My 13 year old son is hard on shoes and these boots have been great for him. He hikes and works on a farm. They are very comfortable and it doesn't hurt his back to stand in them all day.
They do not get wet from the seams unless you stand in shallow water for several minutes. He crossed a shallow creek without getting them wet inside but later stood in the creek and they got damp. They dry pretty well. He has gotten them wet several times in the canal but they are dry by morning.
These boots still look good and are holding up well.
He is a size 8 and I ordered an 8 1/2 so he'd have room to grow but they seem to be perfect. My husband is an 8 1/2 and tried them on and said they were comfortable. As far as sizing, I'd say they fit to size but if you hike in thick socks go up a 1/2 size.
Highly recommend for scouters and campers. Would buy again.