These were my first pair of Danners. I had expected so much more with the great reviews and preferences from friends who are in the fire/emt/police field. Sadly, they lamed me up in only a few short days. To preface: I shoot outdoor TV and hike more miles than you can shake a stick at. In other words, I destroy boots.<br /><br />I broke them in as usual. Wearing them around the house for a few days with varying socks. Took them on a few short hikes and ran them through water many times. The seemed to hold up really well. Then I put them in the field where the real fun happens. By the end of the first day my Achilles was sore, but manageable. I just took it as I didnt break them in well enough, even if I had put close to 50 miles on them by now. By the end of that 3 day job (35 miles), I couldnt walk. I then decided to try breaking them in around the house a bit more for the next couple months. My next big gig was coming up in Alaska and I wanted to have 3 pairs with me, so the Danners came along. I broke them out for a day after a heavy rain and by mid day I was lamed up. This whole time it had only been my right Achilles. By this time I'm convinced that they were manufactured (stitched) im properly. Oddly enough, they feel fine to the touch.<br /><br />My advice is to avoid them all together. Not sure if these were made in China or USA, but craftsmanship wasnt there.