We get inquiries for boot recommendations so I thought posting this may help some in the market for a new pair.

In the 90s and early 2000s I was an avid backpacker.   Now I'm getting back into it so I can get the experience for my boys.
Over time my feet have changed - they "grown" a half size and I have two frozen toes.  About 6 weeks ago I had toe fusion surgery on my right and today I'm back in real shoes and boots!

Anyway - in short I recommend Alico Boots - $200-240.  They are an Italian maker of full grain, traditional backpacking boots.  Sierra Trading post sells them in the US and at a big discount relative to their competitors.  If you want a full grain, long durable, resole-able boot these are excellent.  I've noticed that bigger names in backpacking boots don't make a traditional model anymore - like Asolo and Merrill.  All of them are built like shoes (think car based SUVs) and I feel the rocks through the soles.  Danner has some equivalents but for almost double the price.

Any link would be very advantageous here............

I didn't want to look like I was selling something - especially since no one asked and the ease of google...

https://www.sierra.com/s~alico/

Research type of leather/rubber on them first. They do have (had?) some options that are more for fashion, I ended up getting one of those without understanding it ahead of time. The lace eyelets ripped out because the leather was weak, as well as the sole wearing down super fast.

My newer 1000 mile boots are less comfortable, but I could tell right off the bat that the quality was much higher.

I thought I was crazy since I wear a half size larger than I did 20 years ago.  Good to know I'm not the only one.  Also, what do you mean you have two frozen toes?

I'll 2nd Avramel's recommendation of Alico boots.  I bought 2 pairs about 10 year ago from STP and they have held up well.

Often not mentioned is that boots with a stitched-down sole like Alico will not suddenly fail due to sole separation. The glue on boots with glue-downed soles will weaken over time and the sole can suddenly separate. It has happened to me; luckily I was not far in-field at the time.

I highly recommend Salomon boots and shoes.
They have been the best-fitting, most supportive, and longest-lasting footwear I've ever had.
I just wish, they also made steel toed - for chainsaw work.

Danner 8” uninsulated are the ones that work for me

Nope, not the only one or two.  It happened to me, but only one of my feet has changed sizes.  I had a great pair of Danner Quarrys, but b/c one foot "grew" I can't wear them anymore.  

If it's only periodic chainsaw work, you might use temp, add on steel toes, like these.  Obviously not a good idea if you do a lot of chainsaw work.

Interesting idea, thanks.  I will investigate further.

So what are frozen toes?

@Avramel

Not available in a 15W/EE...or 16

Thank you for the reply.