Tom-
Those Salomen's look nice- about the same bulk level as my Asics. Unfortunately most Salomen products don't fit my feet.

The problem with buying portage boots (or really almost any boot except for early spring or fall hiking) is the near universal use of Gortex or similar fabric (which is in my opinion neither waterproof nor breathable).  Gortex is helpful stomping through slush or puddles. Useless for immersion boots and impossible if you need to wear your boots for hours indoors or in comfortable ambient temperatures. Like fungal and bacteria incubators.

Red Wing bought Vasque about a decade ago. Their quality is excellent but nearly all their hiking boots are cursed with Gortex and the like. I've had good look with the Merrell Moab- though I wish the sole was just a little stiffer. My current favorites are by Oboz. Last year they discontinued the non-Gortex model I liked (dried much quicker than the Moab and a little bit stiffer sole). I just saw that their bringing two non-Gortex boots out this year.   (You need to Login or Register

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