At first when I tried these on I felt like I would be sending them back but after 20 minutes things changed.

1) They are REALLY breatable. I know that's not a word but don't know how else to explain it. If I am walking and it is breezy I can feel the wind in my toes and across the top of my feet, yet I am not cold (40-45 degree fall days in Seattle).

2) They do repel water even though the seem like they would not. I would not say they're waterproof though.

3) The tread would be great for light hiking, but is not the best in slippery urban environments. I still wear them though when in the city and just pay attention.

4) The insole has a unique shape in regard to arch support. At first they felt very foreign but it did not take long for me to get used to them and I have not had any sore feet/arch issues when wearing them all day.