These boots require ZERO break in time.  Comfortable straight out of the box, I wore these only a couple times before taking them on a 2 week trek in Nepal. My boyfriend needed to stop every 2 hours to tape up his feet in his $400 Lowa boots, and I never even needed a bandaid. Actually they did bother my ankle in one spot, the gusseted tongue rubbed my ankle. I needed to wear my thick sock rolled down on that ankle. Not idea. The sole feels like it cradles your foot. Waterproof.  I hope they are still waterproof because I have washed them a few times. However.... after washing them they fit differently, they feel too small. I DO NOT recommend throwing them in the washing machine. I bought the Vallarta blue, it sure is eye catching. I like them, but now I wish I would have gone for a more neutral colour, something classic. These boots will last a long time and their style should as well.