I wore these boots on a very strenuous four mile hike. Early spring, muddy and crossing many streams.  My feet stayed dry.  I was comfortable most of the time and the boots did help me walk and stepping up some rocky elevations.  I were an 8 wide and I bought a 9 wide.  This boots were too big for me. On the decline I constantly stubbed my toes.  I may buy a smaller size 8W and gift the bigger shoe to my daughter. I would say buy true to size. I would also recommend waterproofing them occasionally.  But I do that for all suede shoes.  It keeps them cleaner. I am walking more so we will see how they hold up.  But they did protect my feet and steadied my ankles on rugged terrain.