The word "comfort" is a fuzzy term. It depends on personal opinions. Before I purchased these shoes, I imagined that the shoes' comfort level would be the same as running sneakers'. This is not the case. The Rockport World Tour shoes' comfort level is comparable to those of quality working steel toes (but without the steel, of course). So, if you would like to have running sneakers' comfort, you should try the sneaker-style walking shoes instead.

The inner sole is rigid with a little bit arch support. It slightly bends when walking. This "walking platform" is excellent for walking and standing. I feel very stable in them and feel relieved from my lower back problem which was caused by long standing in unstable shoes. The tumble brown leather is very nice; not too soft and not too stiff. I don't need a break in period for the shoes as a whole. However, the collar, which is the top part of the shoes around the angle, bites during the first few days. This is my first Rockport so I do not know the quality and comfort level of the previous years version of this model. The only issue that I have with the shoes is the collar. It is too rough and rubs against my inner angle. This is why I give the shoes four stars.