I have worn my new pair of Merrell boots 2 straight weeks on a job that requires "safety" boots. I love these boots except they hurt my right big toe. I'm just going to do my thru hike in ordinary running shoes. Another 100 + dollars wasted. Other testing that have had somewhat positive results; tent (test in rain next), sleeping bag (zipper snags a little), and MSR pocket rocket (really love this). Will be testing out my PCT style food hanging skills soon and still need to try my mini sawyer. What is so disappointing is struggling to raise funds for hike and making bad purchases. I did research and Merrell is a good boot. How would I know until I wore them that they would hurt a toe. They will be fine for short day hikes, but not a thru hike. Oh well, live and learn.