. If I tighten BOA lacing system, my foot moved backward and my ankles are fixed. Under such condition, I felt the boot is slightly roomy around the fingers than the Alpina Alaska boots. I didn’t try ALFA EU43 boots that may provide snug fit, but it is seemingly a bit small for long-distant journeys.
Then I tried various ski socks with different thickness. I found that the thicker ski socks provide the best fit to the ALFA boots.
My conclusion is that it is recommended to choose at least a half size smaller than the “usual” one, such as EU44 rather than EU45 in my case. If you prefer thinner socks for your boot, please try the one full size smaller size (EU43 in my case). I also recommend the boots fitting at local stores before purchase. The flex line at the boots toe mention by Tom is located at the similar position with Alpina Alaska boots.
Then, I tried the boots on Fischer S-Bound 112 under spring snow condition, and found that the ALFA Free A/P/S boots provide a different class of functionality from NNN-BC system, especially with the hard flexor option. The boots can be categorized in between the duckbill 75mm plastic boots with 3 pin binding system and NNN-BC system, providing better downhill performance.
The combination of the BOA lacing system with stiff boot materials opened a new dimensions of back country ski by its ultra-light weight features that allow us fast transition from ascend to descend. I love this new XP system with ALFA Free A/P/S boots, but I hope ALFA to continue further improvements for better fit.
Hello Tom. Thank you for this detailed answer. I was looking for comparison between sizing of Alaska XP (my actual boots) and Alfa Free. And it's that's what I assumed, Alfa is bigger than Alpina.
I like to ski.a boot that is laterally stiff in the cuff. I have liked many voot with an exoskeleton on the ankle like a skate boot. The Alpina Alaskan is laterally floppy and doesn't help to hold and edge in hard snow. My question is how laterally stiff are the cuffs of Alfa Free BOA? Compared to the Alpina
These boots have lots of upper support and are very different from the Alpina Alaska. They are not as stiff as a plastic boot, but when combined with a downhill focused XC ski and in combination with the hard flexor, they are very capable. This is my 3rd season skiing this boot and my favorite for cross country downhill.
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Hello Tom, you think is better the Alpina Alaska XP or Alpina Pioneer Pro? I'm next for purchase it but I want make sure that I'm doing a good investment 🙂
The Alpina Alaska XP and the Alfa Free are very different boots in feel and performance. The Alfa Free has more lateral support and a stiffer forward flex so I think it offers better control for downhill turns. The Alaska XP's softer flex skis more like a traditional leather off trail XC boot and has a great kick and glide characteristic. I have not skied or had the chance to examine the Pioneer Pro so I don't know how it compares to these boots. I hope you have the opportunity to try on each of these boots before purchase as I think that will help you decide which boot will suit you best. I watched your video ua-cam.com/video/0rH7nJbjaIQ/v-deo.html What a beautiful location for XCD skiing.
L'Alpina Alaska XP e l'Alfa Free sono scarponi molto diversi in termini di sensibilità e prestazioni. L'Alfa Free ha un maggiore supporto laterale e un flex in avanti più rigido, quindi penso che offra un migliore controllo per le curve in discesa. Gli sci dal flex più morbido dell'Alaska XP sono più simili a un tradizionale scarpone da XC in pelle per fuoristrada e hanno ottime caratteristiche di spinta e scivolata. Non ho sciato né ho avuto la possibilità di esaminare il Pioneer Pro, quindi non so come si confronta con questi scarponi. Spero che tu abbia l'opportunità di provare ciascuno di questi stivali prima dell'acquisto poiché penso che ti aiuterà a decidere quale stivale si adatta meglio a te. Ho guardato il tuo video ua-cam.com/video/0rH7nJbjaIQ/v-deo.html Che posto meraviglioso per lo sci XCD.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for the explanation Tom. One my friend bought the Alpina and I weared, it was good and very comfortable. The most important things for me are the insulation and the resistance against the cold. And sometimes also I need to do small mountaineering paths on rocks/ground. Can you tell me somtehing for this?
And then another important thing is the heel, I do a lot of miles and it has to be comfortable and without any indentations/narrowing. With a boot , one time, I inflamed my achilles tendon and I get bad for 2 months. Thank you Tom
A good boot fit is very important, and some boots and some feet just won't work well together. I like the Alpina Alaska boot, but it doesn't match my foot. I bought the Alfa Vista Advance GTX boot last year and I have been very happy with the boot. The Vista is well made with ample insulation. I haven't done any hiking or scrambling with the boot so I don't know how well it would work for that use but I think it would be fine for occasional use. ua-cam.com/video/r38rlSGGukw/v-deo.html
Hey Tom, how do you like your boots to fit? Do you size them like hiking boots or a bit tighter than that?
I have yet to find an XC boot as comfortable as my current hiking boots (Lowa Renegade). Ski boot fit has always been an issue for me and it is very important to get a good fit, as the forces and motion are a bit different than when hiking. Two things in particular to look out for when trying on boots- Toe pinch and heel lift. Both of these conditions occur when your foot is behind your body center on the rear ski. As a general rule, my ski boots fit a little more snug than my hiking boots, but not by a significant amount.
@@tomm9850 I went XC skiing for the first time a few days ago and I had major heel slippage in my alpina alaskas. When I tried to propel myself forward skiing on flats, my heel got flung upward and I felt like I couldn't properly push myself forward. Might need to experiment with modifying and adding something to the heel area to reduce slippage. They seemed fine walking around but I guess XC skiing puts a lot more force into the heel.
@@JustinBaker2567 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 do develop 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". When I'm breaking in a new pair of boots or if I'm wearing a set of boots that I know can cause me problems, I tape my heels up with 3M micropore tape. 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 I didn't have any issues with blisters. The heel area on my alpinas is pretty soft and I don't get blisters very easily. My concern is it slips so much when I try to push myself forward. I'll try that velcro strap idea.
@@JustinBaker2567 Most of the time when I have excessive heel slippage in an XC boot, I get blisters so that is where my brain went. Try the velco strap and surgeon's knot on the upper part of the boot to see if you can tweak the fit so there is less movement. The ankle sock might also be worth a try as it might fill in the space if you have a narrow heel. At any rate, thanks for tuning in and let me know if you find a solution to the problem.
I guess I'm wondering why they needed this at all. I see a system that will have longevity issues. It almost like Rottefella is trying to get beyond the Prolink fiasco of years ago.
There are lots of things to like about the new system and I'm looking forward to putting them to the test this winter to see if the new system is a step forward, backward, or sideways.
I love the appearance of alpina alaska but... I need 49EU size and the maximum is 48😭
It must be difficult to find boots at that size. Alfa makes the NNNBC Guard Advance boot in larger sizes. I haven't skied the Guard Advance boot, but I skied a dozen or more times last year with a friend who just loves the boot for off trail XCD skiing. www.alfaoutdoor.com/collections/backcountry-ski-boots-for-men/products/guard-advance-gtx-m-black-big
Hey tom! glad to see you have some snow! not much depth here in Wenatchee yet. have ya looked into the black diamond glidelite or the skinless OAC? saw a guy ripping deep tele turns in Sorell boots on the OACs. you might like. ua-cam.com/video/sMPuHNJ3Zqk/v-deo.html
I haven't skied either of those products, but they look like they could be fun for certain outings. I suspect their niche is for those who are interested in a short maneuverable ski with unlimited grip for backwoods skiing. REI calls them a trekking ski and I'm not sure what that means exactly, but they certainly are in a class all of their own.
@@tomm9850 I bought a pair of Glidelight 147s. These things are super fun. Its basically a hok ski. Climbing doesn't grip as good as my alpine touring set but you just have to choose a lower angle approach. They telemark down deep powder so nicely as the integrated skin keeps your speed down which is nice considering the flimsy universal binding. I've put over 50 miles on them from deep forrest roads and trails to groomed fatbike single track. I think an Xplore binding and boot mounted on the glidelites would make my go-to backcountry choice.
@@synthwavedirtbag Fantastic. It does look like a lot of fun, and installing an XC binding would make it easy to use the same boots on multiple ski sets. I see that they are sold without a binding. Maybe it would be a good time to give them a try. www.gearx.com/black-diamond-glidelite-147-ski-no-binding?gclid=Cj0KCQiAt8WOBhDbARIsANQLp97s5_93hZi7GyeJJKU0EigVyhYo9_H8HxiVIvZfROPVHp12Po8e22MaAljuEALw_wcB
I get better forward flex with my alpine touring boots with the cuff released than those alfa free boots.
I'm sure most AT skiers will look at this boot and scratch their heads, but this boot might just be what many XCD skiers are looking for now that Scott has stopped production of their low cut Excursion 2 buckle plastic boot. Many of us are concerned that Scarpa will stop production of their T4 boot. Time will tell if this boot is a good or better alternative to those boots.