Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 63 (out of 100)
User Rating: 3.5 stars 
Expert Rating: 2.3 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 100

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Comfortable and warm.
  • Supportive without being overly stiff.
  • Easy to get on and off.
  • Easily adjustable.

Expert Reviews

  • Features a plastic cuff, heel counter, and Velcro strap for support.
  • The supportive capabilities makes it easier to turn and carve on skis.
  • Comprised of high-quality materials.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Reports of a lack of heel support, and the heel sliding around.
  • Ankle strap Velcro may come apart.
  • Reports of the upper part of the tongue coming out after only minimal use.
  • Flat toe box, which may not be suitable for narrow feet.
  • The lacing system prevents you from tightening the boot like you would a shoe.
  • The boot has been known to rub the tops of the toes, creating blisters.

Expert Reviews

  • The toe box can fold over when flexed, creating pressure on the toes.
  • The toe box has been known to collapse at the point where the firm toe area begins.

Summary:

The Alpina BC 1550 Backcountry Boot is an adjustable and comfortable ski boot, but has numerous technical issues which may make it unsuitable. The lack of support, issues of early wear-and-tear, and multiple reports of blisters forming in the toe area make us unable to recommend this boot.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2.