La Sportiva FC 4.0 GTX

By far the best boot I have ever had the pleasure of walking in...and I have put in a lot of mileage.

I am a very picky when it comes to my boots. These were an instant fit and felt as if I'd owned forever and finally got broken in. They didn't have a bulky tongue that normally would cut off the circulation of my foot.

In the past I'd have to tie my full height boots super tight to gain the support I need on rough rock trails, which made my feet feel bulky and sweaty. These boots give me incredible ankle support I need on all terrains with a fraction of the weight height of my other boots. I never got a blister after long hikes, but I do take extra care, stopping and airing my feet every five miles or so. 

I have a somewhat wider than normal foot and high arches. Just as a precautionary measure I did exchange insoles for more cushion and higher ache support. I cannot attest to long thru hikes using the standard insoles, but what little hiking I did prior to exchanging insoles was just fine. No complaints.

I bought a half size bigger knowing after long long hikes my feet would swell. Regardless of the changes in my feet, the boots never felt constricting nor too loose. When I put them on after all those miles my boots still feel good on my feet and always make me smile.

I am very rough on all my gear and have high expectations when I spend a lot if money on something and these boots were a very very good purchase...worth every penny and more.