I bought my first pair a few years ago and  have never looked back.  I've hiked 14ers, ran miles of trail  and give them a  beating on troads and they are solid.  I wear a neutral shoe and am tempted to buy a pair just for the road. My feet and legs protest anymore when  I put on the road shoes they are making these days with so much slop. I love the lacing system.....these will make you never want to see another shoe string..  As far as water proof....crossing a stream...things get wet...they drain fast enough...thats all you need.  I pick the wildest colors I can get and just brush off the mud now and then...love my Speedcross 3s!