JHE has it right - it's about fit. The only shoes (low tops, I don't wear boots generally) I like for hiking are my Merrell Moabs. I have a normal heel, but wide across the ball of the foot area, and Moab 11 wides fit perfectly with no heel slop.

I always get them at REI. These days, I walk in, point to my feet, tell them the size, and walk out. (After paying of course!) Tip: wear them inside for a couple of days before venturing out, that way they are returnable.

Sounds like you may be looking for mid or high tops though.

My work boots are US issue Danner combat hikers. They are a good balance between durability and comfort. Gore-Tex and excellent ankle support for a mid rise boot.

I would suggest going to a quality outfitter and trying on different brands. REI is a good one.

I used to like Vasque boats and still wear their shoes. For the last few years, I have been wearing Keen boats. They have a larger toe box and are a little wider which fits me better.

I would suggest finding a brand that fits you first and then pick out the style you want.

Merrill Moab - wide is great. Have pairs of various colors of both waterproof and not. Great for travel and hiking the urban jungles of Chicago, New York and Yellowstone. I pick them up at Cabala's or the factory stores that are in the "outlet malls"

If you are interested in western style boots, check out www.tecovas.com. They are a relatively new company, whose boots are made in Mexico. I got a pair back in April. They are comfortable and well made.

Zamberlan 996 Vios, I used them on a recent elk hunt. Put a bit of black polish on them and they look awesome once again. lots of support traction and comfort.

Check them out at REI.

quote:

Originally posted by thezoltar:
Keen are for wide feet. Very comfy.

The only ones that fit my feet.

I like my Keen Targhee.
They have a nice roomy toebox.

Slightly different than many are recommending. I have become a fan of the Wolverine 1000 mile boots. They come in a couple of styles and colors, including black. I would recommend one with the vibram sole, for anything outside.

The 1000 mile boot will be right at home in the field or at the club. It is not a tactical looking boot.

I have the Courtland style (I believe they are now the Evans) and just had a custom pair made, because I have a wide foot. The folks at Wolverine were great to deal with.

Beautiful and handmade in Michigan.

quote:

Originally posted by x0225095:
I like my Keen Targhee.
They have a nice roomy toebox.

I currently have two pairs of these. Put many miles on them hiking with and without a full pack. Great boots.

Any Salomon mid tops

merrells

Get on the mailing list, always pretty good sales directly from them. (I will say I get more emails than I appreciate, but when the 40% off sales happen....its all good)

I was at the outlet mall in San Marcos, Texas this last Saturday when I stopped off at Timberland. They have the buy-one-get-50%-off-another-pair sale so I picked up some low hikers.

One pair are the Chocoruas and the other are the Plymouth Trails. I got one pair slightly larger than the other so I can wear them with winter socks.

i like they are both waterproof and have Gore-Tex lining. I'm really happy with them so far.

I don't know if there was any real savings at the outlet store, but at least I got them in hand right then and there instead of going through the hassle of ordering them on-line and probably getting the wrong size.