User Review: Alico Guide

Alico Guide
Above: The current Guide, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 7, 2009 by Z Newton

Rating:
Materials: 3mm Leather
Use: All kinds of use. Daily field work, day trips, 4 day mountain pass traverses, etc
Break-in Period: Short with careful application of oil or cream
Weight: Heavy, because they have to be.
Price Paid: $150

I have owned my Alico Guides for 11 years. All other reviews talk about breaking theses boots in, I wore them straight out of the box daily for 8 hours a day for 3 months for my Geology thesis research in New Zealand.

I thoroughly massaged Snow Seal on with my hands (warm) into all seams and the leather. I did this every couple of months or so. I have worked in locations with ankle high water all day and take my boots off at the end of the day to fluffy dry socks, miraculous! I have had countless fellow trampers and co-workers ask me how I kept my feet dry. The tongue gusset looks bulky, but is still comfortable, but also seems to extend higher than other similar boots.

The best thing about these boots though is their ability to be comfortable while still offering amazing stability in loose and uneven terrain. They have a 3/4 steel shank in the sole that turns any toe hold into a foot supporting personal step! I have not owned many other boots (just a pair of Garmont's I grew out of at 24, weird?) so I can't comment on other boots. I just know that I usually never notice my boots during the day. They disappear until I take them off to climb into the tent or hut.

I would say that if you are walking on mild tracks or topography then you'll never use the full performance of these boots. You might even better to buy Salomon or Merrell sneaker based boots. But if you encounter a scree slope or uneven ground then the Alico's will reward you handsomely. I often carry heavy loads and have traversed many wild and alpine conditions and have never thought to question my boots performance.

In summary, these are waterproof, comfortable, and wonderfully supportive hiking boots that will last 10 to 20 years or more. I thought of rating these 4.5 stars, but I cannot think of any defect in these boots.

I was lucky to get a pair of Alico Guides, they were "on sale", looked good, and were made in Italy. It is only now when my feet have grown again, (fallen arches according to my doctor brother) and cannot afford another pair that I appreciate what amazing service my Guides gave me.

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