I wore a pair of Vasque GTX boots through to the sole over the course of 10 years and spent about 6 months looking for a high-quality boot to replace them.  Settled on Lowa because they were reportedly well-made and of high quality materials.  However, I am not satisfied with these boots on several levels.<br /><br />The sole is slippery when on a wet surface.  I replaced the insoles that came with the boots with Superfeet insoles but that only helped a little.  The boots still feel thin and hot...not at all comfortable just around the house...and even less so on when doing a lot of walking.  The left boot fits differently across the top of the foot than does the right...which necessitates keeping the left laces looser to keep from binding the foot.  Speaking of laces, the lacing system for these boots is a pain...the flat laces that come with the boots are too wide for the eyehooks...and they don't stay in place.  But FINALLY - and this is by far the most irritating aspect of these boots - they SQUEAK with every step!  I thought that it was simply because they were new but I've had them for a few months and they continue to do so.  I don't know if it's the collar material (which appears to be of a different type material) or what but this is extremely irritating.<br /><br />All in all, for the price of these boots (around $300) one would expect better comfort, a better lacing system and NO SQUEAKS.  Would NOT recommend these to anyone.