The other reviewers are correct: the boot feels like, say, a day hiking boot/shoe, so much so that you may forget you are wearing them. No break-in needed either. Comfortable, easy to get on and off, and moderately good grip on a number of different surfaces. The interior is well-padded, there is sufficient arch support and the tread looks as if will last for a while. Now, the downsides: no steel toe (fine with me as I didn't need it), not waterproof, and as far as I can tell, the interior padding is just that and not insulation. So if you need a boot for harsh, wet conditions you should probably look elsewhere. But for those of us who "just" need a comfortable work boot that stands up to "standard" work--carpentry, landscaping and so forth--this may well be the best bet.

As for care, I coated mine with McNett waterproofing; we'll see how that goes. Otherwise I just brush and rinse at the end of the day.