This Columbia boot fits in between my lightweight hikers and my mid-weight hunting boots. They fit true to size if you're wearing boot socks; just a little large (it seems about half a size) if you're wearing thinner cotton socks (like you'd wear with khakis and leisure shoes). The tread is not an overly hard rubber and I noted that it gets good traction on frosty decking and asphalt. The trade-off is that it won't likely wear as long as a harder outsole, but it's a trade for the better IMO. The cutout just above the ankle allows the boot to articulate with your foot movement. Boots that are taller than the ankle, if solid and thick, tend to press down on the top of the ankle and rub as you walk. You can tell that Columbia is thinking not only of weather-proofing with these boots, but comfort. The insole is padded but not overly so. You can "feel" what you're walking on very well. The upper is comfortable around the foot. As a whole the boot provides for a no cramp, no binding, well supported fit. They are also balanced very well and do not feel overly bottom heavy as do some thicker, hard-bottomed boots I've owned. The toe box is strong but not supported so much that I'd toe-first kick hard objects on the ground (as you might with a steel-toed boot). The insulation is very comfortable all day in the low 30's (as I've not had colder weather in which to test them yet). I wore the boots all day in a swampy, muddy environment the first day out. The tread kept me from slipping going up clay embankments and, even walking through ankle-deep water many times, kept my feet absolutely dry. Any negatives? Well... hmmm... the aggressive tread will bring mud back to your vehicle if you don't clean it out first. But it's another worthwhile tradeoff as I never thought twice about my footing while wearing these fine Columbia boots.

11/16/2012 I have had these boots for almost a year now. They are scuffed in places from stomping around in the woods and show some tread wear. But they're still faultlessly waterproof, give great traction, and have no cracks or stitching separations at all. The insole hasn't curled up or shredded, as some that I've had in the past. The tab to help pull the boots up, on the back top of the boot, usually tears off in the first year as awkward positions with thick hunting clothes necessitate using it to help get the boots on at times. Both tabs are intact and un-torn. Even the original laces are still intact! I can see that these boots are worn some--but nowhere near worn out. I expect to get at least a couple of more years out of these Columbia boots. I've also come to appreciate the high ankle support. Trudging through Virginia, Ohio and West Virginia woods, especially on unpredictable hillsides, the traction and support have likely saved me a few ankle sprains. I'm very happy with this purchase.

12/9/2013 Last remarks: Two years! The waterproofing has never failed. The stitching holds throughout. The grommets have not failed. The boots (mine are black) have faded in places but still look fine. The tread is still good but, to be fair, this is likely largely due to my use of the boots off-pavement. I bought a pair of warmer boots for long stays in frozen woods--but these remain my favorite all-around outdoors boots.