These are definitely work boots!  Although it took months to finally break them in as the leather is extremely stiff, these boots hold up to the toughest of jobs.  I logged for six weeks straight wearing these boots, they where up to the job and kept my feet dry.  The laces wore out after six months maybe because I wore them almost everyday.  While these are a great work boot, they are definitely not a hiking boot.  When I wear this pair out, I will buy another pair for sure!  A great rugged work boot.  After wearing this boots off and on for the last 18-months, the seam around the sole is cracking along with several places near the bottom eyelets.  I use Sno-Seal on these boots a couple times a year and they have maintained their water-proofing but I would not expect the leather or sole seam to start cracking in less than two years.  These are a better than average work boot but not so good on uneven ground or walking up or down inclines as they remain stiff after months of use. April 2016 - After wearing this boot for two years, they began to leak even after treating them with boot waterproofing.  The outside of the sole cracked in numerous places around the boot.  I am disappointed in this boot as I expected a little better from the waterproofing and sole life.  Therefore, I will not purchase another Carolina boot.