I love these boots. I purchased this boot a couple years ago and wore them until they fell apart last fall. I tried to save a few $ and replaced them with a pair of Hi-tec boots. Horrible mistake. While the hi-tech boots might be good for casual hiking, they are defiantly not for hard work walking. These timberlands require nearly no break in time and have perfect support (for me) and shock absorbing soles. I walk several hard miles per day at work, mostly on concrete, and these are the only shoes that don't kill me by lunch time. Waterproof is a huge feature and has not let me down. Not too hot in summer, light weight for a hiker, excellent product.