Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot - 2003

This is a good boot for easy and moderate terrain. Do not expect telemark boot control. Do not expect combi xc boot efficiency. This boot is for covering ground, kick and glide over mixed snow. Paired with a 65-52-60 mm and 3/4 metal edge ski it works great. I would not pair it with a wider (70+ tip) ski. The fit is wide so my foot narrow fit will require foot beds and some modifications.

Excellent boot. A little tough to tighten adequately despite laces. May improve with break-in. Flex point a little forward for my foot (over big toe) resulting in toe blister on extended tours. May improve with better technique.

I have used Salomon racing boots and Scarpa T1 boots, and have searched for a pair of XC boots that fill the impossible gap between a fast and light racing boot and a bombproof Tele boot. I live in Michigan and have metal edged backcountry skis and metal edged semi-skinny skis with NNN bindings. I purchased these boots to match the more rugged XC skis and I am very satisfied with them. They are warm and have an easily adjustable power strap on the ankle. I have a medium to wide foot and have found that it takes several days of vigorous skiing to soften the boots a small amount. Once softened you can tightening the toe of the boot since they’re a little wide from midfoot forward. Lacing is easy and secure and the boots have a good balance between weight and stability. In the woods, the boots will crank the skis around and medium hills seem manageable with boots' stiffness. I might need a slightly higher boot if I decide to get more aggressive and try to run longer downhills in the powder, but for now, I enjoy off trail skiing with a midweight XC boot.

I sent these back. The tongue is not long enough, it sticks up in the air and has wings that stick out to the side so snow can get behind it. I like the tongue to lay flat.

I purchased this boot for my "Alpina cross-terrain" backcountry cross country skis, with Rottefella NNN BC bindings. It has been a great setup, and it floats extremely well even in soft snow (when I am with friends who are wearing snowshoes, I seem to sink about 2-3 inches for every 10-12 inches they sink). The boot is very sturdy, and almost as comfortable as good hiking boots for walking. It is warm, but I'm glad I went with the slightly larger size for extra thick socks and toe-wiggle room.