I am a serious hiker who goes out 2-3 times a week with my hiking club and I plan to go on a hiking trip to New Zealand in November and wear these.  These boots are GREAT! They fit perfectly from my first wearing them and today I hiked 10 miles in them in rain and I had no issues at all, no blisters, no rubbing or chafing, etc.  They are definitely waterproof!  I never had Keen boots before but I have had a pair of Keen Whisper sandals for about 4 years now and I absolutely love them.  The Keens seem to fit very comfortably in the toe box and are the few boots that are wide enough for me.  I plan to have these for a long time and will probably buy Keen boots again when these wear out.  Love them!