Bought New Guide and Summit |
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| I owned a pair of real Vasque's back in the 70's and these remind me so much of those wonderful shoes that I wonder if the same factory and trained craftmen are now making those under this brand name. Never mind. Boots of this quality are practically impossible to find unless you go to [...] or another leather shop and have a pair especially crafted for your feet and are willing to pay a huge multiple of the price. I rarely hike anymore, even though the Appalachian trail is less than a mile from my house, because of a bad back that goes out on me at inopportune times and I need good ankle support to avoid injuring my back. These boots help me from twisting my ankles and injuring my back. These take a while to break in, just like the real Vasque's from the 70's but they do last forever. although if you weae them a lot you might have to resole them every few years. But I use the heavy New Guide boots to climb high ladders and climbing on the roof and the light Summits for working in my small forest in my backyard. Mostly I use the Summits but the New Guides do give a slightly better ankle support since they go up higher on the leg. I'm fully expecting these to treat me as well as my Vasque's, which I sold for what I paid for what I paid for them after quitting backpack after years of use and one resole. These boots are likely to last a lifetime and add a measure of safety to doing odd jobs around the home such as climbing up on the roof, ladders, negotiating uncertain terrain and protecting yourself from injury. Highly recommended not just for backpackers but for weekend handymen and those who need an extra measure of ankle support. The break in period is rather long though and if that is a concern, buy the Summits. The New Guides although sturdier and heavier will take much longer to break in. I now wear them doing shopping and other times I don't really need to wear them to break them in faster. And if you're like me and a little older now, their slightly heavier weight offers me an extra level of exercise to work off some of the extra pounds I've accumulated. And they're great for snow plowing. Just be sure to occasionally apply Snow Seal or what I use, [...]Boot Grease and wear a heavy pair of socks as they aren't insulated (except by the VERY thick and comfortable leather these are made from). Either boot is worth every cent and I can't recommend them highly enough. |
| Bruce the 50+ year old non hiker at Sierra Trading Post on 04/30/2009 |
Excellent Tree Climber Too! |
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| Fortunately a few web discussion entries from professional linemen motivated me to send back a new pair of lineman's boots in favor of these rock solid mountaineering boots. I needed to take down an old damaged birch tree in tight quarters and climbing with tree gaffs was the best option. The huge bonus is that I now have a crampon-ready, top of the line mountaineering boot (to boot)! These boots broke in more easily than other posts made me think they would. Using the velcro between the outer and inner tongues to position the padded top to meet my angled-out shin bone was key. Initially I thought it was going to be a long painful haul to get the boot to give at that shin contact point with the stiff leather on the outer top edge of the inner tongue. If you buy these boots because you want them to be stiff for functional reasons (they were magnificent bearing all of the stress of climbing irons for the 3 hours up in the tree), then I would steer clear of some of the mis-advise given elsewhere that may soften or seal the pores of the leather (like sno-seal and similar products). Go with nikwax if you want to enhance the water resistance. So far, so good... I really like these boots!! |
| Hoof at Sierra Trading Post on 07/27/2009 |
"These thing are TANKS for your feet!" |
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| I am a UPS man in Northern NY state. I need real boots that will last a LONG time. My family and I also hike the Adirondacks, so I needed a boot that would do both. These are stiff! But that's good, because although it will take a long time to break these in, once they are they will last forever. (I wore out my last pair of old Alico Guides in 8 years, but I use them constantly). Had them resoled 4 times, so use that as an indicator of how much use I give these. I'm replacing mine because the eyelets have worn out, not the rest of the boot. Build quality on these is phenomenal! These are true craftsmanship through and through. You will not find a better built boot. Norwegian welt means they can easily be resoled by your local shoe repair man. (I always resole with Vibram Montagne's). Perwanger leather is VERY durable, and impregnated with a heavy duty wax for water resistance. But they breath well, something I didn't expect. I clean mine by using warm water and a stiff brush, dry completely, then retreat with Nikwax, as is suggested by the makers. They never cracked or leaked, ever. I hope Sierra continues to offer this boot for serious back country people like me. |
| sixbennetts at Sierra Trading Post on 08/08/2009 |
Update on 'end of the world boots' |
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| After several months of use these boots are, indeed, a great buy. They are the toughest boots I have found since the mid 90's when Ed Fabiano closed up. They have taken on every condition I have put them through with no problem. I use them every day cutting firewood, home construction, carrying heavy loads, and long weekend hiking trips in Southcentral Alaska. Wet, muddy, soft, hard, or unstable surfaces are no problem. Even a shopping trip to the luumber yard or store in the middle of a work day is fine because these boots are at home anywhere. After a brief break-in they fit my feet like a glove and offer superb ankle support,no slippage chafing, or blistering. The 100% leather construction means that at the end of a 12 or 14 hour work day your feet smell fine because they are able to breathe freely. Any other lining, including Gore-tex leaves your feet not smelling so sweet. The only thing I would have had them do differently would have been to add an achilles notch in the top rear of the collar. Other than that, no complaints. I am glad Sierra offered these and if they become available again I will certainly buy another pair to alternate with these. |
| Alaskan hiker at Sierra Trading Post on 10/22/2009 |
Standard Alico Quality |
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| Alico New Guide boots are the "heavy duty" entry in Alico's product line. Alico's are purpose-built, and if long trips over harsh terrain with a heavy pack are your use, these are the boots for you. This said, if you have lighter duty use in mind, Tahoes or Summits might be a better choice. The boots are absolute tanks. They are built to provide support and protection. Thick, solid leather with a rugged sole. They are stiff, so plan to use them as everyday boots for a few weeks before taking them out on the trail in order to break them in comfortably. They should also get a coat or two of waterproofing spray (I use Kiwi Camp Dry) to keep them dry. Like all Alico boots, the New Guides are true to size, so they should be ordered a size large to allow the two pairs of socks a rugged hike requires, and a 3rd party insole as all Alico boots require. Alico makes great boots. I have Tahoes, Summits, and now New Guides. As if I need a reason, I'm looking forward to hitting the trail to give these the pounding they beg for. |
| DigitalEyze at Sierra Trading Post on 06/18/2009 |
The art of boot making is not lost |
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| When it came time to replace my classic style mountaineering boots I searched high and low, having little success I was elated when I found these. After reading reviews about how well made these were I was a little disappointed when my first pair had a separated mid-sole, however Sierra Trading Post replaced them with no hassle. My current pair is exactly what I expected, a true quality Norwegian welt mountaineering boot. They are great for everything from casual sight seeing to carrying a loaded pack over rocky terrain in any type of weather. The all leather design breathes well while being water proof, and conforms to your foot for an almost custom fit. If you are looking for a quality boot that can withstand whatever you throw at it and be comfortable at the end of the day… this is the boot for you! |
| Topoguide at Sierra Trading Post on 03/02/2009 |
"End-of-the-world" boots |
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| I stumbled on these boots and after a lot of comparison shopping I bought them to replace my 14 year old 'Fabiano Mountain Master' boots. Slight differences in a few details but these boots are every inch the equal of my Fabiano's. Yes, they are stiff and heavy and do require a longer break-in period than most of the soft, easy boots marketed and sold today. The average hiker will turn up his nose at these and select a pair of the vastly lighter and cheaper boots available. I love these boots and expect them to at least equal the quality and durability of my Fabianos. I call them my end-of-the-world boots because they are of the highest quality and I confidently expect that they are more than capable of taking me to the end of the world and back without a whimper. |
| Alaskan hiker at Sierra Trading Post on 09/03/2009 |
Wow, talk about hard core |
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| I was attracted to these boots by the description of old world quality. They didn't disappoint in that regard. These boots are the most rugged I have ever tried. I returned them only because I am not the type of person who needs such heavy, tough, ultimate foot protection. I would recommend these to anyone who packs heavy loads into rough terrain, but not to the casual hiker or outdoorsman. I exchanged these for the lighter version from the same company. These are perfect for my needs. This company makes a fine product. You just need to find the level of their product that suits your needs. STP carries three levels of hiking boots from this manufacturer so its easy to buy the ones that fit your needs. |
| Oldschooler at Sierra Trading Post on 02/25/2009 |
The best boots ever. |
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| I use these boots for hiking, hunting, and as my winter work boots. They are by far the best boots I have ever had. They do require a break in period, but with the right approach even that need not be particularly uncomfortable. I achieved a 90% break in on one grouse hunting trip. These aren't technically waterproof, but they will keep your feet pretty dry in most situations. wading a shallow stream is no problem. After break in, these boots are like rocking chairs for your feet. Smooth and solid, mile after mile after mile. I doubt it is possible to twist your ankle with these boots on. These are not meant to be a trail or walking shoe, however. Day hikers will not be impressed. |
| Grandpa at Sierra Trading Post on 08/22/2009 |
Tough boot |
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| This boot is a stiff, rugged long wearing boot. Requires extended breakin and will last forever. I bought because it is patterened after a boot that I bought in Bavaria 30 years ago. My 30 year old boots are showing some age so I sought a replacement. These boots fit the bill. Do not expect comfort after a few days. It takes weeks and I'm not sure whether the boot is broke in or if my feet are. If you have the time to break in, these boots will last forever. They are heavy and stiff- but they are high on the ankle, waterproof and provide great protection and support. I only wish there were machines to break in. |
| old and happy at Sierra Trading Post on 08/17/2009 |
