La Sportiva FC 3.0 GTX-XCR Hiking Boot - Men's - 2009 BCS

I've had these for about 9 months, and really like the fit and performance.
I bought them to replace an old TNF Adrenaline that I had for about 5 years. I also have Asolo Hiking boots which are too heavy for every day use.
I tried everything- Lowa, Lowe Alpine, TNF, Solomon.
These La Sportiva's are made in Europe and have a much smoother lining quality than any of the others. The sole is a bit flexible, so probably not good for a heavy pack. They are a bit more athletic in their performance.
The fit is true in the arch length (heel to ball of foot) and the toe box is tall. I should have a size 48 and am very comfortable in the 47.5.

Nice blend of hiking boot and running shoe technology.

The best qualities of the boot are:
- the excellent traction in hard packed and loose dirt
- totally competent friction on smooth rock (not quite approach shoe friction, but great for a sole that also provides excellent traction on dirt, grass, loose rocks etc.)
- smooth and easy walking stride
- comfortable heel pocket w/ above average ankle support for off-trail hiking (not like a mountaineering boot, but totally adequate for aggressive day hiking and bushwhacking off-trail)
- nice amount of cushion underfoot

The only down sides I've experienced:
- with my narrow foot, the laces in the front of the boot tend to tighten or cinch to the point that the boot develops a significant rocker in the front. This rocker makes a walking stride super easy, but it means the forefoot lacks much support for standing on you toes edging. Super comfy, just not ideal for edging on sustained 3rd/4th class terrain.

Let me just say that these boots have amazed me. I just got back from the wettest two day 35 mile hike ever (Art Loeb Trail NC). These boots performed exceptionally well in the rough terrain. At the end of the hike my feet didn't have the first blister! Great waterproofing as well. They were brand new out of the box too!

These very well could be the perfect boot (it's really a high-top shoe) for walking around the nearest row of chain restaurants or maybe checking out the newest gear at REI. But if your hiking adventures go off the National Park(ing lot) Service paved trails you might be disapointed. After occasional use for two weeks in the San Juans and Sawatch, as well as a week in southern Utah mine are falling apart and have just been flimsly. It really pisses me off the soul is seperating from the shoe after only 100 miles or so. Ankle support is weak, and the soul feels like a mid level running shoe. I don't believe these will last though the end of the year. Although, at $74 (51% off) you can't expect much out of these right?