Most people associate me with stilettos and when they hear that I hike, jaws drop. I have been solo hiking segments of the Cumberland Trail in 5 day sections. I did a lot of research ahead of time regarding reviews, durability, etc. I have somewhat wide feet, so I even tried on Men's hiking boots to expand my options.

Did I mention my feet are baby-soft due to my regular pedis? I hate callouses. This causes a propensity for blisters. I've been plagued with blisters even with my athletic shoes when doing cardio.  I have at least 8pr of "professionaly fit" shoes that all still cause blisters.

I have oodles of special wicking / cushioned socks. I preventively spray feet w/ moisture-absorption powder. I've bought enough moleskin to carpet my house...

And I've hiked about 65 miles since getting these boots 3 weeks ago - remarkably few blisters. (I blame them more on moleskin that didn't stay in place). Toe box was good - not tight, roomy enough.  My ankles felt very supported. (Numerous ankle sprains in my past)

I wore them around running errands to "break" them in. Comfortable. Light. I've been on wet leaves, mossy slippery rocks, jeep trails, steep inclines - I didn't feel that the traction, etc was an issue at all.

I normally wear an 8 in flats, 8.5-9 in heels (depending on heel height). I went with a 9W. Whether wearing very thick socks & liners or thinner light-cushion socks, the size was a good fit & could accommodate difference.

I haven't had issues with testing water-resistance. They have gotten fairly dirty - going to try Nikwax cleansing gel on them. I might spray afterwards with waterproofing spray - more for dirt protectant than waterproofing.

I have to make sure tongue (right term?) is even before lacing up - can get uncomfortable after few miles. The laces are too long for me - I don't like wrapping laces around back. Not a major deal, more of a personal preference.

*sidenote, I had to assist a woman hiking in Tevas who broke her ankle hopping on rocks at Signal Mtn last wk. Not pretty. Had supplies to wrap it, ice pack, Advil & we hobbled 1.5miles back to trailhead. Please wear appropriate footwear & don't head out to trails you're not experienced for.