Hi!. Looking for shoe/boot recommendations.

Wife and I average between 40 and 60 miles a week. (She’s more consistent than me: I truly believe she’d get her 7 miles if hell froze over. During the last freeze in Feb (which used to be a bit unusual for Central Texas, but now notsomuch), she and I navigated the streets with chains mounted - we’re old, and it was slippery! She insisted.)

So, I have to say, after more than a few decades at this rate of daily peregrination (4 - 8 miles for me @ ‘slow’ - 2.5 mph - never anything less than 6 miles for the wife @ closer to 3.5 mph), I find that “balls of my feet beginning to hurt” is a clear sign of midsole failure: I would get a new pair of shoes; not necessarily a heavier shoe (or boot).

FYI: I go through a LOT of shoes (and inserts)!

I am on the hunt for a new pair after my last good winter and summer boots have worn out. I previously has a pair of Asolo boots for summer and some Columbia Titaniums for winter.

Boots or shoes are one of the things that takes me the longest to purchase. I look at fit first. I need a slightly wider toe box. My arch is a bit flatter. I prefer a slightly stiffer boot as I off-trail/side hill all the time. I prefer all leather with few seams due to toughness and resistance to moisture as I fight through wet brush and cross streams regularly. Although many complain about the heat of waterproof membranes, I still use them but air out my feet frequently/change socks. I prefer a mid-height boot. For my winter boots, I prefer some insulation. The last time I went backpack boot shopping, it took me about three months before settling on my footwear. I started with the Backpacker Gear Guide, narrowed down about 15 pairs that fit my general criteria. I went to several different boot/shoe shops and tried them all on. Narrowed it down to five, and then eventually decided on those two pairs. I didn't regret either decision. One pair was significantly expensive (I think I paid $500 20 years ago). They lasted nearly 15 years with heavy use and were extremely comfortable. My winter boots were not as critical as my miles are much shorter snowshoeing and they are usually worn relatively loose while hiking vs. my summer season.

I am considering trying shoes again, but I find they don't have enough stiffness for most of the terrain I hike in.

This, always.

After that, the two main questions are:
How much boot do you need?
Waterproof or not?

How much boot (from low cut trail runner to full leather ankle high) largely depends on the kind of terrain. Several years ago a study found that one pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back in terms of energy expenditure and fatigue, given that you lift your feet with every step. Sturdier boots with greater support & stability both underfoot and around ankle may be needed (depending on your physiology) for rugged rocky terrain and off trail scrambles. Most veteran hikers have more than one type of footwear, depending where they're hiking.

For the most part I prefer "waterproof" boots because I mostly hike in colder weather and really don't like wet socks. I put "waterproof" in quotes because the waterproofing inevitably fails (though usually not for a few years on well designed & constructed boots). Then you're left with footwear that is still functional for hiking but no longer waterproof and less breathable than footwear without the "waterproof" membrane. If your feet tend to get hot & sweaty, you might want to go with more breathable footwear.

I just bought a pair of Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking boots and am pleased with them. I have very bad ankles and came from Asolo 535's because I like the support and my feet are very protected. The Salmon's have good protection against trail rocks and the ankle is molded in a way that gives me good ankle security. Biggest thing is that they are half the weight of my Asolos.

I am guessing that grumpytoad may come from Pete the Cat. So I am guessing young dad. So if your feet are hurting you probably just need something for the trail. If you are older, like many here, there could be other issues like some have pointed out. I'm older so unfortunately I don't remember how I selected my first good pair of boots. My newest boots I started with Googling "best hiking boots". Reading the reviews will help you clarify what you are looking for and possibly some models that fit that need.

Also where you are targeting to hike can make a difference in footwear selection.