Yep, get a good set of Italian leather boots. I just picked up a set of LaSportiva Glaciers. They're modest in weight, not too stiff, not too flexible, comfortable... and they fit me. Last point muy importante! These things are quite versatile, have a good snow tread, will be suitable for alpine ice, hiking off trail, and have good high ankle support for talus fields. They're probably fine for any of the volcanos around here if these are the only boot you had.
Dummy Score: ****