REI Monarch

I've owned hiking boots off and on (no pun intended!) for over 30 years, but I found out only recently that a boot has to fit the shape of the foot as well as length and width. For us with hard to fit feet, it means a lot of shopping around, but after 4 pairs in two years, I took a good look at my feet and discovered I had narrow feet with boxy toes and all the boots I've tried had rounded toes. Then I found these Monarchs (made by Merrell) by process of elimination at the three stores nearby that carry an extensive array of boots. I also had no small help from understanding salespersons.

I've never even come close to any foot problem with these boots I still have the original insole and thank God I didn't promise myself I had to buy the most expensive boot I could find. After 100+ miles on the AT and Blue Hills outside Boston, I consider these a steal for my hard to fit feet.

In my experience this boot should not be used in rough contitions with a heavy pack. I have owned two pairs and they are a very good fit. I must complain about the life of the boot. I used them in the Grand Canyon and they did not last very long. The sole on both pairs seperated from the boot. The sole also is prone to puncture on sharp rocks and this is what caused the seperation. A good boot for light hiking on groomed trails.