I always wear Columbia trail shoes when I am in the desert, even when I am cycling on the trails which I do a lot of. I prefer waterproof as they don't seem to let in as much dust. In the past I have found them very hard wearing, in fact I have never worn a pair out, they always seem to hold up for years. I'm only buying new ones because the price is so good. I usually machine wash them and leave them dry in the Arizona sun. The soles are fairly rigid and good for rocky terrain. I'm a 9 and they fit fine. I haven't tried this model before, but they are very similar to the last pair and I'm sure they will be as durable.