Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

They're not cheap, but boots made by Peter Limmer and Sons are without peer. I bought my first pair in 1990, and had them until 2012 when they became overcooked bacon in the back of my car (along with $10K worth of photo and hiking gear). I went back to Intervale NH to have a second pair made, and he even the sheet where he made the original measurements and outline of my foot that he used to make the first pair.

They are expensive, but it only hurts once. You will never experience blisters, foot pain, or any type of break in period. The boot has minimal padding inside, since padding is only used to allow for different feet to fit into generic boots. These things fit PERFECTLY! I have bought these twice, and each time have gone on an extended backpacking trip without breaking them in with no ill effect.

If you haven't tried a custom-made boot - you are in for a treat. Nothing on the market even comes close to quality and fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1u5IENkTE
https://vimeo.com/78761597

My first pair cost me $250 in 1990. My second pair, which I ordered in 2012 and picked up in 2014, cost me $700, and in all likelihood they will cost more today. But I can recommend them without hesitation. It is the choice of through hikers (end to end) on both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails.

Some videos you may see talk about a 2 -3 month break in period. I've never experienced that. Your mileage may vary.

(Download)

Photocraig

I remember some of the mail order companies suggesting you send an outline of you foot traced onto paper while you are standing with weight evenly distributed. If you plan on backpacking, then with a loaded pack. I'm sure the top guys will still accommodate you. Sending a non fitting shoe back to mail order is a cost and a way of doing business. Bless those folks who are a natural 10C.

By the way, if you're hitting the front of your shoe, they COULD be too big, or wide and not holding your foot to the bed of the shoe and it is slipping. My suggestion is to get into GOOD Shoe store and get something that fits. Shoes are made on a LAST which is like the mold. If you know the last number and the size that fits, you can order without trying them on. But without, one manufacturer's 10 is another's 11. One's B is another's D.

A trip to a good store is far less painless than a mile in bad fitting shoes. Naples is no hick town so I expect you can find what you need. The big Boxe stores, including Cabela's and REI may not be the best at fitting shoes. ASK for teh best fitter they have and see what care they take in MEASURING you. If it's "try this and see how it feels," that's an amateurish way and a likely cause for future discomfort. And wear the sock combo you're planning on hiking with.
C

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

costco recently had the KHOMBU Tyler hiking boots on sale for $19, now at $24. I bought a pair and love them. They are part leather and part webbing. Feet breathe good and stay dry.

https://www.costco.com/mens-footwear.html?brand=khombu&refine=ads_fbrand_ntk_cs%253A%2522Khombu%2522%7C

A little more on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Khombu-Mens-Terrachee-Hiking-Boot/dp/B01CPVTU2A

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have a pair of those in the grey color. I didn't know they were waterproof, though. Good deal. They were, indeed, cheap, so I don't know how long they will last, but for that amount of money, who cares? I have a hard time finding boots that fit well and are comfortable, and these are just that. I don't do any heavy duty hiking anymore, so I will just wear the Khombu's.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I have a pair of those, and I agree. Nice footwear. Not a real hiking boot - no support, not waterproof (I have read the literature and gotten really badly soaked as a result), won't last very long. But for what I paid for them, when I wear them out in a year, they go in the garbage. I would never rely on them to hike in rugged, challenging terrain, or in awful weather.

1Feathercrest Loc: NEPA

"Lose", you ignoramus!

Ollieboy

Being a utility worker for 30 years I've found that good footwear is essential. Stay away from bargain footwear as once you damage your feet its too late. Buy the best you can afford and make sure they fit right.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Just a general recommendation. I always shop hiking shoe companies that sell shoes with European sizes. The European size translates to a US size range, e.g. a European size 47 equals a US size 13 - 13.5. My experience with Zamberlan, Ecco, La Sportiva, and Scarpa hiking shoes has been that a 47 does fit like a 13.5. The half size up makes the shoe more comfortable and allows a heavier sock if weather requires. For US sized shoes, I have had success going one size up with Timberlands.

JRD3 Loc: Richmond, VA

REI or LL Bean retail are good options for variety of stock. Merell is good as is Oboz. You must try on and ask questions, lots of questions. Correct fit for toe box is important so you don't harm toenails. Big box retail might work if you know the brand and how it fits your foot.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Duh!! So right, why do you need someone to tell you this. Do your own research.

richie200948 Loc: Staffordshire Moorlands UK

Over the years, I’ve had Karrimor, TNF, Merrill, Zamberlan, HiTec and Salomon and, to be truthful, for regular use, I’ve found HiTec to be the most comfortable (and least expensive). The toe box is wider and therefore allows my feet better stability.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My personal favorite.
https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/brunello-cucinelli-leather-hiking-boots/product/0400098380789?site_refer=CSE_MSNLIVE001&gclid=CNmOgp_Ex98CFZCWswodmUILwA&gclsrc=ds

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Small world. My son and his wife have had their hiking boots made there.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

JRFINN Loc: Plymouth, MA

Cabellas, Bass Pro are both good online or store front. Looking at your local you can use a lightweight pair of Merrils, camellion or moabs.
Good luck.