I have been searching for a new snow boot, and came back to this model of Sorels. I owned a pair of these 20 years ago, and they lasted a good 8 years. My last 3 pairs of snow boots were Columbia Bugaboots. The last pair of Bugaboots fell apart after one season, because the shoe lace hooks are only made of nylon. This was very disappointing, so I was happy to rediscover Sorels. The boots are "clunky", and are a bit roomy, but I know they will be warm, sturdy, and give me several years of good use.