We took the new Alfa Free 2.0 XP into the Wasatch in varied conditions to see how it performs on the Xplore platform.

At first glance, this boot stands apart from most XP offerings. A tall plastic cuff. An AT-style walk mode. A BOA system controlling the lower shell. It’s clear this boot is built with downhill confidence in mind… The question is whether it delivers without compromising the touring efficiency that defines XCD setups.

So we put it to the test. Tune into our video below for our first impressions on the Alfa Free 2.0 XP. If you prefer to read, continue below!

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The Test Setup

We paired the boot with the Voile Endeavor BC in a 178 cm length. At 78 mm underfoot with a scaled base. Bindings were the Rottefella Xplore Binding fitted with the stiff flexor. That detail is important. If you’re looking to extract the most performance from this boot, the stiffer bumper makes a noticeable difference.

Conditions ranged from groomed hardpack to punch crust and pockets of soft snow on shaded aspects. No skins were used. Climbing was done strictly on scales.

Sizing is worth noting on the boot. A typical size 45 felt too large for our tester. Downsizing to a 44 significantly improved control and overall performance. Fit matters here.

Alfa Free 2.0 XP Design and Construction

The Alfa Free 2.0 XP differs from traditional leather XCD boots in several key ways:

• Tall plastic cuff
• AT-style walk mode
• BOA-controlled lower shell
• GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
• Integrated zip gaiter
• Plastic heel structure

This is not a soft touring boot with added support. It’s a performance-oriented Xplore boot from the ground up.

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Uphill Performance

One of the more interesting takeaways was how much the lower BOA tension affects climbing control. On firm snow, tightening the lower BOA for both uphill and downhill travel made a significant difference in edging. Even without skins, the boot provided solid platform control when climbing on scales.

With the cuff in walk mode, stride articulation remained natural. It does not feel like touring in a full plastic boot. The weight and walk mode flexibility remain appropriate for longer approaches.

The combination of stiff flexor and BOA on the lower creates a supportive uphill experience.

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Downhill Performance

This is where the Free 2.0 XP clearly separates itself. Edge transitions feel quicker and more solid than on other XP boots. The taller cuff provides meaningful leverage over the ski. Lateral stiffness is noticeably improved over softer XP options like the Alpina Pioneer Pro, which remains an excellent touring-focused boot.

We took it into soft snow, punch crust, medium-angle terrain, and on groomed snow. This boot performed well in each and every scenario.

The Free 2.0 XP does not turn the Xplore system into a cable or NTN setup. But it does move the ceiling higher. For skiers who have felt limited by softer XP boots on firmer or more variable snow, this is a measurable step forward.

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Who’s It For?

The Alfa Free 2.0 XP is best suited for skiers who:

• Prioritize downhill control within an Xplore setup
• Use the stiff flexor
• Ski platforms like the Endeavor BC
• Want more structure without abandoning touring efficiency

It carries a higher price point, but it also occupies a different performance category.

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Our Thoughts

The Alfa Free 2.0 XP expands what’s realistically achievable on the Xplore platform.

It maintains stride efficiency while delivering a more authoritative feel on the descent. For skiers who want to bias their XCD setup toward performance without leaving the simplicity of Xplore, this boot deserves serious consideration.