UPDATE 2:  I wanted to like these so much.  The were so comfortable and gave me great stability.  The squeaking just got louder and then it was all I could hear.  I had to return them.  I tried three pairs of these shoes and all of them failed in some way.  I can no longer recommend them.

UPDATE: I dropped a star because after a couple months of light hiking they squeak.  Its not super loud, but it happens with both shoes on every step.  It seems to come around where the lacing brackets meet the goretex lining in the shoe.  The are still very comfortable and stable, just squeaky.

I've been trying to find the best hiking boots in this price point for a few weeks.  The first pair in my normal size had a small issue.  On the left shoe, where the shoe creased on top when I walked, the lace anchor seemed to turn down and dug into my foot.  It didn't happen on the right shoe.  It was VERY uncomfortable.  I returned and tried a half size smaller.  Way too snug.  I returned and ordered once more in my normal size.  Perfect!  I took them out yesterday after some rain.  The grip was amazing - mud and rock scrambling were a breeze. These blew away every Merrill I ever owned.  I had a hot spot on one the left side of my right ankle, but I expect that to go away.  The other boot I was looking at was a Salomon.  When I had them side by side, this was by far the more comfortable.  Right now, I couldn't be happier.