My son has had several pairs of Merrills. They fit well and wore well. If his foot would stop growing I could tell you how long they lasted.

I have a narrow foot and have a hard time finding a boot to fit. I have had good luck with Asolo. I replaced the insole with Superfeet. Unfortunately they turned into bathtubs on the trail at Philmont and in the drying process, the sole under the toe charred and came apart. Now I am in the market for new boots myself. I don't think the soles on those boots can be replaced. I don't remember the model.

The Seeker

Seeker890,

Thank you for your service to the Boy Scouts!

I have a pair of Danner 452. They have been replaced by the Danner 453. Backpacker Magazine has a gear testing magazine each year in the spring and the Danner 453 was picked as a "Best Buy". If you can find a copy of the Backpacker Magazine Gear issue you will have a lot of very good information. If you can find a good backpacking store that has a good boot fitter you will be given some good advise there related to your feet. Different boots fit different feet best. For example, the Merrell boots that have been recommended have a tight toe box which isn't good for me. They recommend that you shop for boots in the afternoon when your feet are swolen. Also take a pair of your hiking socks with you. After you make your choice, wear the boots inside for a day and see if anything you didn't notice at the store shows up. If so return them and get different boots.

David Enoch