I had a pair of these, about 5 years old, and they've been a very comfortable walking boot.  My old pair were about through, and found these on sale, so I bought a new pair.  First time I laced the new pair up, one of the upper lace grommets snapped off.  Not a good start.<br /><br />The ankle-area is very stiff, but low.  Very stiff is good in a taller boot; it provides ankle support.  In a low-ankle boot like this, it's just simply uncomfortable.  After the first day of hiking, my ankles were bruised, literally.  Overall, I'm very disappointed in the design changes of this boot, and I would not buy them again.