Thank you SO much for these videos! I wouldn't have settled on these shoes had you not given your experience. I am so grateful because now that I have broken them in (a few blisters, etc) they are the most comfortable boots ever. Not sure what i would have done without your reassurrances and wisdom!!
Thanks for posting your experience with these boots, and I'm glad they are working out for you, and you survived the break in period. Once you get a good fit, they are an amazing boot. I hope mine last many years.
I just recently purchased the Alfa Skarvet boots. I too experienced a slight blister. It was on my left heal but it never got too bad. I find that I have to lace them up pretty tight in order to keep my heals from sliding up and down inside the boot. I now have 30-40 miles on the boots and they're working out very well. I sure enjoy the videos, thanks.
Glad to hear that they are working out. I ended up taping my heels using micro pore tape during the break in period. I'm glad that I did not give up on them. The fit should improve as my feet and the boots adjust with additional use. It's quite a process, but I hope the boots will last a long time.
Ok, that is great to know. I’m a new skier and I am currently wearing the Fischer otx 3’s with my Outback 68’s. I find the Fischer’s to be a little too high volume for my foot shape and the 3’s don’t provide any lateral support on uneven terrain. I intend to eventually pick up a pair of the 88’s and will take a close look and the Rossignol boots. Thanks again!
Another on point video Tom! I have the same Fischer OTX5. They are indeed very comfortable, but they are soft as a noodle. I used to blame it on the NNN-BC binding. Now I am thinking it is the boot and that a move to these Alfas might help. Are there other synthetic NNN-BC boots with exo-skeleton type frame that offer more support? It’s certainly doable because my Salomon skate boots offer tremendous lateral support (as you might expect from skate boot).
I haven't skied all the NNN-BC boots that are currently available, but I have compared this boot with the Rossignol BC X-6 and I feel that it has better lateral support than the BC X-6. I was in REI the other day, and had a chance to examine (but not ski) all the NNN-BC boots they had on display. I'm very happy with my current boots, so I wasn't looking for a different pair, but while I was there I thought I'd give the selection the once over. I was impressed most by the Madshus Glittertind www.rei.com/product/140465/madshus-glittertind-bc-cross-country-ski-boots Of all the soft NNN-BC boots with exo-skeletons, it would be one that might be worth a closer look. The Alpina Alaska NNN-BC boots receive lots of praise over on www.telemarktalk.com forum. They were high on my list of boots to try, but they did not feel good on my feet when I tried them on in the store. Alfa makes an NNN-BC boot, the Alfa Guard Advance, that is beefier than the Skarvet, but as far as I know, it is not available here in the States. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2145 One thing for sure, the Alfa Skarvets are the best NNN-BC boot that I have owned. Only time will tell how durable they will be.
I haven't skied the Alpina Alaska. A lot of folks over on the Telemarktalk.com forum give great reviews of the Alaskas. I tried on a pair in the store a few years ago but didn't like the fit on my feet. The Alfa Skarvets are currently available from REI www.rei.com/product/162239/alfa-skarvet-advance-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots REI is has a great return policy. If they don't fit or meet your expectations after several skis, you can return them.
Hi Tom - I really appreciate your videos and insight. I am pretty much new to XC skiing (it's been a dozen years since), and am relocating near family who have a stash of older groomed-trail skis with NNN BC bindings. They had a pair of NNN II set up for me, but the skis are too long and the boot is a very basic Alpina. I have permission to replace bindings if I wish. So..... it would be cheaper in the short run to get a NNN BC boot such as these Scarvets, and then I would have 3 skis of different lengths to try out this year. Or... I could wait and splurge on new Xplore bindings and boots but I'd probably have to wait until next year to afford that. Are the Xplore's worth waiting for (you seem to really like that binding in your other videos)? Ultimately, I think I'd prefer to do back-country skiing. Thank you!
Hi Ryan. Since you already have access to skis that are mounted with NNN BC, it would be easiest to start there for the first season, especially if you can find a used set of boots. If you were going all out for a new set of skis, boots, and bindings, then I'd recommend going with an Xplore setup, especially if you go with a wide modern off trail ski. I don't see much utility in mounting a narrow groomed trail ski with Xplore. My advice is to take your time, have fun getting back into the sport using the gear that you already have access to, and see where it leads from there. Use this first season to build your skill set, who knows, you might already have all you need.
@@tomm9850 Thank you very much for the feedback. I’m excited about it and getting in on a new binding would be interesting, but people have been happily using NNN BC for years and it does make sense to stick with the simpler path for now.
The Alpina Alaskan's are a popular off trail boot, but I have not skied the NNNBC or the 75 mm version. Alpina has a 3rd version of the boot, Alpina Alaska XP, which should become available later this year for Rottefella's Xplore binding. Last May I had the opportunity try their new boot and it skied very well. ua-cam.com/video/OvbZnj_5TPY/v-deo.html
Thanks for your videos Tom! Looking at ALFA website sizing chart you measure your feet against a wall then add 1.5cm. This I end up with a size 41. Typically I’m a 42 or 8.5US in a running shoe. Would you say your ALFA boot sizing has worked out in a similar way?
Boot sizing is a tough one for me. I have struggled for years with blisters. Nothing seems to fit my weird feet. 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. My issue is with heel lift causing heel blisters. There are a couple of things I have done to help in this regard. I always tape my heels with one layer of 3M micropore tape. I also use a velcro strap around the top of the boot, sort of a makeshift chinch strap. I loop it through the loop at the back of the boot. For me, it helps to keep the heel more firmly planted in the boot. The Skarvet is still my favorite NNNBC boot. If fact, I just returned this afternoon from an 8 mile ski in them. I had a little rubbing in the heels, but no blisters. I'm hoping by the end of this season they will have finally formed to fit 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 don't have the same heel slippage issues with the Greenland, but 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. Anyway, I hope this helps, but when it comes to boots, everyone's feet are different. If you go with a Skarvet, let me know how well you like the performance and fit. I'm sure your experience would be helpful to others as well.
Hey Tom! How have these held up durability wise? I saw comments on Telemark talk w people experiencing excessive wear even after 1 season? Do you do any leather boot maintenance? Love your videos, thank you :)
Hi Dave. I've been very happy with both my Alfa Skarvet and Alfa Greenland boots. They are holding up much better than other boots I've owned in the past (I've owned and worn out two pairs of Fischer BCX 675's, one pair of Rossignol BC X12's, and numerous other synthetic / leather boots). All of those boots failed due to cracking at the flex points or zipper. My wife's Rossignol BC X-6 boots are almost shot after only two seasons of use. I am seeing some wear on my Alfa boots in the leather, where the leather contacts the snow. Hard crusty snow can be tough on just about any material. You can see this wear on My Alfa Greenlands by looking closely at this video I shot a couple of months ago (look on the side of the toe box just behind the Alfa logo) ua-cam.com/video/bxqLMHUrnho/v-deo.html All of my stitching is in tact and I don't see any signs of cracking. You have given me a good topic for another video. I should probably do a wear comparison between my boots and my wifes boots as they were purchased around the same time, have about the same mileage and skied under similar conditions. No boot will last forever. Metal edge contact, extreme cold conditions, crusty hard snow, ski mileage and material age are all factors. As far as boot maintenance, I let my boots air dry between uses, treat them with Nikwax waterproofing when needed, and store them in a cool, dry place in the off season. Anyway, I hope this is helpful, and thanks for the kind words.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for the detailed reply, really appreciate that. Those look decent shape for the amount of use. Been weighing Alpina Alaska to Alfa Skarvet, trying to justify that $100 difference, haha. Your videos got me into cross country skiing, especially the eccentric BCXC style ...thank you for sharing what you do!
Do you perform any type of maintenance on your boots to keep them in "good working order" and extend their longevity? Note: I did see a reference to "Sno Seal" in a later video. Thank you. Do you treat these boots frequently?
I've been treating my full grain leather boots with a wax based waterproofing that I purchased years ago from REI. It has worked well for me, but it is no longer available, so when it runs out, I'll have to find a new product. Here is a link to Alfa's boot treatment and care recommendations www.alfaoutdoor.com/service-center/care-instructions/full-grain-leather. The ingredients list on the Alfa product is Polysiloxane, beeswax, and water. When I'm done with the boots for the season, I clean them off, let them dry, treat the leather, then store them in a cool dry location over the summer.
What boot similar to this or the Alaskas would you recommend for wide (EE or EEE) feet? I read that the Alaskas are long and narrow so would not work for me.
I'm not aware of any xc boots with width sizing. You might want to post this question over on www.telemarktalk.com/ to see if any other's with similar feet have found a good boot.
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. The fit issue for me was in the toe area. I had a similar problem with a set of Alpina 1575's that I skied for a couple of years. I'm very happy with the Skarvets and hope that they last a long time Thanks for watching. Hope you are having a great ski season.
Last year I got the Alfa Skarvets. They gave me blisters even after many outings totaling many miles . This year was no exception. The Alfa’s kept giving me blisters. I was bummed because these boots are not cheap ($350 @ REI). I wound up getting pair of Alpina Alaskans. These boots have not given me any blisters. They lace up a little bit higher than the Alfa’s and have better support. They are are stiffer as well. These boots are very good quality, made in Slavonia and are $100 less than the Alfa’s. It can be difficult to know what ski boots, be it alpine, telemark or cross country, will be good until you actually use them.
Julie is skiing the Rossignol BC X-6 FW NNNBC boot. The boot fits her very well. She has skied Rossignol boots for many years, and also skis the Rossignol X5 OT FW on her narrow track skis. She says the boots are warm, and her only complaint is that they wear out after about 2 seasons (she logs about 320 miles per year, about half in the X-6 and the other half in the X-5's). Julie likes the long distance tours in rolling terrain and prefers a softer boot for good kick and glide as opposed to a stiff boot for turns.
How warm are the Alfa boots? I have the Fischer BCX 6 boot now and my feet get cold after a short time. How is the stiffness compared to the Fischer BCX 6 boots. I ski mainly on our ranch in central Wyoming and very very seldom am I on a trail. I now use mainly the Altai Hok skis which are very wide.
I've rarely experienced cold feet in any boot, so I'm probably not a good candidate to evaluate which boot is warmer. I haven't skied the BCX 6 boots, but the Fischer boots that I have owned and skied that were of a similar design were warm and comfortable. The Alfa boots are insulated, but if I had to guess, I don't think they would be any warmer than the boots you are currently using. The Alfa boots are a stiffer boot than the BCX 6 and offer more lateral control, but they are old school leather in design and do take some time to break in. As far as I know, the only place you can purchase the boots in the USA is from REI. The good thing about REI, is that they have an amazing return policy. There is little risk in giving them a try. The only thing there is to lose is the return shipping, providing you meet the return timeline. If you order these boots, double check the sizing chart. My Alfa's in size 42 fit like my Fischers in size 43. If you do decide to give these boots a try, be sure to report back as I bet others are curious if the boots are warmer or colder than your BCX 6's. It sure has been a great ski season here in Wyoming. Thanks for watching.
@@tomm9850 thanks for the response. It has been amazing here also. We have had 24 inches of snow in Feb. alone and that is in the Big Horn Basin at Thermopolis. I will let you know if I get these boots and what I think. They are pretty expensive so have to think about getting them.
They do make an insulated XC overboot that might help. www.rei.com/product/140325/rossignol-nordic-overboots-for-cross-country-ski-boots I've also seen insulated gaiters and overboots designed for mountaineering. Keep in mind you will need an open bottom forefoot to allow for the boot bar and boot to binding interface. 40below.com/product/forty-below-fresh-tracks-overboots/ www.mtntools.com/cat/techwear/Gaiters/mountaintoolssupergaiters.htm I've not tried any of these products, but it may give you some ideas. Alfa does make an expedition NNNBC boot that is used for polar expeditions. They are very expensive, but would be just the ticket if none of the regular boots are warm enough. You can buy boots directly from Alfa in Norway. I just purchased a set of the 75 mm Greenland boots and had them shipped to Wyoming. They arrived in 10 days and the shipping / import fee was only $50 above the price of the boots. alfaoutdoor.com/shop/backcountry/expedition/polar-a-p-s-1-1 I've also heard that a thick wool felt insole can add warmth, if you have room in your boot. Hope you find a solution, as there is nothing that turns a good day into a bad one faster than cold feet.
Tom for us ole boys its hard to totally move away from the leathers. They definitely are more durable. I agree the plastic boots tend to be more comfortable and sometimes warmer as I am finding but there is something sorta mentally nostalgic about the looks,support and the straightforward lacing system of the leather boots. I am still breaking away from my 25+ year old Alico 75mm boots and I think the stiffness will outlive me. How did you find the boots on the width fit? Johnny has had good words for the Alfa Guard Advance GTX as to comfort warmth and roominess. I don't think the two are far off on the support.
The fit in regards to width and length is similar between the Skarvet, Greenland and Guard. The toe box is wider and the length is longer than the same sized Alpina Alaska. I don't know about size comparison with the Alico as I've not skied those. The sizing on Rossignol and Fischer boots can vary quite a bit depending on the model, but I'm skiing one size smaller in the Alfa than what I've skied in other boots in the past. Sock choice and foot volume can make a big difference between individuals. If you get a good fit, I don't think you can go wrong with either the Guard or the Vista.
Thanks all good fit info on those boots. I figured the alfas would be more true to size or your tight fit size. Just lucked out on his and hers Rossi X10s for 120 CAD new, end of season sale. So that will give a bit of time to catch leathers on sale and have BC boots during the wait.
@@dpo1867 That is a great price for the BCX-10 and they should last for several seasons. Julie loves the Rossignol line of off trail NNNBC boots and just bought a new set this season.
All of the skiing in this video is on Fischer Traverse 78 skis with the exception of the 10 second segment starting at 2:44, which is on a set of Fischer Sbound 98 skis.
My backcountry ski poles are the K2 lockjaw carbon. Mine are about 5 years old. They work well. Here is a link to their newest version k2snow.com/en-us/p/lockjaw-carbon-plus-pole
Sizing has always been a problem for me, so I'm reluctant to offer any sizing advice. Nothing seems to fit my weird feet. 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 best thing would be to try on both sizes at the same sitting and I'm sure you could quickly determine which size is best for you. If you are planning on wearing thick socks, then I think you should go with the size that Alfa recommends.
@@tomm9850 i ordered both 45 and 46. 46 ist too big 45 little pressures. I stay with 45. Today 9 miles. Little pains but acteptable. For beginnig i will make shorts tours till they formed to my shape 🇸🇰⛷😊
Be sure to give it some time and be careful monitoring your feet so you don't overdo it during the break in. I hope they work out well for you. They are my favorite NNNBC boot.
Thank you SO much for these videos! I wouldn't have settled on these shoes had you not given your experience. I am so grateful because now that I have broken them in (a few blisters, etc) they are the most comfortable boots ever. Not sure what i would have done without your reassurrances and wisdom!!
Thanks for posting your experience with these boots, and I'm glad they are working out for you, and you survived the break in period. Once you get a good fit, they are an amazing boot. I hope mine last many years.
I just recently purchased the Alfa Skarvet boots. I too experienced a slight blister. It was on my left heal but it never got too bad. I find that I have to lace them up pretty tight in order to keep my heals from sliding up and down inside the boot. I now have 30-40 miles on the boots and they're working out very well. I sure enjoy the videos, thanks.
Glad to hear that they are working out. I ended up taping my heels using micro pore tape during the break in period. I'm glad that I did not give up on them. The fit should improve as my feet and the boots adjust with additional use. It's quite a process, but I hope the boots will last a long time.
Ok, that is great to know. I’m a new skier and I am currently wearing the Fischer otx 3’s with my Outback 68’s. I find the Fischer’s to be a little too high volume for my foot shape and the 3’s don’t provide any lateral support on uneven terrain. I intend to eventually pick up a pair of the 88’s and will take a close look and the Rossignol boots. Thanks again!
Cool. 👍
Another on point video Tom! I have the same Fischer OTX5. They are indeed very comfortable, but they are soft as a noodle. I used to blame it on the NNN-BC binding. Now I am thinking it is the boot and that a move to these Alfas might help.
Are there other synthetic NNN-BC boots with exo-skeleton type frame that offer more support? It’s certainly doable because my Salomon skate boots offer tremendous lateral support (as you might expect from skate boot).
I haven't skied all the NNN-BC boots that are currently available, but I have compared this boot with the Rossignol BC X-6 and I feel that it has better lateral support than the BC X-6. I was in REI the other day, and had a chance to examine (but not ski) all the NNN-BC boots they had on display. I'm very happy with my current boots, so I wasn't looking for a different pair, but while I was there I thought I'd give the selection the once over. I was impressed most by the Madshus Glittertind www.rei.com/product/140465/madshus-glittertind-bc-cross-country-ski-boots Of all the soft NNN-BC boots with exo-skeletons, it would be one that might be worth a closer look. The Alpina Alaska NNN-BC boots receive lots of praise over on www.telemarktalk.com forum. They were high on my list of boots to try, but they did not feel good on my feet when I tried them on in the store. Alfa makes an NNN-BC boot, the Alfa Guard Advance, that is beefier than the Skarvet, but as far as I know, it is not available here in the States. www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2145 One thing for sure, the Alfa Skarvets are the best NNN-BC boot that I have owned. Only time will tell how durable they will be.
I’ll have to check out the Glittertind boot. They look rugged.
Super helpful, thank you! What skis were you using with these?
In this video I'm skiing Fischer Traverse 78 skis.
These or the Alaskas? Also, is there a North American (USA) vendor for Alfa? I really enjoy your videos and the effort you put in. Well done.
I haven't skied the Alpina Alaska. A lot of folks over on the Telemarktalk.com forum give great reviews of the Alaskas. I tried on a pair in the store a few years ago but didn't like the fit on my feet. The Alfa Skarvets are currently available from REI www.rei.com/product/162239/alfa-skarvet-advance-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots
REI is has a great return policy. If they don't fit or meet your expectations after several skis, you can return them.
Hi Tom - I really appreciate your videos and insight. I am pretty much new to XC skiing (it's been a dozen years since), and am relocating near family who have a stash of older groomed-trail skis with NNN BC bindings. They had a pair of NNN II set up for me, but the skis are too long and the boot is a very basic Alpina. I have permission to replace bindings if I wish. So..... it would be cheaper in the short run to get a NNN BC boot such as these Scarvets, and then I would have 3 skis of different lengths to try out this year. Or... I could wait and splurge on new Xplore bindings and boots but I'd probably have to wait until next year to afford that. Are the Xplore's worth waiting for (you seem to really like that binding in your other videos)? Ultimately, I think I'd prefer to do back-country skiing. Thank you!
Hi Ryan. Since you already have access to skis that are mounted with NNN BC, it would be easiest to start there for the first season, especially if you can find a used set of boots. If you were going all out for a new set of skis, boots, and bindings, then I'd recommend going with an Xplore setup, especially if you go with a wide modern off trail ski. I don't see much utility in mounting a narrow groomed trail ski with Xplore. My advice is to take your time, have fun getting back into the sport using the gear that you already have access to, and see where it leads from there. Use this first season to build your skill set, who knows, you might already have all you need.
@@tomm9850 Thank you very much for the feedback. I’m excited about it and getting in on a new binding would be interesting, but people have been happily using NNN BC for years and it does make sense to stick with the simpler path for now.
Great video. Have you tried the alpina alaska
The Alpina Alaskan's are a popular off trail boot, but I have not skied the NNNBC or the 75 mm version. Alpina has a 3rd version of the boot, Alpina Alaska XP, which should become available later this year for Rottefella's Xplore binding. Last May I had the opportunity try their new boot and it skied very well. ua-cam.com/video/OvbZnj_5TPY/v-deo.html
Thanks for your videos Tom!
Looking at ALFA website sizing chart you measure your feet against a wall then add 1.5cm. This I end up with a size 41. Typically I’m a 42 or 8.5US in a running shoe. Would you say your ALFA boot sizing has worked out in a similar way?
Boot sizing is a tough one for me. I have struggled for years with blisters. Nothing seems to fit my weird feet. 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. My issue is with heel lift causing heel blisters. There are a couple of things I have done to help in this regard. I always tape my heels with one layer of 3M micropore tape. I also use a velcro strap around the top of the boot, sort of a makeshift chinch strap. I loop it through the loop at the back of the boot. For me, it helps to keep the heel more firmly planted in the boot. The Skarvet is still my favorite NNNBC boot. If fact, I just returned this afternoon from an 8 mile ski in them. I had a little rubbing in the heels, but no blisters. I'm hoping by the end of this season they will have finally formed to fit 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 don't have the same heel slippage issues with the Greenland, but 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. Anyway, I hope this helps, but when it comes to boots, everyone's feet are different. If you go with a Skarvet, let me know how well you like the performance and fit. I'm sure your experience would be helpful to others as well.
@@tomm9850 Great Info, I'll keep you posted on how i make out. Thanks
Hey Tom! How have these held up durability wise? I saw comments on Telemark talk w people experiencing excessive wear even after 1 season? Do you do any leather boot maintenance?
Love your videos, thank you :)
Hi Dave. I've been very happy with both my Alfa Skarvet and Alfa Greenland boots. They are holding up much better than other boots I've owned in the past (I've owned and worn out two pairs of Fischer BCX 675's, one pair of Rossignol BC X12's, and numerous other synthetic / leather boots). All of those boots failed due to cracking at the flex points or zipper. My wife's Rossignol BC X-6 boots are almost shot after only two seasons of use. I am seeing some wear on my Alfa boots in the leather, where the leather contacts the snow. Hard crusty snow can be tough on just about any material. You can see this wear on My Alfa Greenlands by looking closely at this video I shot a couple of months ago (look on the side of the toe box just behind the Alfa logo) ua-cam.com/video/bxqLMHUrnho/v-deo.html All of my stitching is in tact and I don't see any signs of cracking. You have given me a good topic for another video. I should probably do a wear comparison between my boots and my wifes boots as they were purchased around the same time, have about the same mileage and skied under similar conditions. No boot will last forever. Metal edge contact, extreme cold conditions, crusty hard snow, ski mileage and material age are all factors. As far as boot maintenance, I let my boots air dry between uses, treat them with Nikwax waterproofing when needed, and store them in a cool, dry place in the off season. Anyway, I hope this is helpful, and thanks for the kind words.
@@tomm9850 Thank you for the detailed reply, really appreciate that. Those look decent shape for the amount of use. Been weighing Alpina Alaska to Alfa Skarvet, trying to justify that $100 difference, haha. Your videos got me into cross country skiing, especially the eccentric BCXC style ...thank you for sharing what you do!
Do you perform any type of maintenance on your boots to keep them in "good working order" and extend their longevity? Note: I did see a reference to "Sno Seal" in a later video. Thank you. Do you treat these boots frequently?
I've been treating my full grain leather boots with a wax based waterproofing that I purchased years ago from REI. It has worked well for me, but it is no longer available, so when it runs out, I'll have to find a new product. Here is a link to Alfa's boot treatment and care recommendations www.alfaoutdoor.com/service-center/care-instructions/full-grain-leather. The ingredients list on the Alfa product is Polysiloxane, beeswax, and water. When I'm done with the boots for the season, I clean them off, let them dry, treat the leather, then store them in a cool dry location over the summer.
What boot similar to this or the Alaskas would you recommend for wide (EE or EEE) feet? I read that the Alaskas are long and narrow so would not work for me.
I'm not aware of any xc boots with width sizing. You might want to post this question over on www.telemarktalk.com/ to see if any other's with similar feet have found a good boot.
Would love to see you try out and review the Alpina Alaskans for comparison.
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. The fit issue for me was in the toe area. I had a similar problem with a set of Alpina 1575's that I skied for a couple of years. I'm very happy with the Skarvets and hope that they last a long time Thanks for watching. Hope you are having a great ski season.
Last year I got the Alfa Skarvets. They gave me blisters even after many outings totaling many miles . This year was no exception. The Alfa’s kept giving me blisters. I was bummed because these boots are not cheap ($350 @ REI). I wound up getting pair of Alpina Alaskans. These boots have not given me any blisters. They lace up a little bit higher than the Alfa’s and have better support. They are are stiffer as well. These boots are very good quality, made in Slavonia and are $100 less than the Alfa’s. It can be difficult to know what ski boots, be it alpine, telemark or cross country, will be good until you actually use them.
Hi Tom, what boots does Julie wear with her Excursion 88’s?
Julie is skiing the Rossignol BC X-6 FW NNNBC boot. The boot fits her very well. She has skied Rossignol boots for many years, and also skis the Rossignol X5 OT FW on her narrow track skis. She says the boots are warm, and her only complaint is that they wear out after about 2 seasons (she logs about 320 miles per year, about half in the X-6 and the other half in the X-5's). Julie likes the long distance tours in rolling terrain and prefers a softer boot for good kick and glide as opposed to a stiff boot for turns.
How warm are the Alfa boots? I have the Fischer BCX 6 boot now and my feet get cold after a short time. How is the stiffness compared to the Fischer BCX 6 boots. I ski mainly on our ranch in central Wyoming and very very seldom am I on a trail. I now use mainly the Altai Hok skis which are very wide.
I've rarely experienced cold feet in any boot, so I'm probably not a good candidate to evaluate which boot is warmer. I haven't skied the BCX 6 boots, but the Fischer boots that I have owned and skied that were of a similar design were warm and comfortable. The Alfa boots are insulated, but if I had to guess, I don't think they would be any warmer than the boots you are currently using. The Alfa boots are a stiffer boot than the BCX 6 and offer more lateral control, but they are old school leather in design and do take some time to break in. As far as I know, the only place you can purchase the boots in the USA is from REI. The good thing about REI, is that they have an amazing return policy. There is little risk in giving them a try. The only thing there is to lose is the return shipping, providing you meet the return timeline. If you order these boots, double check the sizing chart. My Alfa's in size 42 fit like my Fischers in size 43. If you do decide to give these boots a try, be sure to report back as I bet others are curious if the boots are warmer or colder than your BCX 6's. It sure has been a great ski season here in Wyoming. Thanks for watching.
@@tomm9850 thanks for the response. It has been amazing here also. We have had 24 inches of snow in Feb. alone and that is in the Big Horn Basin at Thermopolis. I will let you know if I get these boots and what I think. They are pretty expensive so have to think about getting them.
They do make an insulated XC overboot that might help.
www.rei.com/product/140325/rossignol-nordic-overboots-for-cross-country-ski-boots
I've also seen insulated gaiters and overboots designed for mountaineering. Keep in mind you will need an open bottom forefoot to allow for the boot bar and boot to binding interface.
40below.com/product/forty-below-fresh-tracks-overboots/
www.mtntools.com/cat/techwear/Gaiters/mountaintoolssupergaiters.htm
I've not tried any of these products, but it may give you some ideas.
Alfa does make an expedition NNNBC boot that is used for polar expeditions. They are very expensive, but would be just the ticket if none of the regular boots are warm enough. You can buy boots directly from Alfa in Norway. I just purchased a set of the 75 mm Greenland boots and had them shipped to Wyoming. They arrived in 10 days and the shipping / import fee was only $50 above the price of the boots.
alfaoutdoor.com/shop/backcountry/expedition/polar-a-p-s-1-1
I've also heard that a thick wool felt insole can add warmth, if you have room in your boot.
Hope you find a solution, as there is nothing that turns a good day into a bad one faster than cold feet.
Tom for us ole boys its hard to totally move away from the leathers. They definitely are more durable. I agree the plastic boots tend to be more comfortable and sometimes warmer as I am finding but there is something sorta mentally nostalgic about the looks,support and the straightforward lacing system of the leather boots. I am still breaking away from my 25+ year old Alico 75mm boots and I think the stiffness will outlive me. How did you find the boots on the width fit? Johnny has had good words for the Alfa Guard Advance GTX as to comfort warmth and roominess. I don't think the two are far off on the support.
The fit in regards to width and length is similar between the Skarvet, Greenland and Guard. The toe box is wider and the length is longer than the same sized Alpina Alaska. I don't know about size comparison with the Alico as I've not skied those. The sizing on Rossignol and Fischer boots can vary quite a bit depending on the model, but I'm skiing one size smaller in the Alfa than what I've skied in other boots in the past. Sock choice and foot volume can make a big difference between individuals. If you get a good fit, I don't think you can go wrong with either the Guard or the Vista.
Thanks all good fit info on those boots. I figured the alfas would be more true to size or your tight fit size. Just lucked out on his and hers Rossi X10s for 120 CAD new, end of season sale. So that will give a bit of time to catch leathers on sale and have BC boots during the wait.
@@dpo1867 That is a great price for the BCX-10 and they should last for several seasons. Julie loves the Rossignol line of off trail NNNBC boots and just bought a new set this season.
Which skis did you use this time?
All of the skiing in this video is on Fischer Traverse 78 skis with the exception of the 10 second segment starting at 2:44, which is on a set of Fischer Sbound 98 skis.
@@tomm9850 oh really?! They turn well with this amount of snow!! The boots must do a good job. Thank you so much for the videos!
tell about ski poles
My backcountry ski poles are the K2 lockjaw carbon. Mine are about 5 years old. They work well. Here is a link to their newest version
k2snow.com/en-us/p/lockjaw-carbon-plus-pole
Which size you recommed? I have 28,5 cm. Im between 45 and 46 in alfa skarvet sizing. Go for smaller or a bigger with massive socks? Thsnks for help.
Sizing has always been a problem for me, so I'm reluctant to offer any sizing advice. Nothing seems to fit my weird feet. 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 best thing would be to try on both sizes at the same sitting and I'm sure you could quickly determine which size is best for you. If you are planning on wearing thick socks, then I think you should go with the size that Alfa recommends.
@@tomm9850 i ordered both 45 and 46. 46 ist too big 45 little pressures. I stay with 45. Today 9 miles. Little pains but acteptable. For beginnig i will make shorts tours till they formed to my shape 🇸🇰⛷😊
Be sure to give it some time and be careful monitoring your feet so you don't overdo it during the break in. I hope they work out well for you. They are my favorite NNNBC boot.