I started wearing Vasque snow and hiking boots a couple of years ago when the quality of Columbia and Merrell went down. I was recently diagnosed with bilateral Degenerative Joint Disease and Morton's Neuroma and wearing custom orthotics in my hiking boots. Now that it is almost summer and I don't want to wear clunky hiking boots. These shoes are perfect and so comfy on my feet I already ordered a 2nd pair in another color. My feet are very happy!!!