Alico Summit Backpacking Hiking Boots (For Men)

I finally found what I've been looking for: A non-Chinese, classic, extraordinarily well-made leather hiking boot with Norwegian welt contruction. Even better, they fit me. I have a relatively narrow foot, primarily in the heel. The Summits are perfect for me, since the heel is snug while I have plenty of room in the generous toe box area (as a hiking shoe should have). I get rid of any boot that cramps my toes or allows my heel to ride up. These boots do neither. I also like them because they don't claim to be waterproof (although they are extremely water resistant with proper maintenance). Gore-Tex and its cloans just make my feet sweat. I wear a size 10 normally, and the Summits in 10M fit great with medium weight wool socks. I like them so much I ordered another pair for future use. While somewhat heavy for day hiking, they are ideal for multi-day backpacking excursions or for hiking in very rough terrain.

I've only worn these boots twice on break in hikes, but they feel surprisingly supple out of the box. I did a six miler today with lots of up and downs and the boots were supportive and don't feel as heavy as the stated two pounds apiece. The socks will be thrown away right after writing this review though. I bought these boots to backpack the Trinity Alps with, perhaps I'll amend this review after four or five days of mountain backcountry. I have high hopes for these boots.

These Alico boots impressed me the minute they came out of the box. Their quality is immediately apparent the moment you slide your feet in them. You can clearly tell then they were made by craftsmen not just "laborers". I had to custom fit them with 2 layers of neoprene and a set of green Superfeet but that is only because I have a very low arch/low volume foot. I tossed a couple coats of leather conditioner and wore them the next day. I realize that Norwegian Welt boots are becoming scarce and I loved them so much I ordered a second pair for the slim chance these tanks wear out before 2058. I have already updated my will and informed my wife that I will be buried in these boots. Excellent Italian Leatherwork!!! Don’t sweat the break in time. You can’t rush perfection.

I am about 200 pounds and I do some off trail hiking, so I wanted a heavier shoe. I have just broken them in but they feel great when I walk over uneven surfaces and I expect them to perform well on my next trip.

I am an avid hiker, and enjoy backpacking and long day hikes. I liked the sound of these boots because they are old style, heavy leather boots. When I first got them, I almost sent them back. The footbeads are worthless, and they felt like two by fours duct taped to my feet when I first put them on. However, I put in some Meindl cork footbeds (from Cabelas) and put a couple of coats of Limmer Boot Grease on them. The footbeds helped the boots to fit much better, since they were overly spacious inside with the worthless foobeds that came with the boots. As I have worn them for the past week or so, the boots have broken in pretty fast, and they are now very comfortable. I can't wait to try them on a long hike in the backcountry, but for now, I am very satisfied with these boots. Especially at the price they are being offed at STP.

Great fitting, strong, stable, broken in and water-proofed after 10 miles and 2 applications of Snow Seal. I wish I had owned a pair when I was in the service.

About the best boots I have found in three decades of searching. These boots are fully leather-lined, heavy enough for serious backpacking and light enough for daily use during the winter. And wonder of wonders, they came in wides for my already over-sized feet. As Leo Kottke would say, "My Feet Are Smiling"! Yes. These boots are somewhat heavy. But they are all leather, not a cheap conglomeration of plastic, synthetics and suede. Being all leather boots, they will take some time, effort and yes, TLC to break in. They are not going to be an instant fit and ready to wear pair of footwear as are many of the sued-and-plastic boots that might last three or four years. But if you take the time to break these in patiently and maintain them properly, they will probably last you twenty years of more. I may have to get another pair (or a pair of the New Guide Mountaineering Boots) "just in case". A pair of classic Italian bootmaking, and instant favorites.

I purchased these to replace my 11-year old Scarpa hiking boots, which I should have retired ~5 years ago. I missed the STP's deal on Alico boots last year and was disappointed... Details: After the mushroom clouds settle from WWIII, the only thing left will be cockroaches and these Alico boots. These are the sturdiest (and heaviest) boots I've owned that aren't steel-toe boots. But I don't mind the extra weight; I appreciate the protection and support they give my feet over lighter-weight boots (and if I really cared that much about carrying excess weight around, I'd exercise more and lose 5 lbs). The toe-box seems a little roomy to me, but otherwise the fit is good with some high-quality wool socks. The construction materials are great and the workmanship is second to none. If I didn't think they'd last me so long, I'd buy another pair and store them away for the future. If they ever do wear out, I know what brand I'm going back to... these Alicos are IT.

i wear mine at work as an industrial mechanic and they are a fine boot. there could be a bit more arch, but one layer of tape under superfeet insoles does the trick. i found there to be a substantial gap between sizes 11 and 11.5, which resulted in some heel lift, but oh so comfortable later in the day feet. the soles are quite durable, and appear to be entirely immune to oil/solvents even over many months. i like stouter footwear, and have worn out any number of pair. premium boots are a luxury i go to some lengths to afford myself. these are the real deal, even at retail.

I havn't worn these enough to comment on anything but the fit of the shoe. The length and width were right on relative to the Merrell shoes I own, but the volumn towards the front of the shoe was substantial enough to put some "Montrail Enduro-Soles" moldable foam insoles in the shoe. With this done, I think these shoes could become the most comfortable hiking shoes or any other kind of shoe I've ever owned. The insole that came with the shoe didn't seem anything special, so maybe they allow for individual customizing. I also own a pair of Dunham Mountain Master leather, Italian made shoes. These Alico's aren't quite as heavy, but are real close; 4 lb 14 oz compared to 5 lb 8 oz. I don't know if I'll like these as much, but the workmanship is excellent. The Summitt should be good for just about any kind of hiking, except they look too good to scuff up.