The design of this shoe makes it a superior alternative for hiking in places you might otherwise wear sneakers.  It is very rugged and obviously is well ventilated.  It provides good arch support and the closed toe design defends your toes from getting stubbed.  Most importantly, if you get it wet (or muddy - it can be hosed off) it will dry out quickly whereas sneakers will sour and stain.  I know whereof I speak since on vacation in Maui, I wore them on a 4 mile hike into a waterfall (without socks, although I had some along), where the trail had every kind of terrain, wet, muddy, rocky, uphill, downhill, you name it.  After hosing them off on our return to the ranger station, they still looked as good as when we set out and were dry by the time we got back to our accommodations.  As for comfort level, it is like a sandal with a really nice in sole (some kind of rubbery stuff that feels quite nice to your feet).  No break in is needed and there is plenty of toe room.  They are basically a cross between sneakers and sandals, combining some of the best features of both.  In fact, I've bought a second pair just to wear around the house.  From a vanity point of view, they also don't look as big on my feet as sneakers do.