I'm really torn between rating this a Two or Three star.  Started off by reviewing several on Amazon followed up with some in-store trials at a big-box retailer.  This boot may work for others but I'm growing more frustrated with them every day.  Maybe you can help.<br /><br />The basic Army boot, size 9W, has been my mainstay for 19 years.  They have delivered many miles of support across hardball, shifting sands and mountainous terrain.  I like the way the Army boot secures my heel and ankle in place while the rest of my foot has room to expand and contract.  12+ hours a day are not uncommon.  Now I'm looking for a civilian boot to take over my non-work related hiking and outdoor activities.<br /><br />After several months of reviews and trying on different pairs, including a purchase-return of Merrill Energys, I finally settled on the Keen Targhee II.  I like the roomy toe box and grippy soles.  The first two weeks included work around the home and minor walking.  They were hot, much hotter than Army boots and stiff.  I thought they just needed some break-in love.  Then we took a family day hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway (everyone should do this!) and several long walks back home.  At six hours I was sore, eight was crippling me and by ten hours I was repeatedly taking them off and on.  I tried tying the laces tight, leaving them loose and several combinations in between.  Nothing was helpful.<br /><br />I feel like the shoe pushes my foot into the toe box and continuously smashes my toes at the tip.  My heel never feels secured, leaving some unpredictability to my foot response on uneven terrain.  These are a size 10D.<br /><br />Maybe I'm to blame, having little experience with these style boots.  Maybe it's the 3/4 ankle or the extra cushy padding.  Maybe I don't know how to lace a boot properly...  whatever the case, it's just not working.  My initial rating was four in the store, two around the house and finally settling on a three star rating.<br /><br />The Soles are confidence inspiring, especially on wet Appalachian rocks and muddy mountainous trails.  They will grip anything, much superior to the Army's choice of sole.  It provides great support on uneven surfaces and cushion on hardball.  In the last 45 days I've put these boots through mild-moderate use and am very impressed by the quality of sole.  In fact, the sole itself raises my Two-Star rating to a Three.<br /><br />Please help.  I need to find a good, comfortable day hiker that feels more secure in the heel, stops my feet from sliding into the toe box, offers more breathability yet retains the good performance in the sole. Maybe it's another boot, or maybe the wrong size (although they are comfortable around the house-not working), or maybe you can teach me to tie my laces.  Simply reply to this post or direct through Amazon.  Happy Trails!<br /><br />Sincerely yours,he Soles are confidence inspiring, especially on wet Appalachian rocks and muddy mountainous trails.  They will grip anything, much superior to the Army's choice of sole.  It provides great support on uneven surfaces and cushion on hardball.  In the last 45 days I've put these boots through mild-moderate use and am very impressed by the quality of sole.  In fact, the sole itself raises my Two-Star rating to a Three.<br /><br />Please help.  I need to find a good, comfortable day hiker that feels more secure in the heel, stops my feet from sliding into the toe box, offers more breathability yet retains the good performance in the sole. Maybe it's another boot, or maybe the wrong size (although they are comfortable around the house-not working), or maybe you can teach me to tie my laces.  Simply reply to this post or direct through Amazon.  Happy Trails!<br /><br />Sincerely yours,