Backstory: I've been searching for the right hiking boots/shoes for months now. I've owned Keen, Adidas, Timberland, Tecnica and North Face boots over the years for a variety of different needs and with varying degrees of success. Over Black Friday, I purchased some Adidas AX2s. Their waterproofing is excellent and they are very durable. However, I knew I would need something more breathable during warmer months. I also noticed that the balls of my feet would hurt on the trail due to their rigid outsoles. (They are fine on pavement where additional flexion isn't required. I am keeping them to pair with gaiters in the winter while walking around town.)

Down to the specifics: These Salomon Aeros are excellent! I have narrow heels and a slightly wider than average midfoot and these boots definitely seem tailored to that style of feet. They do not have much more ankle support than basketball shoes. This worried me at first, especially after a history of sports-related ankle injuries. However, this does not appear to be an issue on day hikes in wooded areas. The boots promote a more natural yet solid gait, so I do not notice as much fatigue as with firmer boots. They also provide excellent grip even while proceeding down hills covered with wet leaves. Best of all, they are very breathable. In fact, I think they are even more breathable than my Nike Air Max Infuriate Mid  basketball shoes and on-par with my Adidas Supernova Sequence running shoes.