These shoes have been just what I was looking for, a sturdy comfortable shoe to hike and walk around town in. The leather is a bit stiff out of the box but light buffing with steel wool to soften the hard leather finish then applying mink oil really softens them up perfectly. The water proofing works well and stitching is first class, no wimpy thread used here. The sizing runs a little large which is perfect for me I have large feet.