Alico Made in Italy Tahoe Hiking Boots - Leather (For Men)

I now own and have used all three alico boots offered at sierra - Summit, Tahoe and Guide. I have hiked at least 200 miles in each style from steep to flat, soft to rocky, wet and dry. These boots were clearly made by very experienced professionals and the workmanship of these Italian cobblers is simply top drawer. Quality control is superb. This grade of workmanship is unfortunately very very hard to find these days. You young hikers may have never seen a pair of boots made this well, nor will you appreciate the difference for a few months of use. But make no mistake, these boots are an absolutely unbeatable value. I have bought several pairs to set back... for my kids. You can bet your life on these boots and I do not say that lightly. They will all out last the latest trendy "glue on Mtn sneakers" 4 or 5 to 1. "Mtn sneakers" with glue on soles can fail suddenly without warning. That type of failure can be very problematic in real wilderness - I know from experience. Put some obenaufs on these regularly and you will be significantly older when you finally have to put them out to pasture. They will be your favorite hiking companions with each scuff and scratch will tell a story.

These three boot styles are extremely well constructed but very different in significant ways.
The Guides are monstrous, indestructable, hard core and sho' nuff real mountaineering boots. Most people should NOT buy these. These are not "fun" boots to wear. They are very adjustable, stable, supportive and indestructable but very heavy as you would expect. You tend to feel like Herman Munster in these. They are a maximum boot for maximum support, strength, regidity and traction on slope. They will not fail you. Break in is a total b....! not kidding!

The Summit is my favorite. I can go from the office to a serious trail and heavy pack without missing a lick. Break in is close to non existent Sure footed in all areas, not too heavy or clunky. You do not look too weird in the civilized world with these on. Why are they more $ than the Tahoe? They are leather lined (fine grade too) which is very valuable for comfort and longevity. Worth the money. Just as important is the lacing system allows you to custom tension the foot bed and the ankle lace tensions seperately. This is critical to a real bp boot and they do this in spades. Clearly these have been Dolomites proven.
The Tahoes are more like the "standard American" hiking boots-- like M..... and V..... but still much better made than any of those. They are same top quality construction but fabric lined and the lacing is not quite as adjustable as the Summit or the Guide.
So there you go in a nutshell. If in doubt and you can afford it buy the Summits. If hard core is your plan get the Guides and never look back. If price is important, and you do not value the customizable tensioning get the Tahoes. These Boots will impress you even if you are used to the best. good luck mike