Wanted to give this boot 5 stars because they are a great all weather reliable boot but there is one tiny flaw that can be easily remedied by anyone once aware. The laces SUCK! Buy a good set of laces you can tie once and not have to keep stopping, remove your pack and tie your boots. The boots fit well on day one and with the proper wool socks very comfortable and I was blister free on my first thru hike albeit I do have tough feet developed over 40 years of walking and hiking. These are sturdy and did not slip on rocks or even wet surfaces up and down the Georgia Mountains. I highly recommend them for the practical hiker who needs a good deal on a good hiking shoe-boot. BUT don't forget to change the laces unless like me--you need lots of unexpected breaks to tie your shoes and catch your breath.