Alpina BC 1550

[Nick BC]

I was in my local Sports Junkies secondhand/consignment store today and snagged a brand new pair of these boots for C$70. Feeling pleased with myself I headed home and googled them. I was a bit disturbed to read on a forum called Trailspace several people saying the toe box collapses and causes toe blisters. Anyone here own a pair, any feedback on problems? As I don’t have a Magnum binding yet I can’t carpet test them. Any comments welcome, thanks.

[bgregoire]

Yup, toe pinch for me. Others might say I have weird feet but anyways, there you have it. Enjoy them while you can!

PS: if your only planning short hikes, it might not even become an issue.

[voilenerd]

The 1550 is a good boot for xc and mild ungroomed trails. I haven't had any issues with blisters on my feet. When you get into deeper snow and steeper trails the 1550 falls short but that's not what it was designed for. I think it's a great boot to get started on and is a decent price.

Just my 2 cents.

[satsuma]

Yup, toe pinch for me. Others might say I have weird feet but anyways, there you have it. Enjoy them while you can!

PS: if your only planning short hikes, it might not even become an issue.

I have owned a pair for about 6 years and have the same issue. I wouldn't consider my feet to be weird. I may finally get around to getting a different pari of boots. I started a recent thread with my questions on sizing.

It is plenty of boot for the type of skiing I do, which is XC skiing on ungroomed trails.

[Nick BC]

Ben, I did try bending the boots in downhill mode without a binding and it felt OK. I wonder if boot size relative to your feet is an issue. For years I’ve been buying boots in a 42 size, for concern about toe bang, but realized when I checked a shoe size chart that I was actually a 41. These boots I bought are a 41 and fit perfectly. So I’ll just have to try them when the snow flies and see what happens. Thanks for the input.

[Nick BC]

Thanks Voilenerd and Satsuma for your input, it came in as I was replying to Ben. So one positive, two negative. I can’t wait to try them

[Johnny]

Nick, you will like them a lot...!

I've been skiing the BC 1550 for 4-5 years now... And I TOTALLY LOVE them...!
Very nice and sweet comfy boots, perfect when downhill is not the main focus... A must for every XCD skier... Highly recommended! +++

(Magnums are overkill... Manuals are cheaper and lighter... Save your pennies... )

[Nick BC]

Thanks for the inputJohnny. You’re right Automatics it is. On back order at MEC though

[Woodserson]

No, the manuals. Not the automatics. There is the MAGNUM, the MANUAL, then the Auto. The Autos are terrible, avoid.

[Nick BC]

Why are the Automatics terrible Woodserson? The only options at MEC are the Magnum and the Automatic. Perhaps I should cancel my order with MEC and buy the Manual from another retailer.