Well, this debate could go on forever I would imagine!

I myself sware by Danner and currently have [6] different styles I sport around depending on the situation!

Zion (hot weather, desert)
Pronghorn (everything, unisulated pair)
Ft Lewis ( 20 years old and still great! Wore in the service in the 80s)
Sharptail Chuka (easy LONG walking upland hunting)
Sharptail II 8" (colder weather or thiker cover upland hunting)
Vanish 5" (moderate weather stalking & hiking situations, two pair)

I like Meindls from Cabelas. I have 2 pr one is 7 years old and stil as water proof as the first day I put them on. Just don't cross the creek where it is deeper than the top of your boots. lol

Remember that everybodies body is a little different. Yeah you want some insulation....400 - 600 grams always seems to be pleanty and yeah you want them to be waterproof. But far and away the most important thing you can get from a boot is comfort. Try on lots of different pairs until you find the one that feels comfy.

Honestly I don't care if a boot wears out a bit quick as long as it is comfortable. I bought a $250 boot once and 2 days into a 5+ miles backcountry trip I would've traded them for some flip flops. I had blisters because my foot was shaped a bit different than they were made for so for me they made my trip terrible. I ended up calling my wife, having her buy me a cheaper pair (along with some mole skin) and meeting me at the trailhead. Luckily they were much more comortable for my feet although probably not as durable as the more expensive pair.

Sounds like good suggestions from many, but I actually have a buying suggestion: EBAY. You will find substantial savings on high-end quality boots on EBAY. BUT I would never buy anything without knowing what you're buying. For example, its worth the time to go to a few places and try on on several pairs to ensure you know what fits and what doesn't--I really like the Danner stuff, but I've not found a single style that fits my feet comfortably except the Sharptail model Danner...and nothing Danner puts on the shelf is cheap. When you find something that fits you nicely, check the identical thing out in EBAY. If you have a little time, the deals can be superb. By the way, I believe the European stuff out classes the Danners, Rockies, and Irish Setters-I've owned (Italian-made) Vasque (best boots ever, but now made in China instead of Italy and the China-made boots don't hold a candle), Meindel (superb!), and now Aku (Romanian-made). They are all GREAT boots and FYI, I paid under $70 for my NEW Aku's off EBAY--normally $270! Also, if your gonna shell out the bucks, don't buy anything that doesn't say Gortex right on the boot. In addition, buying QUALITY mid-weight socks is money WELL-spent, too Your feet (and back) with seriously thank you for both.

Cabelas Outfitter Series!!!! Extremely sturdy with an amazing bob tread that makes it nearly impossible to slip on...even as often as I do! The sides, like you mention wanting, fit the bill as they're a sturdy yet flexible leather. There's a bit of a range in insulation choices as well.

wolverine all the way man...had mine for 3 years and have hiked miles upon miles in them. They are comfortable, sturdy and your feet wont hurt after walking all day. They are with me everywhere and in the winter there in the goose pit cause they stay warm

LOL...the ultimate tight wad here. I NEVER EVER buy anything at full price unless I absolutely have no choice. EBAY is one tool in my arsenal along with customer appreciation cards, sale hunting, coupon clipping, and earning points at different stores.

I will sometimes wait up to 6 months to buy something as simple as new boots just to get a deal.

PS - I have bought boots on EBAY after trying on different pairs at the store.

rather,
I can tell you think like do-I have a enough top-of-the-line hunting/fishing stuff that worth more than my daughter's future college tuition, but I've acquired nearly all of it for pennies on the dollar. Here's more for you and others: In Jan. Gander Mountain has tremendous deals on footwear online but more so in their stores 'cause they do inventory in Feb. Sportmans Warehouse does likewise, but their smokin' deals usually take place around March...in the past. Whats left of their stores are now owned by a Canadian coop, so we'll see. Bass Pro is hit or miss, but I've never seen super killer deals from them. Cabelas...ya just have to hit it right. I would never make a special trip to their retail stores for something like this because their Bargain Cave(s) are a nightmare to sort through and the deals are only OK (someone should fire their merchandiser--they forget we are sportsmen and have better things to do with our time then rifle through jumbled messes). Don't rule out Dick's Sporting Goods either--since they obviously don't sell a whole lot during the actual seasons, the off-season times will generate some racks of GREAT deals. Happy hunting.

Great tips and I've found the same trends as well.

Just a heads up though if you shop Cabela's bargain cave online it's much easier to deal with and you can identify the best deals quickly. The Sportmans Guide usually has some killer deals. I recently bought a new breech plug for a muzzleloader and they sent me an ad with some absolutely killer deals.

Like you I have a pile of gear, and it's not just hunting and camping stuff either, for much much less than retail. My recent score was a brand new, never used, Hyperlite wake board for $75. A friends desperation was my opportunity. Maybe when he gets really desperate I'll have a boat to pull it with. At the very least I have something to trade someone for.

All guns and bows were purchased in pawn shops. There are some sweet deals in pawn shops, especially when they don't realize what they really have.

I debated this purchase for almost 12 months! LOL I know a long time but boots are important. Perfekt 10 by mendel at cabela's or the Mountain Hunter by Mendel. The mountain hunter's are 10.5 tall and 400 grams but man are they AWESOME. Stiff upper with a ton of support and super comfortable. the only reason I choose these over the Perfekt 10 is becasue I found a pair in my size on clearance for $100 less during a half off sale. But I have to say they are great boots. Never a bad review on either those or the Perfekt 10 and if ou want more insulation go with the Alaska Hunters that also have the rubber dip that goes around the entire boot for more protection from the rocks and scuffs.