Boots too big?

[NashvilleBiscuit]

I bought a pair of these at the rec of a local store and thru-hiker. I have worn them hiking and they don't feel like they are too much but it seems to me from other posts and talking to other people that these might have been a waist of money.
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=469 (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=469)

Should I stick to my trustworthy low-cut Merrell's and stay away from the big boots? Or would they still be useful for the start of my hike in April?

[Many Walks]

I started with these Asolo boots, but went to something lighter. The Asolos are nice pricey boots, but they are heavy and take some time to dry when soaked. Now I wear Merrell boots or low trail runners, depending on where I hike. I think the rule of thumb is a pound on your feet is equivalent to 5 lbs in your pack. I'd probably go with Merrell or Keen boots on another thru. Light, durable, decent support and they dry fast. Go with what feels good to you and enjoy your hike!

[Spock]

There are good uses for big boots (thorny desert, high mountaineering), but the AT generally is not one of them. Boots always get wet sooner or later and double in weight and they are heavy to start with. They do not provide ankle support as is usually assumed. On the contrary, they promote broken legs - usually right above the boot tops. This happens with alarming frequency. It happened to two friends of mine - as well as several other folks I have known about. Boots are good in snow, but you can do fine with trail runners if you wear GoreTex or neopreme oversocks. You can't wear most crampons with trail runners, but you don't need them on the AT. A pair of good boots might last for a thru-hike, but it isn't likely. You can have them resoled IF you can find a decent repair shop. Or you can have them ruined by an incompetent repairman. And you will have to wait for them. On the other hand, you can find adequate trail runners, running shoes and light trail shoes in almost any trail town. They will usually last 500 miles.

[beerandpizza]

i have to go with boots but only because i have sesamoiditis.

[Toolshed]

I bought a pair of these at the rec of a local store and thru-hiker. I have worn them hiking and they don't feel like they are too much but it seems to me from other posts and talking to other people that these might have been a waist of money.
http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=469 (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=469)

Should I stick to my trustworthy low-cut Merrell's and stay away from the big boots? Or would they still be useful for the start of my hike in April?
Although I wear NB80x's on the AT, I keep a pair of boots (Now Asolo Powermatic 200's) for trips into the mountains (Whites, Greens & Dacks), Alaska, hiking in the UK Fells... If you are simply hiking the AT in decent weather, you may not need them, but it you do mountains, you might wish to save them. You can always sell them on Ebay.

[Frick Frack]

I wore a pair of 400gv's (same as yours but more breathable) on my thru for over 2000 miles and they did just fine (till the end when the sole was completely gone out of the heel). I hiked the last 136 miles in wimpy little Salomon's and my feet were tired at the end of the day. In retrospect I would do the Asolo's again or maybe hike with something inbetween (I'm trying some Garmont Flash XCR's).