WOW! If you're in to backpacking, these are a game changer. These are certainly the way to go if you're doing long distance hiking. They are feathers on your feel and sufficiently support. Although, I suggest slowly working your way into a long trip if you were previously accustomed to high top boots. You need to allow yourself to strengthen ankle muscles. As other reviews have mentioned, they fit VERY small. I wear a size 7.5 regularly, and ordered an 8.5 as the reviews had suggested. But i ended up sending those back and getting the 9's instead. Now I can comfortably hike down hill without slamming my toes into toe box. I'm looking forward to see how they will hold up on the JMT and will then update my review. But for now, I am very satisfied. They did great a a 3 day backpacking trip.