The balance between diffraction and index-step guiding in photonic-crystal fibers is controlled by modifying the fiber structure, leading to different wavelength dependences of the effective mode area and providing a mechanism to control nonlinear-optical phenomena. In optical fibers with a steep profile, the guided mode of the light field tends to become much less compact with an increase in radiation wavelength, slowing down the Raman-induced soliton self-frequency shift of an ultrashort laser pulse. A reduction of the soliton self-frequency shift is demonstrated for input laser pulses.