I have had three pairs of bates boots in the past few years. None of them are worn out yet, and they are all very comfortable as far as boots go. My black side zip thinsulate ones are even comfortable compared to sneakers. Unfortunately the Delta-9's are not the same. The reason for this is that where the boot flexes (when one moves their foot while walking or running) digs into the outside of the ankle. This is directly on my ankle bone and is incredibly painful to walk. It is important to note that this is only on my left foot, and I haven't ever had this problem with any other boot made by bates. I wore them for as long as I could tolerate it, and then I returned them after the problem became more pronounced.  I am giving these boots two stars because they were intolerable to wear, especially to break in. I spend an extra eighty dollars on another pair of boots from a different company, and they are uncomfortable to break in, but they are wearable unlike these specific bates boots. I would say spend the extra money and buy a higher quality bates offering, or go with one of the several other boot manufacturers.