What boot that's actually foot shaped now?

[swavescatter]

NM wilderness hunter here. Lems daily wearer. I like my Altra Lone peak 9's and for wetter/tougher conditions I like my Crispi Lapponias. You can try these both out in person at REI/Sportsmans.

 

[Roughneck]

FYI - I had Hanwag Alverstone II in a wide size and they were narrow for me. Their wide fit like a regular.

I agree with this 100%

 

[hand skills]

I do have very high arches/instep and have to use orthotics or I will be in heavy pain before too long, so I have to be able to fit a stiff orthotic.

How stiff a sole are you looking for?

The AKU Pilgrims are a unique combo of ultralight boot with good support and moderately stiff sole.

Break in took some time (50mi?!) but I'm really liking them - traditional sole, anatomical footbed and modern ultralight upper.

For me the soles are even a bit too hard for pavement/ashphalt, but they feel right at home in rough terrain.

Biggest weaknesses is the soles get hard and slippery in the cold (freezing temps). I see you are from NM though, so the strengths of this boot might fit your environment well.

I developed plantar fasciitis from crappy footwear on concrete at work.

Got mad, cause I'm not an old guy yet! Did the research, invested in high quality, anatomically correct footwear

Now it's Lowa Z-6N on concrete, Crispi Lapponia lites around town and Aku Pilgrim HLs for training hikes.

Sidehilling in the AKUs rebuilt strength in my ankles and 'cured' my plantar fasciitis.

For whatever it's worth