Alico New Guide Mountaineering Hiking Boots (For Men)

Just the boot I've been looking for many years, since college.

Will give more information after 100 or so miles of testing around Estes Park Colorado!!!

The boots are built like tank and fit my foot comfortably right after out of the box. I usually wear size 9 or 9 1/2 for casual shoes and I chose 9 1/2 midwidth for these boots. Compared with Scarpa and La Sportiva of the same size, which usually makes me feel a little narrow, Alico New Guild is wider and fits better. These boots are well designed, classic and beautiful. I believe they will endure many tough trips. The only thing I'm not 100% satisfied with is the furnish of the boots. Though still great, it is in the slightly downside to La Sportiva.

This boot solves all the shortcomings of Scarpa and others (most of whom recently stopped making all their single-piece upper boots in favour of "approach shoes" anyway). The ankles are supported by thick leather, the sole is a norwegian welt, they're a slighly lower volume, and come in narrow widths. It's lined completely with leather. They are also one of the few boots that ooze quality when coming out of the box. Everything is just so stiff and solid, it's just lovely. Other reviews have commented on the stiffness. Obviously, those who are used to stiff leather boots know how to break boots in and how to use stiffness to their advantage in uneven terrain and bearing loads. If you're used to the sneakers with Vibram soles currently marketed as boots, this obviously isn't your boot. The Alico Tahoe would be a great choice for those looking to get into stiff boots. Additionally, I'd argue that the forward flex isn't unnecessarily stiff - 5 mins of flexing them on your living room floor makes them quite supple. Sizing is always a bit of a guess when ordering online, especially when it's quoted in US men's sizes, which are a little subjective. I ordered the 11 D. It fits well with a thin inner + thick outer sock (my usual hiking configuration). I use a 45 Scarpa, and 29 mondo telemark boots for all the major brands. Obviously, my foot is 29cm, and I find the inside length accurate, however, a typical male foot would probably want the 2E width, and a typical female foot would more likely go for the D. People have mentioned that they're heavy. I think "heavy" is an exaggeration. For a boot this size, they're actually kinda light feeling. You have to take into consideration that the sole is thick, that it has a double tongue, and the ankle is high. I would suggest to Alico that they think about using a carbon fibre or hardened aluminium shank though - steel shanks are outmoded and unnecessary these days. Alternatively, perhaps copy the full length semi-rigid carbon fibre sole & stirrups that Crispi has on their telemark boots. And as a final note, I'd say that these boots are the most aesthetic old-school boots out there. Lookin' good!

If you are looking for a hiking boot that is in it for the long haul, this is it! They are super comfortable, easy to lace correctly, and the laces stay tied! As far as weight goes I had a pair of Vasque boots about 30 years ago that were heavier than these --- the weight doesn't bother me at all. These boots are all about quality and craftsmanship, they are the Ferrari of hiking boots. You will find no finer boot anywhere!

Impressive craftsmanship

These are perfect work boots if you climb ladders and need superior traction and mobility.

I've been looking for a sturdy backpacking boot for quite a while. In the past, I've owned two Vasque and a Montrail boot with no complaints. However, I wanted a traditional Norwegian Welt style boot that I could simply replace the tread from time to time, vs. breaking in a new boot. Make no mistake, these boots are stiff and will take considerable day and urban hikes to get comfortable. But once they're broken in, these boots are gold.

I'm a forester in Montana. I've never had a pair of boots last two years, these have. In everyday use, down through the slash, boulders and brush, (rarely on trails), nothing compares. You'll forget about their weight (3 lbs. apiece) when you feel the support. It's good to know that a missed step won't cost you a snapped ankle or worse.

These boot are the real deal. If you are looking for a cheaply constructed shoe just to get by. then pass on these. They are comfortable, durable and stylish at the same time. These boots reek of QUALITY.