I'm glad I got these! After spinal surgery to fuse 13 vertebrae I needed something to keep me warm in the winter in a cold climate while working outside. I bought expensive Sorrels a couple of years ago and these actually work better! I wear silk sock liners with them and have had no cold feet at all even while working outside in 10 to 19 degree farenheit temperatures to below 0f with high wind.

The heel absorbs the impact when you're a heavy heel walker like I am and seems to keep you from hitting hard when you're walking. This is an advantage when you're still recovering from spinal surgery.

Also - I'm able to use a 1/2" heel life in this shoe without difficulty or causing the shoe to fit oddly.

While my circumstances don't fit the norm, I assume that even if you aren't faced with these problems, these shoes would be an excellent choice.