Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

Just recently purchased, 8/25, what is my 5th pair of these boots. The first pair I bought was way back in 2016, and I have never been disappointed. After many miles hiking over all types of terrain, hills, steep hilly spurs and draws, rocky areas, etc., just like anything else, these boots will wear out. However, starting with the first pair, regarding the toe box, after tightening the laces, cramped, and squeezed, the ball of my feet and my toes, and made walking/hiking a bit unconformable. So I modified the lacing pattern. I pulled the laces off and re-laced without running the laces through the first eyelets.This change gave all the space and freedom my feet/toes needed at the front of the boot, from the ball of my feet to the toes, without any pressure from being laced in that location. This makes the boot perfect and absolutely comfortable and very secure on one's feet. I use the added length of the laces, from not going through the first eyelets, and double wrap them around the ankle and tongue which gives added support and a much smaller tied knot so the lace doesn't flop around. For me, in my experience, there is no need to fully lace the boot up to the highest hook eyelets. Stopping at the first hook eyelet and double wrapping the lace around the ankle, cinching them nice and tight, gives very sufficient and secure support. In addition, not using the first eyelets greatly reduces the pressure from stressing the sides being pulled tight which might cause any delamination from the sole, which, from reading come of the comments, has happened to some users. I guess it depends on the width of the ball area ones foot.I average about 1200 to 1600 miles a year hiking wearing these boots while wearing a 60lb weight vest in addition to about a loaded 40lb backpack, on my 6'1" 195lb body. These boots hold up extremely well under all that weight. With excellent tread for uphill traction, as well as very good control downhill traction. The laces are similar to para-cord in strength and durability, (never ever had one break), and will hold tight keeping your feet securely ensconced.I wear full length athletic compression socks when hiking, which by their nature are thin. So my 11.5 sized boots are a perfect glove fit. If you are going to wear a thicker sock, your best bet is to order these boots by .5 larger to compensate for the added sock thickness.I've never had a boot failure, but as said, they, as everything else, will wear out with heavy use. I don't throw out the old boots. Instead I use them when doing things where their treatment, whether they get damaged or not, is not a concern.Pictures of old boot laced my way, and the newest boot laced my way. Notice the tied lace is just enough as to not flop around or to possibly get snagged by anything while hiking.Oh, and these boots are quality made in India.