Let me start by saying that this is a real user review!! I bought this same pair of shoes at a local store $10 cheaper thanks to a store $10 coupon! I don't go by first impressions as most users do, but rather by making an educated judgement of anything I buy these days til I try it out first! having said that looks doesn't matter to me as much as comfort, quality of material, and how well something will last.

If I were to review this shoes during the break in period, I would have given it one star! the trial break in period for this pair of hiking boots during the first six weeks was very disappointing and very painful to say the least; as the heel broke through my skin, leaving me with two bleeding blisters. I had to stop wearing them for a week until the wounds healed. But since I loved the simple not over the top look of this shoes, so I decided to give it another try at wearing them. I particularly love the hooks to tight up the shoe laces!! I also felt the shoes looked well built and seem like it would last.

Well it has been three months since, and must admit that I love them! they feel very comfortable, very supportive for those of us with medium to high arch, and the quality of this pair of hiking boots seem to hold up exceptionally well for someone who does an average of 40 miles of hiking per week. The bottom outsole of these shoes has not worn out one bit; as it still looks as good as new as when I first bought them. Since my feet grows about half a size every couple of years I intend to buy another pair soon! WORTH EVERY PENNY!! My new favorite kind of footwear. I even wear them to work in suit and tie!!