I have wide feet and need arch support, so I started buying Dankso shoes. I had two pairs of these boots -- one in each color. I alternated between them for nearly two years as my primary footwear: 10 hours a day, five days a week, sometimes longer on weekends. It took me about a month or so to break them in properly -- and yes, they were stiff and unforgiving to begin with, but they did wear in quite nicely, to the point where I didn't really want to wear any other shoes. However, and this is a big however: the tan pair started squeaking about six months ago when I walked, especially after walking in rain, and two days ago, the black pair's right sole broke just in front of the shaft. I loved the boots while they lasted and feel like I got my money's worth out of them, but I had expected, given the reputation for quality, that they would have lasted a lot longer.