I bought these boots because of how attractive they are. I wear rainboots very often- at least 5 days a week to protect my legs and feet from the messy work I do. (I'm a barista working at a busy shop where mess happens- chocolate sauce made daily, fine ground coffee and milk going everywhere nonstop)

I originally had a pair of fleece-lined Chooka Rainboots with lace-up detail. I walked about 1.5 miles a day in them and worked on my feet for 6 hours in them. Once I got into the Dead of winter, the harsh, dry, icy weather proved too much for the boots, and the rubber outer became brittle and started to form cracks-this after at least 90 days of persistent use which is a long lifetime for rainboots (which aren't intended for rigorous daily use). In searching for replacements, I found these.

I read some reviews where water leaked in, and where the boots were uncomfortable but I bought them anyway thinking that I might not have the same experience (plus they look so cool). I found both of complaints to be generally true and will add that there wasn't much offered in the way of insulation to keep your feet warm on colder days. We all know that wet conditions make us much more susceptible to cooler temperatures so it's always a bonus to have well-insulated rain boots. Some reviewers mentioned they didn't care too much about the water issue, but I don't feel the same way.

I avoided puddles as a general rule from the first day I wore them, just to avoid problems mentioned in reviews I read. But actually, I think that the moisture on rainy days just seeped in despite my lack of immersion into still water or a patch of snow- just from the falling rain. I have a condition where my hands and feet don't really produce moisture easily, so there's nothing more unusual than walking around with cold clammy feet in boots that also make my arches cramp.

Finally after giving these a shot for a little over a month, I think I'm probably going to have to say goodbye to these stylish shoes and re-buy the chooka lace ups (also stylish) whose quality I didn't know to fully appreciate until now. I know these boots aren't for me if for no other reason, than the fact that I have rarely experienced shoes that I found uncomfortable- even commodity slides that you can find downtown in tourist shops.

Someone else might find these shoes easier to wear and may not experience the same level of discomfort, and some reviewers even mentioned that they had no leak problems- so you might get lucky too. Just be openminded if you decide to buy these boots so that you can be objectively disappointed rather than emotionally distraught like so many often are.