I have multiple pairs of boots and am actually looking for another pair of the type you mention. So, here are some brands to look at:

1.Lowa — I’ve had a pair of their approach shoes and currently have a pair of their double mountaineering boots. Nobody does boots better. Nobody. You’ll pay a pretty high price, unless you find a deal, but the quality will pay for itself over a long period.
2. Schnee’s of Montana — makers of very high quality pac boots of various kinds, including some you’d actually want to walk around in. Plus they sell Lowa boots including a model made exclusively for Schnee’s.
3. Cabela’s by Meindl — Meindl is a German bootmaker that Cabela’s has an apparent exclusive deal with in the U.S. The boots are identical to Meindl boots sold in Europe, except for a Cabela’s label, so far as I can tell. I’m probably going to buy a pair of the Alaska Hunter model.
4. Limmer — Meindl makes all the non-custom boots sold by Limmer, a world-famous maker of custom mountaineering and backpacking boots. We have three pair of the Meindl-made Limmers in our house, and we’d have lots more if our banker allowed it. I’d have a custom pair if I won the lottery, but a “Standard” pair made by Meindl stubbornly refuses to show signs of significant wear after several years of hard use. Unlike most (all?) of the other Meindl-made boots, the Limmers can be resoled and often receive several soles over the decades they’re used. No, I’m not kidding about that.

I have a pair of older Merrell’s similar to what you describe. Quality now varies wildly in the Merrell line, depending on the actual country of origin. Be careful but don’t rule them out entirely.

Couple others that I’ve looked at but not worn — La Sportiva and Scarpa. Both brands are well-regarded for heavy use.

Of course everybody wears boots differently, but my go to boot for pounding the mountains are Keen. They are light, good support and best for me are the boxy toe area

You know, I’ve read where people say the Keens fall apart, but I’ve worn this pair for 3 years with no problems. I’ve worn them in the hills here in MI, NC and VA. I also wear them for everyday wear because they are so comfortable

I’ve been using the Targhee II. A bunch of us at work us an insulated model, but I’ve heard they stopped making that particular one

wahoo wrote: Those Limmer look just like the Merril widerness??? The widerness was a great boot but the new pair I bought 3yrs ago have new insides and the leak like crazy.I can’t understand when a company has something that works why change it ? I have Keens but question if they could hold up with heavy use on a regular basis.

Merrell was acquired by Wolverine in 1997. It was not without effect. That’s all I’ll say on the subject.

If you’re interested in Limmer boots, I’d get in touch with them to discuss selection and trial of their boots. They’re exceedingly friendly and service-oriented:

Limmer Boot, Inc.
P.O.B. 1148
Intervale, N.H., 03845, USA
http://www.limmerboot.com
Tel.(603)-694-2668
Fax.(603)-694-2950
E-mail:info@limmerboot.com

I own a pair of La Sportiva boots that I bought a few years ago for an Outward Bound trip I was going on. We carried about sixty pounds in our packs for four days. The salesman at REI suggested them for their strength and durability. They are a bit heavy, but they show no signs of wear.

I live and hunt in the western states. I own and use Kenetreks. The Mountain Extreme and the Hardscrabble. I have not tried any of the boots mentioned above. For my foot, and the type of backpacking/hunting/hiking I do, they are the best boot I have ever put on my feet.

I have tried several different Danners and Schnees. The Kenetreks have the best lacing system and shank I’ve tried. They have gotten pretty expensive but I will be buying them again when the time comes. My feet would get sore from from other boots flexing on rocks but the shanks on the Kenetreks solved that.

Craig

I’ve hiked, backpacked, and snowshoed in Vasque Sundowners for many years. I also had a pair of custom Limmers, but I ended up selling them on ebay. I have to say I’m probably the only person on the planet who had Limmer’s that didn’t work out. They have a stellar reputation. If you want a really rugged boot, I’d give them a call and even make time to travel to their shop in New Hampshire. It’s would be worth the trip.
For right out of the box comfort, I do love the Sundowners.

I have had 2 pair of the Mendel’s made for Cabela’s. They lasted about 3 years for me be fore the leather started to crack wear the soles glue on. I have kept the oiled with Obenhaufs paste and oil. It seems that the glue itself breaks done the leather. The rest of the boot is in excellent condition. I now have a pair of Lowa’s I am hoping I do not have the same issue with them.

For almost all my hunting, short of really cold days, I have two pair of Red Wind 914s. They are high top and gore-tex, one pair is insulated. I wear merino wool socks and I’m cozy. They are fine for walking, maybe not for real stalking, but comfortable, and very good for standing long stretches. Made in the USA, too.

For what it’s worth, when I was in the Army I bought myself a pair of Matterhorn’s. Those were probably the best boot I’ve ever owned. They lasted me well, past my time in the service, and the only reason they failed was my neglect. Now it’s been a few years and I’m not sure if they’re the same quality but yo may want to research them a little. I can still hear my drill Sgt. “Don’t cheat your feet son”. That guy still gives me the willies…

-Jeremy

My feet seem to change over time. I had some vasque sundowners that worked for a while. I really liked them. Then after about 8 years I was on a long hike and they got real tight. I actually ended up with nerve damage. I went on a search for a new boot and after trying a bunch I settled on the Danner Expedition. First and foremost they have to fit your feet. So I look at all the qualities I want in a boot and if they don’t fit right I throw them down. I even bought a pair and wore them for two months to break them in. It didn’t work(they were Vasques). I took them back. The Danner Expedition has a deep lug. They have some of the best traction of any boot I have tried for a while. I don’t like to slip. Especially with a hundred pounds of meat in my pack. This year I went out and bought two more pair because I found a deal. Now if my feet will just stay the same I will be ok. Gary

After a lot of differnet pairs I landed on a pair of irish setters bought from the local redwing store. They have worked great for backpacking on multiple day trips as well as stalking elk. Insulation is available in some of the designs.

I purchased a pair of irish setters from the local redwing store and have enjoyed them since. The boots get used for both multiple day packpacking trips and elk hunting.

I have a pair of Asolo hiking boots that I have used for backpacking and hunting. They fit perfectly the very first time I tried them on, never had to break them in, they give great support, and I’ve been able to hike for miles in them without any issues.