My husband has been wearing this paticular Hi-Tec Altitude IV WP boot for about 5 years. He says they are comfortable right away....no break in time. He is a farmer (wheat & dates) and also a commercial tuna fisherman. He does pretty much everything in his boots and loves them. They are also great hikers. We always carry a new boot for when the others just can't make another day or he wants to "dress" up. He is flat footed, so wears an ortho in it. His favorite shoe ever.