Tips for reducing volume of XC-boots

[Christian96moeller]

Dear all,

Last season, I bought a pair of Alfa Free boots, and overall, I’m quite happy with them.

However, I have an issue with the fit: the boots are slightly too roomy for my feet. I have quite long and narrow feet, so I’m looking for ways to reduce some of the volume in the boots.

Previously, I have used a pair of La Sportiva Nepal Cube boots (an ice and mountaineering boot), that had a clever system with a removable tongue attached with velcro. This solution would probably work great in the Alfa frees, but unfortunately, I can’t seem to find such a tongue sold separately. I’ve attached a picture of this product.

I’ve tried adding extra insoles, but this causes pain in my little toe when the boot flexes.

What have you done to reduce volume of your boots?

I’m particularly looking for solutions that reduce volume over the top of the foot rather than underneath.

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

Christian

[fgd135]

You could cut a piece of molefoam, or something similar, like the kind of adhesive foam used in alpine boots for fitting, and attach it to the inside tongue of your boot. This should reduce some of the volume without impinging on toe fit.
Alternatively, or together with that idea, you might consider wearing heavier socks, or two pair of socks in some kind of combination to take up some of the volume, or, another idea, consider using a soft neoprene ankle brace in addition to the regular socks or some combination of socks.

[fisheater]

An insole can help a lot. I like this company’s wool insoles. The flat ones are reasonable and take up volume. You could add on orthodontic insole as well.

https://www.orthonatural.ca/product/eve ... a-durable/