alico tahoe boots

[Tramp]

Does anyone hav exp. With these boots ? Thay look good, have good reviews & have all the right stuff. Would like to here from anyone with them. Do thay last? Any problems with them? Tks.

[Tinker]

Alico makes very decent boots. I have a pair labeled EMS which was made by them. Norwegian welted Vibram soles, stiff cuff and very heavy. They don't fit as well as they used to before I developed foot problems, so I just use them for heavy yard work lately.

Like many folks here, I've discovered low-topped, non-waterproof, breathable lightweight hiking shoes. They're all you'll ever need for the AT unless you plan on hiking in snow.

No one can accurately recommend a brand or model of shoe or boot for your foot online, however. Since all feet are different, I suggest shopping for fit first and then choose between a few models which meet your particular criteria.

The best spec'd boots that don't fit well might end your hike due to blisters.

[Tramp]

Sound advice tinker, and thank you ! I guess I'm over thinking this. I know it won't be shoes, just don't know how much boot I need. I've always had hunting boots and cowboy boots. Its hard to wrap my head around some of these little light wt. Fabric "boots" . I know fit and comfort is everything, but confidence in your boot is needed also so I'm just going with what I know or think I know.

[arson51]

It may be a bit late to respond to this post, but I would like to comment provide a counter argument to Tinker.

I do own a pair of Alico's. Those particular boots are a "half shank" type boot, so they are more flexible than other backpacking boots, and they come with a "thinner" vibram sole. They are actually thicker than most modern injection molded boots, but in comparison to other monster boots I own, they are considered thin soled. I usually wear wides, but Alico's are all naturally wider, so I had to switch to a normal width. A great deal I must say from STP.

It is true that more and more of the shoes hiking on the AT and on other trails are increasingly lighter and more focused on fast drying for the summer months. In my very unofficial visual survey of footwear being worn on the AT, a good portion, maybe half of the footwear hitting the trail on the AT are mid top type boots made of leather and Goretex. An even smaller portion of those, myself included wear older style boots that are non Goretex lined leather boots, like the Alico's you have listed, Tramp. Leather boots excel in an early spring hike, and an early autumn hike too, but even in the Summer months, I found that with thin wool socks, leather boots are not horrible for you or uncomfortable by any means. They are in fact leaps and bounds cooler and more moisture wicking than GoreTex. And of course, once my hike of the AT was completed, my full leather boots were resoled, instead of being mailed back to the manufacturer for a free new pair (which most hikers seem to do) , or begging REI for a new set(claiming that a pair of boots should be able to hike for more than 1000+ miles). I had a set of broken in boots, that fit me, and I felt good that I did not send a pair of boots to the landfill. I hope you chose to go with the Alicos! Happy hiking.