I got this as a gift for my brother, a contractor, who is rough with shoes because of his work.  He has only had them for a couple of days but loves them, he says they have great traction [with a thicker sole than any other new balance shoe he has owned] and are very comfortable.  He says they indicate they are water resistant to the top eyelet and are apparently quite warm.  He told me he would buy them again and he plans to wear them daily.  :)