Scarpa, Meindel, La Sportiva, Crispi et al. Really good, stiff mountaineering boots are THE most important piece of backcountry gear. Period. I will spend whatever has to be spent to have the best of the best. Starting prices these days for exceptional boots is $500.

I have 9.0" Meindel 'Perfekt' Hunters. 400 gram Thinsulate under 1 pc leather uppers and Goretex w/ Superfeet Camo Green Hunter insoles. I have never, not once, had my feet get wet, pinched, hot, sore or blistered. Coupled with heavy gators and I'm 100% water proof from my knee down. As the name says, they are literally 'Perfekt'! As with all boots, you have to maintain the leather, but if you take care of them, they'll take care of you.

I'm a gear nerd and great boots get me all hot and bothered. Nips are hard. Sorry...