Ultra-breatheable Hiking boots?

Have you considered ditching the boots for trail runners? These can be very fast drying, and many shoes will come with grippy rubber for those class 2-3 climbs.

"have you considered trail runners"

I backpacked for years in $60 new balance cross trainers (admitedly not trail runners).

When I finally tried real boots, I really appreciated increased traction from aggressive lugs, as well as increased ankle protection. Its cut down the frequency of ankle injuries significantly for me.

So I'm willing to try a mid ankle boot this time, but don't want to go to a low cut boot or shoe.

I got you. You can get trail runners with aggressive lugs (for instance, see Salomon Speedcross), but if the ankle support is important, it makes sense to stick with boots.

I think the Moab Ventilator is similar to the Merrell Chameleon hiking shoes that I used to hike in, except it is available in a mid boot. If so, it's worth checking out, as the Chameleons have a lot of the qualities you're looking for. They've got a good tread pattern and Vibram rubber for traction in mud and on rock, a stiff sole for rock protection, and are breathable and fast drying. If the Moabs have the same traits, they might be a winner.

Not many options for breathable mids since nearly all have a water barrier. Moab Ventilators and Breeze (non WP) are the only ones I know of.

Moabs don't have much support but you can add a stiffer aftermarket insole to add more stiffness and rock protection. Support and rock protection between the Breeze and Moabs is night and day. To me, the Breezes have the sole of a heavy backpacking boot with the uppers of a light hiker; the Moabs are more like an overbuilt shoe in a outdoorsy style, very flexible.

Moabs relatively cheap which is good because you'll need to replace them annually if you hike frequently.

The words 'ultra-breathable' and 'boots' don't seem to go together too well imho.

New Balance now make some trail runners with Vibram soles – the Leadville is a good example. Other NB trail runners have good soles too.

Cross-trainers? Not usually quite so good for this imho.

Cheers

"scree fields"

Leather lasts well and breathes. But if you want light(ish) with good support and Vibram cleatiness take a look at GRIsports boots. I got a pair of their 'Java' shoes recently and I'm impressed.

Here's a boot example.

http://www.grisport.co.uk/acatalog/wolf-gri-sports.html

Another one to consider are the Lowa Zephyr Mids (non-WP) to add to the very small list of non-WP mids. Link on REI

New Balance also makes a high top "trail runner"-ish shoe.