Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

The length of the Alpina Alaska boot (46) is perfect, however the ball of my flat feet just don't have enough width to feel comfortable. Will these boots stretch out over time? Is there something I could do to them to stretch out the area around the ball of the foot. The point of flex in the sole is a little odd but everything else (other than the width) seems perfect. Maybe the leather will stretch and widen when broken in? Or is this wishful thinking? Does anyone have experience with this?

I kind of hope not! Just because mine fit perfect, like custom made out of the box. A season plus later they still fit perfectly.

Fear not! Cannatonic has successfully stretched boots. I believe you can as well with shoe trees. I suggest shooting a PM to him if he doesn’t chime in.

Those look like super nice boots - been thinking about buy a pair for a few years - but those days are past. My Asolos doubles and Merrell singles fill the bill for soft boots. Still they're coming way done in price - down to $140 on Backcountry.com - at that price I suspect they're going to be discontinued!

I have the same problem with EEEE width forefoot and D width heel. Yes, I'm a fan of the Footfitter.com boot stretcher. Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck stretching NNNBC boots with the stretcher, although I'm sure it would help somewhat. Every shoe can be stretched a little bit.

I had better luck with Crispi Antarctic or Andrew Rifugio, they stretch better because of the welted sole & one-piece leather. Boots with a lot of stitching can't stretch as well. Maybe others can suggest wider NNNBC boot options. The widest NNNBC boot I've used was Lundhags, not sure if they're still making them. Didn't someone say the Alfa boots are also wide? The Footfitter stretcher is worth the investment, you'll probably use it on other shoes too.

I tried both Alaska and Alfa Skarvet and Guard (size 47).
The Alfa boots fit wider (not by a lot, but definitely wider) in the ball of foot and toes.
Found the Alfa Guards on www.varuste.net for about $295, including shipping to USA from Finland.
I have a wide foot and so far (no skiing yet) am very happy with them.
Also, the Alaskas in my size were about 6 oz per boot heavier — I could definitely feel the difference.

My feet are certainly getting wider as I creep up in age. That, or I'm just more prone to noticing the pinch. I will give the boot stretcher at Footfitter.com a look. I have been tempted to just order the Alpha Guard just to see if that is the answer. I did not realize there was such a difference in weight. I just weighed my size 46 Alaska boot at 47.11 ounces.
If I could widen the toe box I would be fine staying with the Alaska. Last year we had nothing for snow here in southern New England and I am really hoping we turn things around in the coming ski season. So want to have my gear ready to go.

I know I already said it, but I tried both the Alaska and Guard.
I have wide feet -- always hard to find comfortable footwear.
The Alaskas were uncomfortably tight in the ball of foot and toes, and the Guards felt MUCH more comfortable in every way. Not perfect for me, but as good as I expect to find.
Plus, I expect over time that they will conform to my feet.

Life is short and having cold, uncomfortable feet when I'm doing something for enjoyment is just not something I am willing to put up with.

If you are willing to use REI, you could order a pair of Skarvet boots for $350, and see what you think. They fit just about the same as the Guards. If you like them, you could keep those, and have the 1 year return privalege with REI, or return, and order a pair of Guards from varuste.net in Finland for less that the cost of the Skarvet (as long as you live in the USA).

FWIW...

Maybe steaming the toebox area before / during the stretch? If so, then probably would be good to followup with saddle soap and conditioner after.

I wouldn't use heat; the glue would melt and the rubber would probably unstick. Bring the boot to a good cobbler; he has the right tool to stretch em. Mink oil works great on leather (to make it softer) but on Alaska... not sure of the results. It is the rubber guard that makes it difficult to stretch.

I also have a EEEE width and never had a leather boot that fit comfortably. I had to remove the insole on every boot just to make them work, and that was with them being at least a size too long. The first and only boots I got to fit were plastic with thermomouldable liners.

I'd like to add that I developed a neuroma in the ball of my feet that I believe was caused from skiing with tight boots. It took 10 years of skiing 7 months a year for it to become a problem. Now if my boots or shoes are just a little tight I get a burning pain after only a few minutes of skiing. Even if a boot feels comfortable I don't know if it will allow pain free skiing until I try it.