I bought the boots from a small local shop that actually has a very poor selection of boots, so I doubt they'd have anything I'd want to trade for. I was surprised they had the Vasque Breeze in stock in my size. I went looking all over that day and no one else had them.

The problem only seems to happen while going uphill. Maybe I'll try removing the Superfeet inserts and go with the stock ones and see what happens. Looks like I may have to start over with another pair of boots though.

Not sure what parts of the Los Padres you're familiar with, but the Piedra Blanca trail starts near Lockwood Valley road off of HWY 33(Ventura County), goes over Pine Mountain, and ends near Lions Camp in Rose Valley. I think it might also be called the Gene Marshall trail.