La Sportiva Glacier EVO Mountaineering Boots - Leather (For Men)

I am an EMT on a local SAR team; have been comparing boots with full, 3/4 and 1/2 shanks for a couple of months: last purchase was a pair of Zamberlan and this years model of this La Sportiva. The Zamberlan are designed for lighter hiking: very comfortable out of the box, but did not like how low the boot was for ankle support. I tried to steer away from the La Sportiva only due to its heavy weight, but at this awesome price, and their known durability, I could not pass them up! These are last years model that have been discontinued, and have 3/4 shanks. Very comfortable (I have a flat arch), and, despite its initial extreme stiffness (not to be understated), I was finally able to bend them to see where the shank ends and where it will bend once they are broken in: looks perfect for my 45 boot size. FYI, the Zamberlan had to be a size 46 for width, so I am very pleased these fit my wide feet better. I may have to purchase a second pair before they are all sold out! Third year purchasing from Sierra Trading Post: perfect record!