They're incredibly comfortable without a breaking-in period, provide excellent support and yet are flexible for a close-contact feel. They also provide excellent traction -- even on snowy patches on the trail. I cannot speak to their durability, as they are still new, but they seem very well made. They're solidly built without being stiff or heavy. They were rather pricey but my last pair of hiking boots, by a well known and respected brand, wore out in less than two years, so I'm hoping the extra investment for these will be worth it. I highly recommend these.