Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I must start this thread with the question of why Alpina would give both of these boots the “Alaska” name?

Whereas the Alpina “Alaska” BC (i.e. NNNBC) and “Alaska” 75 (i.e. NN-3-pin) have the identical upper, with different soles-

The current Alpina “Alaska” BC and “Alaska” XP are completely different boots.

As of this date, I have only been out in the “Alaska” XP for a few turs-
I will write a more thorough review of the XP later this season.

But for those considering either of these boots:

The XP has a significantly stiffer sole than the BC
The XP is significantly narrower than the BC
The XP is significantly smaller volume than the BC
The upper of the XP is laterally stiffer than the BC
The BC is slightly taller than the XP
The XP is lighter than the BC

Sizing-

For reference, I am technically:
a 42.5EU in terms of length for a hiking boot.
Have a medium width foot
Have a small-volume foot
Have a relatively narrow heel and ankle

While I can get a performance ski boot fit in a 42EU Alaska BC- there is no way I could wear the 42EU XP- it is so much narrower and smaller-volume than the BC.
(the length is consistent- the interior length of the 43 XP is the same as my 43 Alaska BC)

And even sizing up to the 43 XP, I have had to customize my lacing system to deal with the narrow last.

So current conclusion- these two boots are very different, despite having almost the same model name.

Don’t assume that an equivalent Alaska BC/75 will have the same fit as an XP.

Hi, I just went through an online fitting. From REI, I ordered the Alpina Alaska XP in the same size as NNNBC-47. But the right big toe touched and it was a snug boot. I tried the Alpha Skaget in 47 but my foot swam in it and the right toe still touched. Then I ordered the size 48 Alpina Alaska XP and it's perfect. I brought the rejects all back to REI and I'm set. Rei has been carrying both the Alpina Alaska xp and the Alpha Skaget XP


Lesson-The Alpina Alaska XP is a full size smaller than the NNNBC. It's a narrower boot. If you want extra width go with the Alpha Skaget, and go up a size there.

hillxcdale wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 15, 2023 6:36 pm

Lesson-The Alpina Alaska XP is a full size smaller than the NNNBC. It's a narrower boot.

(Welcome @hillxcdale BTW!)

I understand what you are saying, but I don't think I agree that the Alaska XP is a full size smaller than the BC/75-
my 43EU Alaska XP definitely has a longer last than my 42EU Alaska BC- the length of the last in the 43EU BC/XP are similar (I have the Alaska BC in both 42&43).

The Alaska XP is a completely different boot- it is both narrower in the toe box, as well as smaller volume than the BC/75-
therefore, I did need to sizeup in the XP.

However, if one has a narrow and low-volume foot, the XP should fit true to size.

Hi, I don't want to confuse readers and I think we came to the same conclusion. I'll quote you, "therefore, I did need to sizeup in the XP."

I sized up from 47 in Alaska NNNBC to 48 in Alaska XP