I just bought a pair of Merrell Torque Mid Gore-tex boots yesterday. I haven't tried them out on the trail yet so I'm not sure how they will perform, but I'll speak for what I DO know...
I went to Tent & Trails with a friend to buy boots, and we requested a mix of about 4 different brands/models within the same price/quality range.. Upon getting the boots, he tried on the Torques and immediately said "I'm getting them".. I thought he was crazy for not even considering trying on the others. I went through the other pairs (3 others in total) before trying on the Torques myself and was floored by how comfortably they were, especially in comparison to the others I tried on (sorry, I'd give the names if I remembered!). We both wound up leaving with the same new boots (hah we're gonna look like a couple of trail dorks with shiney new matching boots!).
We payed $120 each, but REI has them on sale now for $99..
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...productId=47847072&parent_category_rn=4501259
They're VERY comfortable, seem to fit my wider feet perfectly (incidentally, he went 1/2 size larger than normal because he felt they fit fine in length, but were a bit tight on the sides - I guess they fit better on slightly wider feet?), weigh just 2 lbs, 4 oz, waterproof/breathable with gore-tex lining, and - one of my favorite parts - the waterproof fold between the tongue and the boot is extra large, allowing you to pull the tongue wayyyyyy out forward and easily slip your foot in and out.. Yet it tightens great when tied, and feels wonderful with all the padding. They have the spring of a running shoe, as well, as there's a slight curve/flex in the sole at the last 1/3 in the front.