I don't remember if links to products are allowed in these forums, so moderator delete this if appropriate.

Here are the Vasque Breeze boots that I found as my "best fit":

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...gory_rn=4501272

HI-tec PCT
if they still make them
be sure to get a half size bigger!

reason i mentioned this particular brand?
well, lightweight for one
two, durable and hassle free (13 years)
not waterproof, breathable...you want to stay away from completely waterproof(your feet wont breathe),
spray some water repellent on and you r good 2 go
dries quckly,
try any boot at least for a week...
or ask a sales assistant!

Hi-Tec PCT boots(you might not be able to find them in the US)

I agree that "fit" is key, because a pair that's long-lasting but ill-fitting is useless. I have a pair of Vasques too -- can't remember which style -- because their women's lightweights are a good width (some of the other brands are too narrow for me). And I can lace them down tightly enough to minimize slipping forward in the boot, even when I'm practically hanging by my heels off a stair tread (testing them in the store) or coming down a steep slope.

Thank you for your advice. What is a heel saver?

-Ni

I was in the market for light hiking boots too. I just bought my first pair of Merrells. I got the Mesa Ventilator II, low tops. I got them at Sportsman's Warehouse. They were $74.99 and I had a $10 of coupon for any purchase over $50. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

They look and feel good. I like the mesh. Here in the desert I'll take all the ventilation I can get. They are nice and light. Time will tell how well they work on the trails.

Throw a pair of Superfeet in whatever you get. Well worth the extra bucks.

I have different shoes/boots for different purposes but my latest purchase was the Merrell Chameleon II Gore-Tex XCR.
Great hiking and multi-purpose shoe with lots of stability for a low cut. (And I do use Superfeet in mine as well.)

The last pair of backpacking shoes I bought are Montrail Vitesse like Ryan on www.arctic1000.com is wearing. Check out the trek these three guys are doing.

This isn't directed at jshannon, he just had the last reply button.

I worked in a boot department at an outdoors shop for a several months when I was younger. My nephew worked for the competition for at least 5 years. The way boots are laced can make a world of difference in how they feel. My supervisor in the boot department seemed to know how to make a boot that fit OK, fit like it was made for you. Some were overly complex in my opinion, but they worked. I wish that I could describe them, but I feel it would be futile.

BTW if you have a pair of name brand boots where the uppers are falling/coming apart, but there is still some sole left, the company will probably replace them under warranty. We did it often, and I've done it myself.