Telemark Boots

Reviewed by BigRed

A high-end boot for the Rotteffella's new Xplore backcountry binding system. Torsionally rigid sole and ankle stiffeners for downhill performance. BOA lacing for easy entry and exit plus Xplore's step-in and-out functionality add up to a lot of convenience. A great choice for tours-for-turns type skiing, especially hut-to-hut with downhill fun on the side.

Alfa Free boot + Xplore binding = freedom + fun The Norwegian outdoor footwear company Alfa was one of the first to produce ski boots compatible with the Rottefella’s new Xplore backcountry binding system. This review of the Free, Alfa’s top-of-the-line offering, goes along with my reviews of the Xplore binding and the Åsnes Rabb 68 ski, which I purchased together as a package deal. I have been test driving the system mainly in Bymarka, a big city forest park in Trondheim with a couple hundred kilometers of groomed xc ski trails and a lot of untracked space in between, including some quality powder stashes, but also on some forays into the Norwegian mountains.

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Reviewed by Andrew Stanner

Telemarking is not dead and neither are these boots. Incredible value for money, these boots have lasted me over 30 years. Not much of my gear has done as well as these boots. But after 30 years I am ready for an upgrade.

I bought these beautiful Meindl duckbill 3-pin or 75mm boots in the 1980s. They cost a lot of money back then. Pulled them out again this year for a short cross-country / back-country adventure and they still impressed. I never dreamed that they would last 30 (+) years, but they have. Meindl have been making hiking boots since 1683, well over 300 years. I am surprised that they don't make these anymore or a modern equivalent. Since the 1990s much of the world has gone plastic, but nothing really beats the comfort of a leather boot.

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Reviewed by Craig Campbell

Love this boot for lift skiing on and off piste. I do 50% alpine and 50% telemark. I crank it tight when doing the tele and then loosen off the buckles for the alpine. Voodoo is stiff in all the right places. It handles a big ski (191 Faction 13). Only downside might be that it loosens up a bit as the day goes on. have to keep tightening up a notch. I love the fact that the clips lock in place when you loosen the buckles going up the lift. Love 'em!

Great boot, did have it punched out where ankle bone protrudes. Solid, warm. Would prefer if it had a slightly narrower heel/achilles area as heel can lift a bit when cranking hard in tele position. Might be able to fix this by a good boot fitter. Great power strap. Had these for three years, but only get to the mountains 3-4 times a year. Boots are still like new! Need to get a tight fit, but this makes it tough for walking in them!

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