Columbia Packus Ridge Omni-Tech Hiking Boot - Men's - 2008 BCS

Insoles are removable. I had to go a full size larger than normal to get them wide enough but they are still good. I also walk 5-10 per day but on definitely rugged and steep terrain. They have tough midsoles which makes them good for rough terrain but a little hard on smooth flat surfaces. If you you don't need rugged or waterproof you might be able to save more money by buying hiking shoes from someone like New Balance, Adidas or Nike. (My New Balance hiking shoes are very light and comfy and come in 2E widh.)

The Packus Ridge Ridge is a good option. The insoles are removable. This shoe only comes in a regular width. Depends on the sock and how thick it is whether or not you would need a wide. You may need to go up a half size if the insole and the socks are really thick.

Chris

I walk in Hong Kong which is a warm, humid semi-tropical climate (same latitude as Cuba) and have not had a problem at all.

Well there are a couple of things you should also address. Where will you be hiking, meaning terrain and climate. How hot do you expect it to be, how wet, dry, steep, etc.

I've noticed waterproof boots are great for cold weather, but not so much for hot. In the warm months I like using lightweight super quick drying boots so I can walk through creeks and enjoy cooling off, then hiking them dry. Go for something with light mesh uppers and a medium weight rubber sole. To be specific, Keen makes a good boot that offers no break in time, is lightweight and quick drying, but their craftsmanship is crap. Be ready to only put in about 300 miles for their boots before they fall apart on you. I took the Keen Voyageur on the AT with me and had to replace them after only 400 miles, and the customer service they offered was shite. I did like that I didn't need to break them in though. This is neither here nor there though.

Best advice, go for something light and fast drying. I just use trail runners now though, even in the mountains, even while hiking with a 40lb load on my back. I think trail runners are the way to go.

I think Packus Ridge are a little narrow. My Rockport Final Approach (mid-hgh waterproof, too) are 10s but I went to 11 with Packus ridge to get them wide enough. They are not distrubingly long, though, so I still like them.

I use these Packus Ridge on long hikes through nature trails in Hong Kong's mountains and find them adequately rugged. They have a tough midsole which makes them really good on rocky and rough terrian but then are harder on your feet walking on flat concrete.

These boots will work as long as you don't put them through the ringer. A better boot would be the Merrell Outland:http://www.backcountry.com/store/MER0042/Merrell-Outland-Mid-GTX-Boot-Mens.html