Thoughts on these boots?

[Tuckahoe]

Considering one of the following boots and would like any thoughts from those that own a pair of one of these boots --

1) Danner Talus GTX Hiking Boot (can view at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000NE5RLA/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1AXG923JIWAQI&v=glance)

2) Timberland Men's Chocurua Trail GTX Boot (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000VX37ME/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=AA1BP257RRJNC&v=glance)

3) Columbia Sportswear Men's Titanium Daska Hiking Boot (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B001C4DW7Q/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=AU8KF031TC39C&v=glance)

Personally I am leaning towards the Timberlands, but I would like to hear from anyone that has actually backpacked with one of these.

thanks

[Toolshed]

Curious, but what type of hiking are you planning on doing?
the Timberlands are a bit more lightweight and from my experience, more cheaply built (i.e. would likely break down sooner). I would expect little to no break in period with these boots and I would also expect the midsole to start to break down quickly. More seams means more places for water to enter and more places for stitch failure (look at how many stitched pieces there are in the uppers).

I haven't owned these Danners, but I have had 2 pairs of Danner Mountain Lights a number of years ago. Danner makes good boots and these boot look to be no exception, though I am curious about the break-in period as these are Full Grain Leather and look to have a very beefy midsole. They are also Goretex lined, which means it will be a hotter boot and your feet will likely sweat more.

As for the Columbia's, they look more like a wet weather boot than an all weather boot. I have a pair of Titanium winter boots and they do OK. All in all, I would say that these are probably more of a middle ground between the lower end timberline street boots and the Danner mountaineering boots.