I recently purchased a pair of Ascend hiking shoes from BPS.  I never bought hiking shoes before so this was a first. After a few times out, I have found the souls to be very hard, and didn't have much squish when walking. They are very loud when walking.  I was thinking they'd soften up, but not the case.

 

I no longer have the receipt, so I think I'm stuck with them.

 

So I come to you for some suggestions.  I am looking for a good waterproof/comfortable hiking shoe/boot to wear all year round.  They will be used when I walk my dog in the mud, water, snow, etc.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've been wearing these Merrell Moab shoes for 3+ years now and I love em. I wear them kayaking in the summer, and hiking year round. They are waterproof.  If interested, shop around, you can find them cheaper than listed on their site. I got mine from Academy.

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mother-of-all-boots-gore-tex/27939M.html?dwvar_27939M_color=J06039#cgid=moab-2&start=1

thanks.  I was looking at Merrils at BPS as well.

Merrells are the best around. Good thing is they have a bunch of styles. My advice is find a good store near you that has a good selection of them so you can them out. If you got an REI near by they are a good place to start. 

I definitely have an REI near me.

Been wearing the Salomon Quest Hiker for a couple of years.

Big Fan and highly Recommend them.

 

A-Jay

I stopped at REI today.  I looked at the Salomans, as well as the Merrells.  I could have certainly gone either way.  Both were comfortable.  Both within the same price range.  But I decided to go with these: https://www.rei.com/product/113822/merrell-moab-2-mid-wp-hiking-boots-mens

 

Got home, laced them up, grabbed the dog and went.

 

All I can say, is that these were night and day compared to the Ascend hiking shoes I bought. WOW!  Very very comfortable.  Walked through some water, lots of mud, and my feet were dry and clean.  Certainly felt no discomfort.

 

I'll go out again tomorrow, but for now, I think I have a winner.

Thanks for the suggestions

Ill be the desenter on the Merrells never will I buy another pair. I'd grade them a D on waterproofness both will leak in a 1" deep puddle a D on wet surface grip and if there is an incline on wet surface a big F. They get an A on comfort and an A for grip on dry rocks. If I was able to returned them I would have.

I have both meirelles and llbean.  There both good.  I have put one of each on in the dark and wore a misty match for the day.    The llbeans seemed more durable and lasted longer.  I have a brand new set that will be used when these merrells are done.