If you're looking for a heavy duty hiking/backpacking boot, keep looking!  This boot is constructed using lightweight materials, however they are very comfortable as long as you replace the supplied Nevados insole with a more substantial one like "Superfeet."  The sole provides great traction on flat surfaces.  I purchased them for work where these qualities are most important.  Hopefully they will afford me a few good years.  Both great price & customer service from "shoesontheweb" make these boots a good investment.  BTW, I notice the current vendor "shoebuy" has increased the price $10.