User Review: Alico Guide
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Rating: 
Materials: 3 mm Idro-Perwanger Leather (rough-out , light brown)
Use: Hiking, backpacking
Break-in Period: 20-30 miles
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Price Paid: $179.99 (not including tax)
Where do I start with this mammoth boot. Well for one it is probably the heaviest boot remaining on the market today, which for purists out there makes it a must have. Each boot weighs approx. 3.25 pounds. If you are used to the sneakers most boot makers sell as backpacking boots than you will be taken aback at first.
I first throught that there was no way that I should be buying a boot this heavy. All the experts say you should go light. However as I wore the boot more and more, the boots felt lighter and lighter. Instead on the trail I felt more and more secure that I was never going to hurt my feet or turn an ankle. While others have twisted ankles or banged the heck out of their toes wearing "Approach Shoes" or cheap Merrells, the boots have done nothing but make me more confident that I can go anywhere on and off the trail.
The Idro-Perwanger leather is a one-piece 3mm leather job with the only seam in the ankle (Idro-Perwanger is a tannery in Italy which tans the leather in a special manner which makes it very water-resistant). The leather is thick and stiff at first. However once I broke the boot in, they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. The interior calf-skin lining and outer leather molded right to my foot, with the creases in the leather flexing at the perfect spot each time.
The boot is 6.5" high and has a fully gusseted tongue to keep debris and water out. While this is higher than most hiking boots on the market, the added height and stiff ankle are welcome as they support your ankle and provide better climbing up either snow or rocks.
Outersole:
The sole is a Vibram Montagna (the classic original Vibram design) and stiff except at the toe flex point due to the 3/4 steel shank. The sole is also stitched down in the classic Norwegian Welt method which provides added stability. Forget the advantages when it comes to repair, they look great because they are so unique in today's hiking world. No flashy graphics or flourescent collars (Salomon boots come to mind). This boot looks like a boot should. I have received compliments from people while hiking, many not even aware they made boots like that anymore.)
Support:
The torsional stiffness provides the utmost protection against uneven and rocky terrain. In fact what initiated my interest in this boot was a hike up Mount Washington in July '04. The entire hike above the treeline destroyed my feet as the boots I was wearing basically bended to the shape of the rocks I was hiking on. The Alico Guide will actually allow you to step in crevices or on uneven terrain and allow you to use the boot as a makeshift step.
The support also allows backpackers to carry weight without worrying about losing support.
One thought which helped sell me on these boots. Most "backpacking" boots sold today are not sturdy enough to support larger loads. However most boot buyers purchase boots based on how they feel for 5 minutes in the store carrying little if any added weight. Thus bootmakers have found that the boot buying public is not knowledgeable enough to know that just because the boot feels great in the store does not mean that it will end up working. Sure enough they purchase the lighterweight boot which is often now made in China (somehow 12-year-olds are not exactly craftsmen) and built not-to last. They often have slimmer leather which while reduces weight and breaks in quickly, will protect your feet less while hiking.
The Alico Guides feel great, but stiff at first (this goes away as they break in). Most consumers incorrectly think that this means the boot does not fit. However I get the absolute best support and can use the boot with strap-on crampons in the winter for light mountaineering. People who buy other boots such as the Vasque Sundowner end up having to purchase a pair of moutaineering boots. By purchasing a heavy Norwegian welt boot, you save so much money and will have a better hiking experience from that point on.
I cannot say enough about the boots. I use Limmer Boot grease to waterproof them and to ensure I get almost 10-15 years of service in the boots. (Most boots will last 2-3 hard seasons before they either wear out or break down completely).
Break-In Period:
The break-in period is approximately 2-3 weeks with about 20-30 miles before the boots truly mold to your feet. However the boots feel fine when breaking them in, but do not feel like a glove until you put some miles on them.
Hikes I have been on with the boot:
--- Camel's Hump
--- Jay Peak
--- Stowe Pinnacle
--- Mount Mansfield
--- Hunger Mountain
--- Lincoln to Appalachan Gap
---Around Burlington for first 20 miles - breaking them in somewhat before hiking.
Where to Buy
Sorry, we couldn't find any online retailers selling the Alico Guide. You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these sites:
Retailers: Do you sell the Alico Guide? List your site here.
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