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

could be more flexible

I ski backcountry in the woods. These boots are stiff and give great control on the hills with or without cable bindings. I like being able to just "tie 'em up" without a lot of fancy inner boots etc. With wool socks; they keep my feet warm all day in sub-zero temps.

Boot is much better than previous less ridgid boot I have. Gives great support on rough and ungroomed trails we have in NC.

Out of the box, this boot looks like a masterpiece. I wear size 11-12, and with an 11.5 I can wear a heavyweight sock over a regular sock to increase the insulation. I am intensely partial to leather boots because of how well they break in and the ease of maintaining water resistance. The bill of this boot is fatter than most, but will fit into Rottefella Telemark Pros or Voile HD Mountaineers on the first setting. HOWEVER The construction and design of this boot (once used for backcountry touring) is exceptionally terrible. When flexing the boot for my kick-and-glide, the leather folds harshly onto the joints of my big toes and if used on all day tours becomes extremely painful. The left boot folds bizarrely, causing additional toe discomfort. I was hoping this would subside once they broke in after a couple days use. Instead the leather began to crack at the flex points after THREE DAYS. Don't be fooled by the price, manufacturer, or appearance. This boot will support your foot and repel water. If you plan to ski for more than one hour then this boot is to be avoided.

I had hoped these boots would work with my vintage 3 pin 75 mm X country ski bindings. They won't. The pins and width are OK, but the sole is too thick to work in the bindings. I had to return the boots. Further research online says there is only one maker in China left making old style 3 pin X ctry boots and the boots are sub par. I refurbished my old boots.

I ordered these boots because they looked well built. However, they will not fit in 75mm bindings. I have used 75mm bindings for many years and these boots will not slide far enough forward due to the width of the front part of the sole. The sole is also a little too thick.

Looks to be well made.

I use them in all snow conditions, including ice, with vintage wood skis and also composite skis. Smooth power stride with the ski, stable laterally, and positive control on glide and turns.

good backcountry boot, not very warm so need to allow for hea vy sock if your in really cold country

I wish the boot was a lot wider, it was well made & sturdy- I just couldn't stand to have it on my foot- too tight in the front- which is always a problem for me. Nice boot though!