Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I thought it might be helpful to post my thoughts on the new Alfa boots in case anyone is considering getting a pair.

To put it bluntly - I have crazy feet. I have a very tall arch (so tall I came this "" close to not being able to join the Marines). My fore-foot is four and a half inches wide (double EE width). I wear size nine in almost all my footwear.

So, it can be hard to find footwear that I can wear comfortably. After my https://www.telemarktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6076 100 Mile Wilderness xc ski tour last season I knew I needed a more substantial setup than what my NNN/RossiX5 setup was offering. After much research I landed on the rotefella xplore binding. Now I had to find a pair of boots. I tried on the Alpina Alaska, comfy for sure. However, I am a vegan. So back to square one. Tried the Rossignol XP12 and it felt like a torture device. Returned. Asked around on another forum and they recommended the Alfa Free A/P/S (what is up with that name anyways?). Contacted Alfa and they confirmed the boot is vegan. Awesome, too bad it is over $700 Then it went on sale at REI 30% off.

Measured my foot at 25.5cm so according to the Alfa size guide I was right in the 41/42 range.

I ordered both sizes. Once the boots arrived I was shocked to see that according to Alfa size 41 is US 7.5 Glad I did not try to order off the US size chart or I would have been a 43. I took the semi-custom orthotics out of my AT ski boots and they fit perfectly in the 41s (for reference my BSL is 304mm and my size is 26.0/26.5). It was a snug fit, not uncomfortable but not like my Bedrock sandals that I have been wearing all summer that is for sure Then I switched to the 42s. With the orthotics and the BOA cranked all the way down I had some heel lift. No good.

I wore the size 41 boots indoors over a period of several days and at different times of the day (all the time with ski socks). I did a conditioning workout in my garage wearing them too. I wore them only indoors in case I decided to return them. They are snug in the forefoot but I can wiggle my toes. Just in the three days or so wearing them inside I have noticed the boots relaxing a bit and becoming more comfortable in the fore-foot. They are full synthetic boots so at most I think a 1/4 size in stretching is possible (leather can stretch up to a full size without synthetic lining - think climbing shoes...).

The insoles that the boots came with are super flimsy and cheap, probably because most folks just toss them :shrug: They are my first pair of italian boots. The quality is superb (I used to work at 5.10 many moons ago so I am kind of a footwear snob ), the attention to detail is stunning, and the boots are gorgeous (I almost feel bad getting them dirty - almost).

My only concerns right now are on the BOA "buckles" they do stick out pretty far. Just walking down the stairs in my house I banged one against the wall. Good thing Alfa offers a two year warranty. I bet that will be the first thing to break on the boot with hard use...

Doesn't surprise me that the 41 is the better fit. Last year I ordered a Alaska XPs in size 44 and Alfa Frees in size 43 to try for size, based on recommendations here to order down one size in the Frees. It was interesting to see that the fit was identical for both, at least with regard to length, and they were built on the same sized sole.

I kept the Alaskas based on them likely being a better all-around boot, but I'm going to add the Frees this winter.

A great price for a great boot. I notice that REI has all their Alfa boots at 30% off, with a good selection of sizes.
Vista Advance at $376, Free at $503, and Skaget at $293. Seems like a strange time of year for a price drop. I wonder if REI has decided to drop Alfa from their product line. If so, that would be a shame.

"HURRY! This item is discontinued. Shop now for best selection."

From REI page for Skaget.