I live in Florida and of course the terrain I am camping and hiking in is pretty flat. Plus add the temperatures in the summer and boots get really hot. So I am looking at getting some shoes instead. Does any one have a brand / model to recommend?
Merrell Moabs have served me well. Ventilated, not too hot, almost like wearing a sneaker.
It is important to choose the correct footwear for what you are doing. I see issues with this a lot. If you do research on hiking boots (all types) you will see that most are rated for the load that you are wearing. This is based on the weight that you will carry and the support that the Hiker will give you. I see people all the time wearing super lightweight hikers (Merrell MOABs) while wearing a full KIT (body armor and a light pack). Not good for you feet and legs. If you are just going to be hiking without carrying much weight (CamelBak with some snakes) I would say go for a very lightweight hiker such as the MOAB. If you are going to carry a pack with some weight look at a medium hiker such as the Merrell Sawtooth.
Keen Voyageurs.
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra MID’s. Most comfortable lightweight hiker I have ever owned. I have never gone cheap on my footwear (Asolo, Lowa, Danner), and these are as good as it gets in my book. They are now on sale @ REI for $120: http://www.rei.com/product/811331/salomon-xa-pro-3d-mid-gtx-ultra-hiking-boots-mens
They also make a low top version as well: http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/772097?source=gpla&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-772097&mr:trackingCode=1E904FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
- 1 MOAB
I also use the MOAB. I go backpacking about once a month and I carry a pack, 2 man tent, sleeping bag, extra socks, extra underwear, extra shirts, etc etc etc. My pack weight is around 35lbs. I have zero issues with the MOAB. I live in Virginia and hike in the mountains, but even still my merrell’s hold up and my feet are extremely comfortable with a good pair of smart wool socks, or REI wool socks.
Lots of options out there. I’m a fan of Merrells and have several variations for temp and activity. My daily wears are the Radius, low or mid. The Moab Ventilators are very light, breathe well, and are super comfortable. Also available in both low and mid height.
I wore my Merrells doing the FL tourist thing last year. Lots and lots of walking, and my feet were GTG.
Those or something very similar are favored by some high-speed face shooters and yes I want a pair.
+1
My backpacking loadout is usually 25 lbs (summer) and 30 lbs (winter). I have blown through 3 pairs of MOABs, and they are my favorite all around shoe. The original insole is lacking IMO, so I always use Superfeet.
I like Salamon for wet weather or treks where you know you will be crossing a lot of water. I have wet-out both Merrell and Salamon and never got a blister on high-mile days. The Merrells are pretty heavy when they are completely wet-out.
In the end, it is your foot.
Give a look at Inov8 roclite series here http://www.inov-8.com/Products.asp?PG=PG1&L=27 I have been wearing the 295’s for about a year and love everything about them. Light, breathable, and comfortable on the long hikes.
Salomon’s are also great I wore them for years but just recently switched. I dont like goretex (makes my feet too hot) but they do have the Salomon XA pro 3D ultra in non goretex. Always very comfortable on the long hikes.
Vibram Five-fingers Treksports for me! Getting ready for an 85 mile trip and that is all I’ll be wearing. Heavy hiking shoes are a thing of the past.
Here is Kyle Defoor’s recommendations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QxCJMcRMsE
+1 for Salomon Quest 4D GTX or Comet 3D GTX Premium
http://www.zappos.com/salomon-quest-4d-gtx-auobahn-black-flea
http://www.zappos.com/salomon-comet-premium-3d-gtx-swamp-black-thyme
How does those gortex boots handle hot weather? Some I’ve tried don’t breath very well. They look good and I’m looking to ditch my Lowa Zephyrs as the soles are dying.
I prefer mids and it looks like all their mid heights are GTX. 
I wear my Asolos (Flame and Fugitive) in the heat with a lighter weight sock and they do fine. I have always favored the support of a heavier boot no matter the temperature though.
I’ve had most of them out there, Oakley SI’s (the good ones), Lowa, OTB Bushmaster,
OTB Thor, Merrell’s, Addias GSG9’s, Danner, ASOLO, Meindl et alia.
Salomon Quest 4D GTX have been the most comfy & coolest boots I have had to date.
on my Dawgs for 14+ hours a day some days & no probs.
imo, superb boot.
HTH…
As an update, I pulled the trigger on a pair of MOABs for my son and I. Like me he has drastically different feet. We tried on our shoes last night and were satisfied. I will say that the MOABs are comfortable but they feel different. Not in a bad way, but different. I am gonna look for arch supports tomorrow.
I’ve had numerous pairs of Merrell’s and am happy with them every time.
I always make it a point to go to roadrunner for the experience and 60 day policy.
Returned two with no hassle.
I formerly wore everything Merrell because my mom works for them, but in the last year I bought two pairs of Salomon shoes.
The 3D Fastpacker Mid is awesome but sock selction is important. My feet sweat like crazy in them(with a cheap sock).
For warm weather, light loads, and every day wear I love the Solomon XA Comp 4 (no Goretex) which may have been discontinued.
Did you not like the Zephyrs? I was thinking of getting a pair of the GTX Mids for wet weather training and hiking/backpacking…