I've been using Danners the last several years. At some point I punched a leak in the goretex booty, so I've been shopping for new boots. My $0.02 is that the right boot really depends on your primary use. If you're going to use a heavy pack, or do miles on very steep or rocky terrain, a stiffer boot is better (e.g. Lowa, Meindl, Kenetrek). But if you mainly do day hunts in the 5-10 mile range (or less), a more flexible boot (e.g. Danner) will allow you to walk more quietly through the woods. I spent last week hunting with a guy wearing Meindl's (I think the Perfekt). He was happy with the comfort and waterproofness (is that a word?), but he was really loud trying close the gap on bugling bulls. We were in heavy cover so it's inevitable that you're going to step on twigs. The question is whether you can feel the twig under your boot and flex off of it, or whether you just snap it in two. I suppose you could stare at your feet all day and better choose your steps, but that's not a good option. All in all, I'm now thinking I need two pairs - one for normal hunting conditions (and archery hunting), and one stiffer pair for longer treks, steeper terrain (ankle support), or when noise isn't such a factor (rifle hunting, open terrain, etc.).
