My feet have been happy in Vasques.

The last 3 pair fit my feet and sock system.

Your results may vary.

Other- I found a recommendation on this board awhile back for White's work boots. I bought a pair of firefighter boots and while they are awesomely built boots, I've had difficulty with toe box space which wasn't apparent at the store. I've walked up to 9 miles in them but they take a lot more attention to socks & application of moleskin than my hiking boots.

Vasque, Lowa, Scarpa, Salomon have all worked well for me. Fit and features make a difference and you need to find the ones that work for you.

Uh oh. I may be the one that recommended the White's boots. They are great in "ankle breaker" country, but they are heavy and take a loooong time to really break in. For easier country I use my Merrells. The other thing about White's boots is that the sales person taking the order has to really know what they are doing when they take the measurements. Otherwise, they are back and forth to the factory a few times.

I'm a Merrell fan. They hold up well, provide good support and don't cost and arm and a leg.

I'm from the school of "boots are overkill for most hiking" and prefer minimal shoes like the Merrell "barefoot" series. Really the only time I wear boots anymore is in the winter when snow/cold require it. There is something to be said for being able to feel what you're about to put your weight on and having free ankle movement--prevents all manner of stumbles. That said, if you're not used to being barefoot or wearing non-supportive shoes, you do need to be careful to transition gradually to avoid injuries.

On the other hand, I'm from the school of loving big boots and carelessly careening through, well, anything

For hiking, I have an old pair of all-leather Merrell's that have treated me fairly well ... originally I had some issues with width, but over time they've broken in well. I use these summer & winter with good results.

I had planned on replacing them earlier this year, potentially with something a little lighter (my Merrell's have a thick-ish lining) and that would treat me better on the declines, but wasn't able to find anything that fit well enough. Maybe I'll start looking again next year, but at this stage I'm unwilling to move to a pair of boots that doesn't fit me relatively well from the get-go (width is usually my issue).

Even around town I prefer to wear leather combat-style boots pretty much year round.

it depends on the need. I have blown out 2 new pairs of tactical boots this year, Converse and Bates M8. I just bought Under Armour Velstez this week. The most 'sneaker' of my boots but the fit is the best. I don't think they will hold up more than a couple months. We will see.

I just bought a set of Red Wing 899 boots last month. Sort of like a 8" old style combat boot. I actually, no seriously, had to break them in. Like wear a half day, rotate days, for a week before they didn't kill my feet. Now I don't want to take them off. They fit you in the store by computer. I already knew exactly what my foot dimensions are and their system nailed it. So I trust what it says. Check them out online, they can fit pretty much every need. They are Made in USA and have a lifetime guarantee on laces, broken eyelets and tears. (for tears they stitch, not replace). You can also resole the boots.

Currently I am working in the Desert Southwest, in terrain very much like a certain 'stan. So much so, that folks from the John Wayne School for Boys come visit before deploying.

Having said that, I am REALLY LOVING my Danner 453 GTX boots. Less expensive than the Danner Combat Hiker, and really getting the job done for this old fat man, who just can't hump the hills like I used to.

Danner 453

Danner Combat Hiker

I agree. I've put lots of hard miles on the Lowa Renegade GTX and Lowa Zephyr Desert boots. Fantastic.

Thanks for all the info guys!