Alfa Free X/P/S GTX XCD Boot Review

[@Bcskier44]

I'm now convinced I need to try this new setup. It looks like a major upgrade from NNN BC and/or 75mm. Your control on the downhill looks noticeably better on this setup.

[@tomm9850]

I am really enjoying the new system and the few reports that I've read from others have been very positive as well. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great winter.

[@alexmacdonald258]

I keep coming back to your 2 video set on these boots, and I think I would stick to my 3-pins at this point, but...my wife is getting a new pair of boards so she'll need bindings. So far, it looks like those Rottefella Xplores, and thanks to your excellent reviews, a pair of Alpina Alaskas to match the bindings. Thanks, Tom. I hope your upcoming season is fantastic!

[@tomm9850]

I've been very happy with the Xplore system after one full season. If at all possible, it would be a good idea to have your wife try on some boots before making the leap to the Xplore system. Boot fit is everything, so that might be the deciding factor.

[@alexmacdonald258]

@@tomm9850 Absolutely! It's only Alpine and in-track Nordic in this area, so we may have to use the online resources, but I totally agree, happy feet=happy skiers!

[@stephenkohler3472]

I really like how easy it should be to step in and click out of that binding. Appears about as easy as a tech binding.

[@tomm9850]

It can be a little fiddly at times. Just when I think I'm getting the hang of it, I miss and have to try again. I've found it is a very good idea to move the foot from left to right a couple of times just to make sure it is engaged before pointing down the slope.

[@cacciatoredifreddo]

Lovely snow and very interesting boots!

[@tomm9850]

I think that many people will find these boots to be a good choice.

[@chrissd08]

As always, GREAT video Tom! So jealous of that terrain you are able to ski.

[@tomm9850]

Thanks for tuning in and I hope you are having a great week.

[@rbelang8331]

Nice conditions & nice terrain... Thanks for the review. I am starting to consider... hum... we will see.

[@tomm9850]

The 75 mm and NNNBC systems that are available today are very good and have stood the test of time. I like the fact that the new system feels very familiar (in the way it skis) to my other systems, so it is easy to jump back and forth between my new and old setups. The best way to describe the feel is that the new system is just a better version of its former self.

[@stefanodeste4930]

Looks very promising! I’m hoping REI will get the Free this year. I already have the bindings from REI and some skis I could try them on. Great looking snow! Thanks.

[@tomm9850]

I like the system very much and I now have 3 sets of skis mounted with the Xplore binding.

[@bengt_axle]

I have experimented with attaching an XC boot to a ski with a solid brass wire, wrapping around the toe and behind the heel. It worked quite well but I've never tried it for a very long time. Also, the boot is fixed to the ski, so you'll have to take your boot off to get out the ski. Brass wire can be cut with wire cutters.

[@tomm9850]

Great tip!

[@Schmandy]

Thank you for this hi quality video!

[@tomm9850]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for tuning in and have a great week.

[@alexmacdonald258]

VERY thoughtful video, especially about the cable vs flexor plate question! I'd love to see that explored further before next season. Your feedback on that will guide me in my own decisions about that Asnes Falketind 62.

[@tomm9850]

So far I have been unable to get my hands on the hard flexor. Hopefully I can get one before the end of this season.

[@alexmacdonald258]

@@tomm9850 I should brush up on my Norwegian in case I have to make the trip....yeahsureyoubetcha:-)

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Nice set up Tom…like that jacket though. Lol. New Brunswick Canada

[@tomm9850]

The Jacket is working great. It is a bit bigger than my other shells. I guess I'm going for the mid 80's baggy snowboarder look. 😊 (Just more color coordinated)

[@maximusnye1034]

Tom I’m a new subscriber, but I love your content. I think you have a great outdoors sprit. I think the type of skiing you love is an under appreciated category. Hopefully the gear will continue to evolve. Any advice on weather to get the alpina vs the alpha? Thanks

[@tomm9850]

I'm skiing both the Alpina Alaska XP and the Alfa Free. I ski the Alfa Free when I'm on a "tour for turns", where the main objective is to find some nice slopes for downhill runs. I pair the Free's with my Sbound 98's and Voile Objectives skis. The Alpina Alaska XP boot is a great all-round boot. It is flexible enough for kick and glide tours and has enough support for downhill control, but not as much support as the Alfa Free boots. I'll take the Alaska XP on all other off trail tours, what most would describe as "rolling terrain tours" or "kick and glide tours". I'm currently skiing the Alaska XP with the Alpina Discovery 80, mostly on forest service roads and trails. I appreciate the feedback and thanks for tuning in.

[@garywatson2981]

Hi Tom, I messaged you a couple of weeks ago regarding swapping my 75mm set up to Alfa Free boot and Rotterfella explore bindings, so I went out for a 5km breakin of the boots today, I think you mentioned the tightness/squeezing above the toe area whilst kick and gliding which I am experiencing, was you able to resolve the issue or is it just the case of breaking the boots in ? Many Thanks Gary

[@tomm9850]

Hi Gary. I do have some toe pinch on my left foot but my right foot is fine. I just finished an 8 mile ski with the boots this morning, but it was an uphill shuffle followed by a long downhill, so not a lot of aggressive kick and glide. For me, I've found that the stiff flexor makes the problem worse (as far as toe pinch goes) so I've only been using the standard flexor this year. The boots may soften up a bit over time but I don't think that they will reform to ones feet like leather does. I picked up a set of the Alfa Vista boots this season for my aggressive kick and glide tours and I'm very happy with where the Vista's crease. I've been using the Free's when I'm touring for turns and in that scenario they are working great so I will continue to ski them. You could experiment a bit with sock and insole combinations to see if that helps, but it probably won't solve the problem completely. If you do find a solution, be sure to report back so that others can benefit from your experience. Ultimately, it may be that the boots may not be a good solution for you.

[@garywatson2981]

@@tomm9850 hi Tom, that’s really odd, as it’s the left boot for me also, I’m going to try a different insole inside the boot I’ll let you know the outcome, Gary

[@stianjarnass]

Hi Tom I wonder if you got your regular size or went down? I got my regular size, they felt a bit big. But I feel that I can tighten them down. But I get a terrible pinch on my left big toe. Not sure if it's construction or the boots a bit big🤷. Drawback with online shopping 🤣

[@tomm9850]

I'm skiing the same size (42) as my Alfa Vista. I also skied the Alfa Skarvet and Alfa Greenland in size 42. My barefoot weighted foot length is 267 mm left, 266 right. A lot of people have been reporting toe pinch problems with the Alfa Free. I have more toe pinch on my left foot as well. It seems to be a bit less this year, but that might be because I've been skiing almost entirely with the standard flexor as the hard flexor makes the toe pinch worse and I can't even use the heel wire with the Frees because of the toe pinch issue. I can use the heel wires with the Alfa Vistas with no issues. I don't know if you can return the boots for a refund, but if you are having blister issues, you might want to try a different boot. I really like the Alfa Free and have skied them more this season than last season, mostly as a tour for turns boot, where I'm not putting in lots of distance miles but lots of vertical.

[@stianjarnass]

@@tomm9850 Thanks for your info & help 🙏. I hope the pinch is getting better. I try to skate as much as possible when I go up in groomed tracks. I like the alpine like feeling of the boots. I'm new to Telemark skiing, I don't master it. But I have to say it's easier with my regular skate skiis. But I like going outside tracks and the safety the boots and my Falketind skiis give me 😁

[@MisterTMH]

I use NNN BC and 75 mm cable Telemark bindings. I would have to rent this set up and try it out before I could ascertain its merits. If only we got snow like that here in S.E. Australian winters in our mountains.

[@tomm9850]

I am very lucky to live in an area with such great snow and resources. Thanks for tuning in and please post if you do get a chance to try out the new system at some point.

[@pete457]

Tom, any feedback on the fit of the Alfa Free for different foot types? Wide, narrow, high volume, low volume...? Would be good to know before placing a mail order. With a wide, high volume foot, I often find I have to compromise on nordic boot fit by going a size longer than my standard fit, and then play around a lot with footbeds to minimize rubs and bangs. I am hopeful that the boa lacing system offers a wider range of adjustment than most boots. Love to hear your thoughts on this. Also, has the fit changed over time with any stretching? I recently had some spectacular stretch as my Salomon skate boots wore in, and might have been alright a size smaller. Very much appreciate the thought and work you put into these videos Tom.

[@tomm9850]

Sizing can be problematic on ski boots, that is for sure. I started out with a size 43 Free based on Alfa's foot length chart (my longest foot is 26.6 cm) but I've downsized to a size 42, and I think it is a better fit for me. Just for reference, my favorite hiking boot is a Lowa Renegade in US Men's size 10, and I've skied two other Alfa Ski boots, the Skarvet and the Greenland in size 42. REI in the US has the boots in stock and their sizing chart is very different from Alfa's. REI's chart equates a size 42 to a US Men's size 10, with a foot length of 27.5 cm. www.rei.com/product/203280/alfa-free-aps-gtx-cross-country-ski-boots The toe box width on the Free's is not as roomy as my other Alfa boots, but it is wider than my Alpina Alaska XP's. The BOA system on the Frees allows for a lot of adjustment, and the width and length seems about right for my feet. There are two troublesome fit issues with my feet. The first issue is where the toe crease bend hits my toes. My toes have some hammer curl and I do get some rub on the top of one toe. If I know that I'm in for a long kick and glide segment, I'll tape one problematic toe. If you have normal toes, I don't think it would be a problem. The second issue I have is with heel blisters on one foot. This is a problem with many stiff boots. These boots are not as bad for me in that area as some of the leather boots I've owned in the past. The stiffer the sole, the more the heel can lift during the kick and glide motion. I'm hoping that this problem will go away over time as my feet and boots adjust to each other. The fit has changed a minor bit with use, but I think it is mostly from the interior lining packing. The boots do seem to loosen up a bit with use, but I don't know if that is from stretch. Mine have not taken on the custom shape of the foot like a leather boot does over time, but then again, this is the first season. Mine still look pretty new. The stiffness on the kick and glide doesn't seem to bother me as much as it did when I first tried the boots, but I still prefer to also have a second set of softer kick and glide boots when the focus is distance touring.

[@pete457]

@@tomm9850 Such a generous and thoughtful reply. Very helpful for me. Thank you so much!

[@helgegilberg1392]

Hi Tom, For steep terrain like 30 degreees and Åsnes Nosi 76, would you prefer the Alfe Free or the Alpina Pioneer Tech? Or another shoe?

[@tomm9850]

I haven't had the opportunity to ski the Alpina Pioneer or the Nosi 76. If you intend to mostly use the setup for backcountry downhill skiing, then I'd probably go with the boot that offers the most support and control. If you plan to tour long distances, then pay particular attention to the flex crease near the toe as some people have issues with the Alfa Free and toe pinch. I do like the Alfa Free boot and I pair it with the Voile Objective, Voile Hypervector and the Fischer SBound 98, depending on the intent of the tour and the snow conditions. The boot works well under good snow conditions on moderate slopes. These boots work well for what most people classify as cross country downhill. For steep terrain and difficult conditions, a dedicated plastic boot telemark or AT setup is probably the best option.

[@curtl1694]

Howdy Tom. How would you compare the Alfa Free to your Vista. I just got the Vistas and they feel great. But not sure they will drive a bigger ski. I’m pairing my Vistas with the Fischer Traverse 78. Which is a perfect combo. But if I decide to get the Fischer Sbound 98 not sure if I will have enough boot and need the Alfa Frees. Also is the forward cuff motion when locked out give you noticeable more power then the Vistas turning or is it only slightly improved? Thanks

[@tomm9850]

Hi Curt. I really like both boots. The Vista/Traverse 78 is a great pairing for off trail XC skiing. I also ski the Vista with my Sbound 98's and the Voile Objective when I'm looking for comfort and want a more traditional leather feel. I'll don the Free's with the 98's and Objectives when I'm touring for turns. I mostly ski off trail in soft snow and either boot works fine under those conditions. The Free's have a stiffer sole with less forward flex, and offers more downhill control, especially when using the hard flexor, but some people have issues with the boot's toe crease hitting the top of their toes. REI currently has a super deal on the Free's and a great return policy, so if you live in the US, it is a no brainer to give them a try. Check out the first part of my Tippy Toe Video and you can see the difference between the two boots. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWa5f3qshNJogZo If you do pick up a pair, be sure to post back with your thoughts. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you have a great winter season.

[@curtl1694]

Thanks Tom. Can’t wait to test my Explore setup. First time on the new binding. Just need more snow here in South East Wyoming.

[@ryandouglas7806]

amazing

[@tomm9850]

Thanks for tuning in and I hope you had a great winter.

[@tomleoparttomleopart6318]

Hello, could you please give your opinion on the range (angle) of a boot forward motion in Xplore bindings compared with NNNBC bindings? Both bindings with standard (black) medium flexors. You have pointed out that with Xplore bindings there is better downhill control. Based on your videos, my opinion is that in Xplore bindings, boots can move forward more easily, which suggests weaker downhill control (of course with the same boots). Please clarify.

[@tomm9850]

I've done a side-by-side comparison of the Alpina Alaska XP on the Xplore binding, and the Alfa Skarvet on a NNNBC binding, both skiing on the snow, and with the skis mounted on a work bench. On the work bench, the flexors offer similar resistance to the forward movement when I simply lift the heel up with my hand and compare the two. There is a much bigger difference between the two in how they ski, and that has to do with the fact that the soles are very different. The new Xplore sole is much stiffer. I can easily hold down the toe of my NNNBC boots with my hand and bend the boot upward by the heel with my other hand. This is the classic pose for the trailing ski when doing tele turns on NNNBC and 3 pins. The NNNBC boot easily bends in the center. The Xplore sole does not bend so easily in the center. I think this is the reason why in my initial testing last spring I made the comment that the binding needed a stiffer flexor. I was so used to having my forefoot planted on the ski, and it is more difficult to do that with the stiffer Xplore sole. Now that I have had the opportunity to ski the new system on more than a dozen outings, I'm clearly convinced that the new system (sole and binding) is an improvement over the other alternatives for soft boots. The Alfa Free is clearly a more supportive boot than my current soft boots, and the Xplore Binding is a very capable binding for XCD skiing. I'm looking forward to testing the system with the stiffer flexor when it becomes available. When people ask me if they should switch to the Xplore binding/boot system, I answer them with a question, "how confident are you skiing with just leathers and 3 pins or NNNBC?" If they say "not real confident", then my response is "this probably would only be an incremental improvement, if you are looking for downhill capability". If their response is "I have good control and confidence most of the time", then my response is "you would love this new system".

[@tomleoparttomleopart6318]

@@tomm9850 Thanks a lot for this comprehensive response 😍

[@gregsmith7142]

Tom, I noticed you often drag your “off” pole in turns (ie drag L pole when turning R and R pole while turning L). What’s the benefit of that? Great vid and beautiful country, as usual. Thanks, Greg

[@tomm9850]

I don't have a good excuse. I guess it is just what I've always done. It is a bad habit, and not one to emulate as it increases the chances that a basket might get caught and yank an arm out of the socket.

[@WildMidwest1]

Coming to Tom’s defense, even an World Cup / Olympic alpine gold medalist, Deb Armstrong, electively drags her trailing pole for sensory feedback. It helps maintain balance in deep float and in chunk. The downside it it mars your poster-perfect ski trail looking back. Boo-hoo 😪 Another great video, Tom.

[@GoTeleOnTheMountain]

Those are some confident looking turns for not even having the stiffer flexor; makes me think you wouldn’t need to bother switching flexors between the tour and the descent most of the time. Did you end up remounting your Objectives with the Xplore bindings as well?

[@tomm9850]

I remounted my Objectives with the Xplore binding and I think it is a good match. I lose the ability to use the T2's with them but I'm really enjoying the lightweight setup. The total weight of the Objectives (178 cm) / Xplore Binding / Alfa Free comes in at 9.42 lbs (4.3 kg). So far, the standard flexor has been working great for the soft snow conditions we have had so far this winter.

[@GoTeleOnTheMountain]

That sounds like a great setup. Can’t wait for the videos.

[@kimangell4415]

Tom, where are these boots currently available?

[@tomm9850]

I don't think they have made it to North America yet, but they are available in Europe. I purchased mine directly from Alfa and they shipped them from Norway. There are several other online retailers in Europe that have them in stock. I'm hoping that they will be available here in the US, but I don't have any inside information.

[@macmurfy2jka]

It’s a cable-less tech toe binding with an XC toe bumper. Looks like the type of performance I would expect. I just wish Rotoffella hadn’t decided to not make the two system cross comparable. You would still be able to use the same type of set up as your old 75 mm setup with multiple boots fitting multiple skis. It seems every company in the XC market is intent of fracturing and specializing every use case and boot/ski combo. Is the sport really that healthy? Is there really that much money in the system? Idk. If fracturing an already unstable market is bad that’s one step backwards for the arguable two forwards this represents. Is there any reason, that you can see, why Rotoffella couldn’t have made these Tech Toe compatible? Did we really just miss our likely last chance to unify the XC world and Tele worlds with new equipment? Do you see any reason a heal cable can’t be integrated seamlessly into this system? Idk, I am so torn. The system looks great. The marketing and the implications of incompatible systems has me very nervous. With AT equipment so light and efficient and XCDownhill stuff looking to fracture away from Telemark farther with this, I foresee a future were Tele dies and then this system gets beefed up with a cable option, and we’ll be right back where we started but will have lost plastic boot Tele forever. Ha! Can you tell that I’m nervous. So jealous of the snow and open space! Keep up the good work!

[@tomm9850]

I sure wish I had the inside scoop as to why Rottefella went the way they did. Maybe patent or royalty issues, but I don't know. Whatever the reason, only time will tell if other manufacturers jump on board and release new boots. I'm guessing that Alfa has already decided it is the future as they have 3 boots for the new system, and they have dropped the Greenland 75 mm boot. The Greenland is an amazing boot, and I am a bit sad to see it go. If Alpina drops their 75 mm option for the Alaska, and Fischer and Rossignol release Xplore compatible boots next year, then I think that the system will be pretty secure.

[@WildMidwest1]

@@tomm9850 OP makes a great question. An analogy we learn from computer tech is “progress” is in the eye of the beholder. For instance, is USB 3.x cable technology (Thunderbolt) really an improvement over 1990s Firewire standard? In theory, yes, but in practice the newer cable standard is a mess. I can never seem to put the right cable into the right socket, whereas with Firewire it just worked. That said, I am the lucky guy who doesn’t have any investment in Telemark gear, so Xplore makes sense for me personally.