I have the women's Lowa Renegade and convinced my Dad to get a pair of Lowa Men's Renegatde for himself.  He was buying cheap shoe-boots every year and his feet got cold, wet & cramped.  When he tried his new Lowa boots on he was surprised at how comfortable they were right off the bat... no break-in needed.  Awesome shoe-boot!  You don't need winter boots with these - wear them in mild temperature (below 60 degrees) or freezing (below zero) - they keep your feet warm and dry.