These have to be the most uncomfortable hiking shoes made.  Went for a 5 mile hike in them, and had HUGE bruises on top of my feet from the tong.  I guess the sewn together tong is for the waterproofing, but where it is all sewn together puts pressure on top of the foot when laced.  I tried everything.  I have a bruise on top of each of my feet.  Yes the hike was a more challenging one with steep drops and lots of rock, but that is what they are supposedly made for.  I ended up finished the climb back up in my socks, that is how bad these shoes were.  Bad design!!