Strong throwback with some quirks! |
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| As mentioned in the title, these boots are seeimngly great for the money. I like to buy products and equipment that will not only be durable, but also stand the test of time. I purchased the boots because 1. they arent made in China, 2. They are of a Norwegian welt construction thus easily resolable and 3. the attractive price. Out of the box they were very stiff (but not excessivly), which is to be expected from a boot of this build. A word of caution for those who care...I have for years worn a size between a size 10-1/2-11 (USA) medium width shoe/boot. Being conservative to minimize heel slipage I purchased the 10.5. I find the toe box to be a hair confining, but hesitate to say its untrue to size. In my case long downhill treks are a bit numbing in the toe area...whether this will minimize over time I am unsure but buyer beware. The boots construction as stated is impressive, although the insoles will leave something to be desired for many purchasers (although my flat feet didn't complain). My only disappointment thus far is the stitching around the upper lace area appears weak if not already straining after 10-12 miles of easy terrain. This may come apart on me at some point but it will be an easy fix should that happen. The small quirks on this boot prevent a perfect rating but I feel the pros far outweigh the cons, earning this throwback a solid 4 stars! |
| SJay at Sierra Trading Post on 05/28/2009 |
Simply outstanding |
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| This is a very high quality, stable, comfortable set of boots that become immediate friends. You'll be hard pressed to spend better money. Honestly, buy the boot. But, in case you decide you absolutely hate this boot I have a few suggestions on how to exact revenge: 1. Apply any type of waterproofing. This is a solid, water resistant boot. If you need a waterproof boot then please purchase a waterproof boot. Applying waterproofing to this boot will simply rot the stitching. 2. Apply any leather oils to this boot. Oils (liquid and paste) work. They work too well. Good boots are supposed to require a break in period as the boot softens where your foot needs it softened and remains firm elsewhere. It's called support. Applying oils will destroy the structure of the boot and turn it into a floppy, support free rag. If you love these boots the way I do: Clean off any dirt when you are done with it for the day or whenever you get to the end of what you are doing. Occasionally hose out the interior of the boot to flush out salts and the like (the boot is not averse to this). Dry the boot out properly. I use a ski boot dryer with air only. Apply quality wax like Kiwi. Don't forget the soles are replaceable. When they wear down just take them to your local cobbler That's all. They'll outlast you. They're that good. |
| USA at Sierra Trading Post on 04/28/2009 |
my 2nd new pair |
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| These are the best so far! This 2nd pair will be my back up while I can get em at this price! And I went another 1/2 size smaller - 1st were 8.5W these are 8W. Replacing my Danner Size 9 I have feet with a fat ball area, skinny ankles & a high arch. And the way I walk,I destroy shoes & boots in less than a year. I have a trunk full of resoled Army issue boots ranging from 7.5XW to 9's, so much for standard shoe sizes. And 2 of the optional Matterhorns from the 10th Mnt Div. A favorite for extreme wet & winter. But I wore those out & the resole ruined the H20 proof as did the restitch due to water proofing ruining the threads and my feet would sweat(ie gortex boots)- by the 2nd pair they were not warrantied if you used snowseal (issued 1st time)or any other treatment. SO be ware of any extra treatment for your shoes. I now work winters for a small ski resort and my 1st pair that were a little long work great with heavy socks on snow & ice daily and into the office for the paperwork without worries of feet starting to sweat. Theses are not a cushy soft boot - but built the way they should be - tough & comfortable with in reason. AND these have helped my chronic low back pain :-) |
| Tele-Bob at Sierra Trading Post on 06/22/2009 |
Phenomenal boot - built to last. |
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| Built so solid it is nuts. Hard to find items made with this much quality anymore and at a decent price. Bought a pair before heading out west and they kept my feet comfortable for days in/near Santa Fe, Taos, and Cimarron on trails and bumping around the towns. Since then they've been great for general trail hiking and field use wherever I trek. The good? - Great construction - Great materials - Comfortable once broken in - Decent grip from the Vibram sole (not the best in muddy conditions) - Great price for the quality The bad? - Sizing is a bit squirrely. I normally wear a 10.5 E. Bought a size 11.5 following the suggested sizing on the site when I bought mine. Fit great in the toe box and ankle, but they are still a bit short. Thus toe bang is a problem at times depending on the approach. - Needed better insoles ASAP to help with the above... - Stiff, break in period can be a tad long. Great once they get there though. - A bit heavy. If you are used to GoreTex or similar lightweight boots then these can be oppressively heavy. In the end, these are boots that can last an outrageously long time and outperform many of their modern design counterparts. Properly maintained the leather will wear very little and they can be resoled. Get a pair, you won't regret it. |
| Drewmon at Sierra Trading Post on 10/11/2009 |
High Quality Craftmanship |
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| These are classic heavy hiking boots; the style of which that I have been using for about 30 years. I have tried the molded sole sneaker style boots, but keep coming back to leather with stitched on leather welts and soles. They take longer to break in and are a bit heavier than the more comtemporary sneaker style boot, but support and comfort will be there on long hikes for years to come - after the initial break-in is complete. After use for about three weeks on several long day hikes these boots are breaking in very nicely; while the boots fit well and break-in will not be difficult, do not expect these boots to fit like shoes or sneakers; they may not be ready for long distance hikes without several hours of use to flex/soften the leather and adjust the boot to your foot. I generally like to do this in wet conditions for several hours before going out on multi-day hikes with heavy loads. I recommend adding leather conditioner/ waterproofing wax during this break-in to keep the leather surface in good shape. I expect that these boots will provide very dependable service for years, and the leather should be suitable for reuse with replacement of the soles when needed, depending on use. These are classic hiking boots that look good and should perform well for many years. [...] |
| JR at Sierra Trading Post on 10/13/2009 |
Old-school greatness! |
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| I've been looking long and hard for some non-Gortex boots, which is no small shakes. I'm also concerned about country of manufacture, which made me smile when I noted Alico is an Italian boot made by artisans who know what the Sam Hill they're doing. First I'd like to mention a con: they are heavy. As a result, if you're looking to do a long-hike, go for the lighter options available: their are plenty of thruhiking-devoted websites and books to help you with this intense style of backpacking. However, if you need some great, durable, waterproof boots that will last for at least 10 years, maybe 20, these are the ones. They fit true[...]. The craftsmanship is impeccable( Norwegian-welt, soft-leather lined, the best gusseted tongue I've seen, incredible Vibram sole, perfectly roomy toebox, impressive leather, and great ankle support... why can't Americans make boots like this in America?), the break-in around Seattle has been easy, and I can't wait to get them in the mountains for some trail maintenance trips and shorter (one day to one week) backpacking trips. So, this isn't a truly complete review, for they don't have any backcountry miles on them, yet, but knowing my feet and how I've trashed boots in the past, these definitely have great potential and are a killer deal. |
| Erik Hansen at Sierra Trading Post on 10/12/2009 |
Solid Old World Craftsmanship |
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| I normally wear a size 13, but fit a 14 in these. It took me a long time to find them. They broke in in after about 40 miles of day hikes in the local foothills and are incredibly comfortable. I have splashed around in creeks with them quite a bit and haven't had any water penetration at all. I also have used them in a harsh desert canyon and the leather took a bit of a beating. I might get a pair of guides for that type of hiking. I have been looking for a good solid re-soleable all leather boot for some time, and believe that this one will be my companion for years to come. One word about insoles. It is me belief that the people at Alico don't even pretend to know what the bottom of your feet look like and figure if you are buying quality footwear that you are going to buy quality insoles that fit you. It's a good idea to do anyway with any high quality boot, so I think they just leave the good insole out and keep the price down. I just considered the new insoles as part of the cost of the boot, not a defect in quality, kind of like buying unhemmed pants. |
| Idaho Hiker at Sierra Trading Post on 05/13/2009 |
Nice boot |
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| Just finished hiking the 6 mile Medicine Bow Peak loop in the Snowy Range Mts of Southern Wyoming. This was my first real test of these boots. This hike is a combination of trail, rough trail, scree slopes, and boulder hopping with about a 2000 foot elevation gain. Prior to this hike I had worn these boots around the house and on some easy neighborhood jaunts, On the trail these boots provided plenty of ankle support and although not completely broken in I have no blisters. I did not encounter much water so I do not know how water resistant they are. I have been treating them with Huber's Shoe Grease and highly recommend this product. By the way, I have pretty narrow feet. I placed my custom orthotics over the factory inserts and the boots fit well. I have the medium width boots. I also own a pair of Alico Tahoe boots and am equally pleased with them as a lighter weight boot. |
| philb at Sierra Trading Post on 09/01/2009 |
Excellent Outdoor Work Boot |
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| I am employed by the National Park Service as a maintenance worker in the Pacific Northwest. I can be working under vastly different conditions, ranging from indoor computer work, hiking 8 miles with 40-60# pack to trail creation and rock work. Best job in the world! These boots were purchased for additional arch and heel support due to a long-term problem with plantar fasciitis. Problem is now improved dramatically since purchase. I normally wear a size 12.5-13 medium work boot. These boots were ordered at size 13 and fit fine for the first week or so. Then, as the sole & leather started to flex, I began to notice my toes bumping the front of the toe box, particularly on decents of any consequence. The only option to address the problem was an arch support insert to stabilize the foot within the shoe. Wonderful boot, well constructed, but the sole inserts that come with the boot need to be replaced with something more sustantial. |
| Zappa at Sierra Trading Post on 06/26/2009 |
Sublime Footwear |
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| This boots are sublime! You won't this kind of quality save for a pair of Limmers. These things are built bomber tuff and feel so snug and solid on the feet. When you stand and walk in them you feel what 'foot support' is all about. They run a full size too large. I am a size 10 but finally settled on a size 9 in these. With a pair of Superfeet in there the fit is perfect. Yes, the insoles included with the boot are poorbut the manufacturers expect ppl to replace these with a customized insole. These things should last a lifetime. If you are looking to say adios to glorified tennis shoes which fall apart within the first twenty miles then these are for you. Heavy yes but for real adventuring there really isn't an option. I am simply in awe of how well these are constructed. |
| goPilot at Sierra Trading Post on 10/15/2009 |
