I bought two pairs of these shoes for each of my boys and I bought them a little big so they lasted the whole school year and the boys could grow into them. I was ASTOUNDED that they ended up lasting both boys through 2 school years. I've never had a pair of sneakers last through one school year. By the end of the 2nd school year, they were pretty worn, mostly in the heel. The heel support had cracked a little because my boys slide thier feet into the shoe for a quick on. Other than that, no stitching came undone and there were no holes. My boys are NOT easy on shoes.  They walk about a quarter mile through the snow and mud to the school bus every day. I hope Keen keeps making this model. The sole of the shoe and the black trim around the bottom is extremely durable and keep the water out of the section where the sole meets the shoe. They are not completely waterproof, but second best to a Welly or rubber farm boot.  . I don't think a shoe can conquer a child's ability to get wet :)