This is my first pair of Sorels. I bought them hoping they would keep my feet warm, dry, and comfortable on snowshoeing trips at altitude in sub-freezing weather. They do. I've hiked many mountain miles in them this winter and they have been great. The ridges on the back keep my snowshoe straps in place, and I wear them with gaiters. These boots are hefty enough that I feel prepared for serious weather, but soft, flexy and light enough that I don't notice I have them on. I love equipment that "disappears" in use. I bought my regular size and I wear them with medium weight wool socks so I can wiggle my toes easily - that's important for staying warm. The large lace eyelets and slippery laces make it easy to get the boots on and off, but they also make it harder to cinch the boots around the ankle. Inserting a plastic cord-lock above the ankle and tying double bows solved this problem. These boots are fine around town in winter, too. They have excellent traction. Oh, and I bought the white ones. They look nice!