I bought these shoes as an alternative to hiking boots for an upcoming trip to Iceland. I didn't want hiking boots, because I live in LA and there really isn't a need for heavy, waterproof hiking boots. I bought them a while ago, so that I could break them in. And 70+ miles of Icelandic terrain later, I swear by these shoes. We did everything, waterfalls, rocks, cliffs, hills, during rain and shine. They kept up with my friends' more expensive hiking shoes. I think one time I absentmindedly stepped into a giant puddle and my sock was soaked, but probably not even 15 minutes later my feet were dry again. We even pounded the pavement of Reykjavik and I have 0 complaints. And these were the only shoes I brought on the trip.