The Meindl, Hanwag, Kenetrek, lowa, Asolo, Scarpa, La Sportiva and Boreal boots in that light mountaineering class are all very similar in terms of construction. They are all very stiff and sturdy which means they would take a long time to break down or what most people call break in. Those kind of boots are not really supposed to break in, they are supposed to be stiff because they are designed for heavy loads, steep, uneven terrain and crampon use. However, you should not have to endure some long term grueling torture on your feet until they finally feel OK. The right boot, properly fitted should be good for you out of the box or pretty close to it.
I will tell you that I prefer the leather mountaineering boots to plastic although the plastics now are better or they are hybrids. Sheep means altitude to me and that requires good socks and insulated boots. The 10 inch Hanwags, Kenes and Lowas are solid choices. Your decision should be based on fit.
My recommendation is to try them all on (I know that is a huge pain but that is the only way) and see which works best for you. They are all very high quality boots but differ with repect to fit. What works for me most likely won't work for you because our feet are different.
Regarding insoles. First, I would always check/replace them before a big trip. Even the good ones only last a few months under heavy use. A year is average for moderate use. Stock insoles as a rule are pretty cheap but they are about the right thickness relative to the interior dimensions of the boot. Check out Superfeet (green or orange) or SOLE but make sure that you try your boots on with them because they will suck up some of the volume of the inside of the boot. You may have to have a larger boot too accomodate the after market footbeds.
Does that help?
Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com
