I've been buying cheap brands of this style shoe for 7 years.  They weren't aging well and after a while lost any sense of comfort.  Also, they tended to be poor fitting and loose.

These Rockports are awesome.  The soles are very well designed and I don't feel the shock in my joints when I walk.  The uppers are nicely form fitted and hug my feet just right.  The sole rolls with your heel and ball of the foot very nicely.  The bottom rubber is good quality and doesn't feel dangerous as some others did when walking in the snow.

As with most leather shoes there is a break in period.  After about 3 days wearing they are loosened up nicely.  I wouldn't worry about taking a long walk in them right now.

The first day I had to pry up on the tongue (slipped a handle of a hammer in the shoe and lifted up :}) to loosen them up because just sitting at my desk there were a bit too tight.

I paid the 60 something dollars and I can't beat that price anywhere.  I only wish I could have gotten the lighter brown but it wasn't available.

I think Rockport has gotten a lifelong customer.