The comfort of the boots can't be beat. These are by far the most comfortable hikers I have ever worn. The waterproofing is a great addition, given the 36 inches of rain we have had on this unusually wet spring and early summer. The main issues are a serious lack of quality laces. The out sheathing of the laces wears and breaks in just a little over 2 months of everyday wear. The upper fast connect hooks bend easily and I have already had to make a claim with Amazon to have the boots replaced as one hook completely broke off and the other pressed flat against the boot cuff.