For most of my Boy Scouting career (about 9 years) I stuck with surplus/new GI jungle boots. Light, breathable, fairly sturdy, and around $30 at most Army-Navy stores. Have to get the right size, but they'd last a few years (puttin on several hundred miles annually). If I anticipated wet weather, some Seal Skinz socks did the trick (or using 1 gal. plastic bags).

But, that's me, and back then I was a bit gung-ho and young. Now I use Merrils for the most part. But... I still have a pair of jungle boots that I use when it's real muddy. I hate mud getting into my socks.

Like everyone says, fit is #1. What feels good to me won't work for you. A decent outdoor shop should have a few people to guide you properly in selecting shoes.