Absolutely beautiful boot. I've often gazed over at these boots with admiration. Unfortunately they have never been very comfortable, and are completely unfit for any sort of hiking or extended walking / standing / working. They required a lengthy break in period and aftermarket insoles before becoming somewhat comfortable.

Upon first receiving these boots I took them on several hiking trips and they were like torture devices for my feet, imparting me with horrible blisters (Obviously they are not advertised as hiking boots, but in the past I used Chippewa's cheaper Apache service boot for various hiking trips with success.) Even now after 1 year of ownership they are still not very comfortable, and leave me with hotspots and discomfort after a day of light use. Part of the issue is the soles, which are made of a very stiff, almost hard plastic material. This provides no cushioning while walking, and is absolutely hazardous in snowy / icy conditions. Very poor traction.

I'd say these boots might be well suited toward an evening on the town, walking from the parking garage to the local speakeasy hipster saloon. I will give them credit for being very well constructed, beautiful, and durable boots. I like to wear them while standing around the campfire, living out my fantasies of being a woodsman. But they are ill-suited to even the slightest bout of physical activity or inclement weather conditions.

Sidenote: Some have mentioned the heel separating from the boot. The heel is a separate piece attached to the sole, but has not shown any signs of loosening or detaching after 1 year of use. However, it does allow bits of grass and sticks to become lodged between the heel and the sole.