Need boot advice!

[Severianin]

Hey all!

I need your advice on some boots. I've got a pair of Alfa Kikut Perform boots that I've put about 400 miles on in two winters. They were in rough shape after one winter and I'm thinking about replacing them since REI has some Alfa boots in BC NNN in stock. I live and ski primarily in interior Alaska. I don't do much XCD on my Asnes Gamme skis, I mostly tour.

Would you recommend the Alfa Skarvet boot? I'm tempted to just grab another Kikut because they're so comfortable. I've also read your reviews about the Alfa Guard Advance but I can't really decide if they're worth it/for me. The description of stiffer than the Alaska sounds terrible for long distance touring. I had the Alaskas and returned them after they destroyed my feet.

Or do you recommend something else entirely?

Also, I'm considering picking up a set of Asnes MR 48s after all the good things I've read about them. Sounds like they'd make a great trail ski when the snow is hard packed.

Tyler

[lowangle al]

I would stick with what you know works for you. If you were happy, why switch. I am surprised that the boots only lasted two seasons and four hundred miles though.

[Stephen]

It would be easier to offer good advice if we knew it what way the boots are failing and any ideas on why that is.
I have about 350 miles on a pair of ALFA Guards and they are still in great shape.

Things like the following are hard on boots: breakable crust, salt, poor storage, drying next to a heat source, etc.
And since you’re in Alaska — wolves and bears chewin’ on them…

[dave52]

Things like the following are hard on boots: breakable crust, salt, poor storage, drying next to a heat source, etc.

Never wore the Guards, but had a pair of the Alfa Skarvet's that I returned to REI for this reason, in a short period of time it looked like they were wearing far too fast. The Guards have a guard (imagine that?) around the lower part of the boot to protect thy leathers, whereas Skarvet only has it up front. The second half of my ski season consists of a fair bit of crust and abuse though.

Sounds like the Alaskas were awful for you, that's what I switched to from Alfa Skarvet. I don't think I quite had them broke in before returning, but the Skarvet's comparing feature to price just wasn't worth it to me. I was unimpressed with the support and comfort of Skarvet vs Alaskas, the lacing system on the Alpina's allows some versatility in setup too, I had a hard time snugging up laces real tight on the Skarvets. Feet are unique though, your mileage may vary.

[lilcliffy]

I had the Alaskas and returned them after they destroyed my feet.

Hi Tyler!
Why did the Alaska destroy your feet?
Gareth

[lilcliffy]

The description of stiffer than the Alaska sounds terrible for long distance touring.

The Guard BC is DEFINITELY not stiffer than the Alaska BC.

[lilcliffy]

The Guard has a more supportive upper vs the Kkut- relatively- they are both soft XC-focused touring boots.
The Guard MIGHT have a stiffer midsole than the Kikut- but they are close.
The Alaska has a stiffer midsole than the Guard.

[lilcliffy]

We have both the Guard and the Kikut here.
(Never even seen a Skarvet)

If you like the fit and performance of the Kikut- but want better durability→ the Guard would be the ideal.

The Guard is also much warmer than the Kikut- and even warmer than the very warm Alaska.

[andrew2d]

Joger Hiking Boots are one of the best for someone who is looking for hiking shoes. On the other hand, casual office boots are also a good option for office work. But for hard works, like welding tasks,
Iron Age Men's Ground Breaker Work Boot is a good choice.
https://weldzone.org/welding-boots/
For more ideas, this guide may help you.

[Severianin]

Thanks everyone for the advice! Sorry for the delayed response.

Man, I'm not sure that I really want a warmer boot than the Kikut. My feet sweat in it even at -20 below. I do like the sound of a little more ankle support. One thing that's kept me from ordering the Skarvet is that I've heard its got a roomier foot box, which I don't need. The Kikut fits my foot perfectly. I was just hoping for a little more stiffness (which may be unnecessary) and more durability.

I don't know why these fell apart so quickly. They had been dried out by a wood stove when they got super wet on a cabin trip. They also got really wet when I skied up on the North Slope last April when the snow turned to slush in the spring Arctic sun and then froze at night.

If there was a cobbler in Fairbanks, I'd try to have them repaired.

Unrelated note: would you guys put BC NNN bindings on MR48s? I think that's the next ski I'll add to the quiver.

Be well!