Alico Backcountry Touring Nordic Ski Boots - 75 mm (For Men)

These boots fell shy of my expectations. The fit wasn't quite right for me. Where Asolo boots fit me perfectly, these have some oddities that I've never encountered in a boot. The vamp (top of the foot near the ankle) is huge, leaving airspace between the boot and the top of my foot. I have flat, low volume feet, but I've never encountered a fit like this. The toe box is wide for me, but the leather is thin enough that when the foot bends, the leather forms a major wrinkle over the toes. While I did not ski in these, the effect in wearing was crushing and uncomfortable, undoubtedly leading to blisters in the future. In a boot like this, I want the sole to be replaceable, but since these are thermo-glued to the sole, I don't think they're replaceable. In the end, I had to send these back, because when you go through the trouble of wearing and breaking in a leather boot, you want to have them for a while. The fit issues with these were unworkable for me.

Because of reviews, I bought 1/2 size big. I take a 10.5 and bought an 11. A 10.5 would have fit ok, but 11 is great with an extra pair of socks. Other reviews have called these "toe crushers". I was concerned about that at first, and there is some pressure on your toes (fully flexed), but after a dozen uses, I don't seem to notice it any more. There is good support in the ankles and heel. The bill of the boot is thicker than some, but they worked in my bindings. It is a very good "off trail" boot and I'm glad I found these here at Sierra. Just a word of caution: this nice Italian leather will get chewed up by breaking trails in an ice crusted snow (after a freezing rain). My old Asolo's look like a dog's chew toy now.

These boots are quality Italian made x-c ski boots. Thick leather, Vibram sole, gusseted tongue, quality lacing hardware, good laces. The ONLY downside is the current lot they have in stock are sized in UK sizing. One full size too large. I wear 11 or 11 1/2 size footwear. I ordered a size 11, had to return them for a 10 1/2, had to return THOSE and finally got the right size with the size 10. I would never fit in a size 10 shoe. Buyer be advised.

These appear to be great leather boots at a great price. They are great for backcountry touring, but not stiff or supportive enough for telemarking. The one thing that I am concerned about - and only time will tell - is the welt. It does not appear to be a Norwegian welt, but the rand makes it difficult to tell what the construction is. I'm hoping that it is more than glue! I have a pair of Alico medium-duty leather hiking boots, and I am happy with those, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed about the touring boots.

I loved these boots when I bought them 3 years ago and I loved them until yesterday when the soles broke right behind the 3-pin reinforcing plate built into the Vibram sole. I made it out of the Adirondacks without getting out my duct tape but barely. I confess to being hard on my equipment, skiing with a backpack over tough terrain. But I've never broken a ski (I only ski on wood skis) so I thought the boots would last longer than this. I am told the soles cannot be replaced. At least now with the "bills" removed I have a great pair of heavy duty hiking boots. It looks like some Crispi Antarctics are in my future. I hope some size 45's or 46's show up on Sierra Trading Post some day.