I bought the Lowa GTXs at full price, and they were worth every penny. That sale price is a real bargain!

I have owned two pair of Meindls. Both always dry. First pair went 12 years and never once leaked. Hunting up shallow streams, or all day in slush amoung the sage, didn't matter.

I bought a pair of Danners and the left one sucks- it leaks after about two hours in wet grassy terrain. Because of that I hate those boots.

Joshua

Do you really need boot, boots?  I like the Inov8 roclite 390 though i think they are classified as trail runners.  Also like a pair of eVent Teva shoes for what you mention.  Lighter is better!

I have a pair of Columbia gore-tex hikers but the soles are so stiff they sound like a Clydesdale marching down a paved road.

I found a pair of lightweight leather work boots (no gore-tex) and put sno-seal on them to provide some water protection.  The best thing is that the soles are soft and flexible and much more quiet than the waffle stompers.

You could always get gore-tex socks if you find good boots that lack in the waterproof department.

Used Lowa Renegades for years (5 pairs) but lately they weren't holding up to hunting in my neck of the woods. Called Lowa and they advised me to switch to their Uplander boot. Same weight and comfort in a 9" boot.
Also was looking at Schnee's Bozeman for an early season boot, also same weight as Renegade.
Ended up buying both and am very happy.
As has been said, Renegades are $70 off at REI and would be a teriffic boot for most parts of the country.  Mike

Danner

Meindles for me as well when I need a boot.    But honestly here the weather is usually very hot and I hunt in the gym shoes with an aggresive sole.

You can get good deals by ordering but I prefer to try them on first. It seems that boot size is relative and they all fit different. I've been pleased with my Vasques and the Merrells are good also.

I think it's more of a personal thing. What might work for me might not for you. I have 2 pairs of Danners and love them, never leak, but someone else might say they had problems with them and they didn't fit right and leaked. Shoes and boots, you have to try them on before buying,

Very true Craig. I had a pair of Danners that were tough as nails. I finally walked the soles off of them but the uppers were still good. These days I find the Danners a little narrow for my feet. Great boots however. My feet are in horrible shape froms years of jogging and the U.S Army Infantry. I wear hiking boots every day year round because of the support and comfort.

Ross

If you have a REI in your area. Check it out. They have the best return policy I have ever seen.    BILL

Another option is "Keen". I found them at REI. they have their own name for gortex called "Keen Dry".  Both my Kids swear by them, and i just picked up a pair myself. They are incredibly well built , super comfortable, and ultra light weight.

kirk

I'm on my second full year with my Meindle Perfekt Hikers. Love them. They have a cork innersole that molds to YOUR foot.

I just bought a pair of as new $150 Danners from a friend who's foot has changed for $25. Not a bad deal.

x2 for REI.  I got a full refund on a pair of boots after about 4 years of hard use when the mid soles failed.  My wife just returned a pair of goretex-lined hikers that developed a leak, and no questions were asked except "do you want cash or a store credit."  

REI also has some uneven surface you can walk over when you are trying out the boots.  That way you'll know before you buy if the heel will slip going uphill or your foot will slide forward and cruch your toes going downhill BEFORE you buy them.

For me the most important thing is fit.  If you aren't comfortable it doesn't matter how well built the boots are.  At a place like REI all the boots are good and they all have a lifetime warranty, so just find some that fit.

Sorry for sounding like an REI rep, but I think that place really is the best place to get boots.