For the price, size, and design I expected a stiffer sole that absorbs more punishment. These are easily a 4 star boots if you are only walking on grass, dirt, leaves, or other soft surfaces. They're light, the fit is good, they move well, almost like a sneaker, and the construction and lacing is good. I personally can't stand wearing them on rocky trails because I feel everything through them and it beats my feet up too bad. I ended up buying a heavier duty pair of Salomon's, Quest 4d line I found on sale for not too much more than these, and they are night and day better for rocky trails, or digging into hills where you need a stiffer sole. For flat, soft ground you could do a lot worse, but for rocks stay away.