For good deals on hiking boots/tennis shoes I shop Big 5 every few months despite membership at REI for a long time.
I first learned about Hi-TEC boots while some of the AZ Yelpers were in kindergarten. I made a big mistake of hiking in work boots on my first ten mile coastal hike with stream crossings followed by climbing a ridge on a fire road near Malibu. I also used cheap cotton socks which didn't help the situation either. I had to nurse quarter size blisters for several months. In the interim I learned about the necessity for good fitting hiking boots and hiking socks.
On my next hike I had purchased my first pair of Hi-TEC hiking boots and padded socks. Since then both light and heavy duty boots but still like Hi-TECs for short to medium hikes. Three years ago I learned Big 5 stocked Hi-TECs and seemed to put them on sale fairly often. I have worn out two pairs but at half the price or less than REI it is not worth my trouble or time and now gas to go to REI.
I just purchased two pairs of Hi-TEC El Dorados so should be set for several more years. Happy Hiking...
Hi-TEC Update: The El Dorado model has superior ease in "sliding" my foot in and out plus "tie ability" with a raised loop and hook vs. my oldest Quantum model with a loop and my more recent Mckenzie with double hooks. The Quantum, although more colorful, is being retired and I hope it doesn't end up in Canadian waters with a foot in it... (especially my foot)....