Ever since New Balance moved production out of the USA and Cabela's stopped carrying the NB shoe I liked I have been looking for a good replacement. Since I wear a 14EEEE it can be very hard to find shoes much less water proof ones. I have only wore these one day but I think it's safe to say they are a good replacement. They fit good and the have good traction. I haven't had them out in the woods walking in wet grass or creeks so I don't know how the water proof is yet. They look and feel to be well built and I think they will hold up well.