No. There's no real consensus on that on the forums either.
My current pair of hikers are "RedHead Caliber" from Bass Pro and they cost about $50.
They're pretty close to the Merrill's I used to get as far as fit and comfort right out of the box and I was impressed with that. I didn't need to get aftermarket insoles or break them in. The soles are soft, similar to the Merrill's I liked and they grip good, and so far the waterproofing has held up after getting them wet about a dozen times (not soaked, just splashed wet) but I've only had them for about 6-7 weeks.
I don't expect they'll hold up as good as the Merrill's I used to buy but I can buy two pair and a good lunch for the same cost so it might work out just as good. So far I like them a lot.
Keen has been my go to for hiking and labor footwear. The quality reminds me of the Merrill gear I'd get in the early aughts. I'm not a runner though, so I can't speak to that aspect, but in the mountains and on the flats (and in snow and ice) they've been great to me.
My current pair of hikers are "RedHead Caliber" from Bass Pro and they cost about $50.
They're pretty close to the Merrill's I used to get as far as fit and comfort right out of the box and I was impressed with that. I didn't need to get aftermarket insoles or break them in. The soles are soft, similar to the Merrill's I liked and they grip good, and so far the waterproofing has held up after getting them wet about a dozen times (not soaked, just splashed wet) but I've only had them for about 6-7 weeks.
I don't expect they'll hold up as good as the Merrill's I used to buy but I can buy two pair and a good lunch for the same cost so it might work out just as good. So far I like them a lot.