Ok. Sorry this is long.
Went to a few outdoor stores and tried on loads.
Heres what I learned....
1. I need size 9 in boots to give me my precious toe wiggle/splay room
2. Meindls all have stupidly narrow toe boxes nowdays except vakkuum, which are very pricey.
3. At size 9 leather boots wont tighten enough over my foot, leaving me sliding around inside the boot and heel slippage, except mammut trovat which were, again, very pricey and a way too stiff for less than mountainous terrain
4. Meindls Minnesota and Scarpa r Evo gtx were comfy, grabbed my foot nicely and didn't squeeze my toes.
Other fabric/suede boots felt good too, but felt less strong and reliable.
The Scarpa had a particularly good smooth lacing system, soft shell+elastic goretex tongue and ankle and thick suede uppers. Elastic goretex means the fibres are designed to stretch and stay waterproof, which is the usual downfall of goretex...it isnt stretchy and so fails.
I also found scarpa terra gtx on sale at millets/blacks currently for £99. Full leather boot.
Minnesota are looking expensive.
I ordered the r Evo and the terras to my local store so I can try on and compare.
My decision now is this...
Buy the r evos for goods and a pair of cheap(found some) altberg defenders for stomping in the mud and the blood and the beer in dead winter [censored] weather.
Or
Providing they're comfy, get the terras and be done with it. £99 pair of leather boots for everything.