I ordered these shoes for a 3 day, 28 mile backpacking trip over the Lost Coast trail in Humboldt County, California. This trail is along the coast over sand, rock, and has numerous creeks to cross. I received these shoes exactly 1 day prior to the trip, so I had NO opportunity to break them in. These shoes performed extremely well over the entire trip, crossing small streams, walking through the surf, over wet rocks and logs, in the rain, and through gravel and sand.
I was somewhat apprehensive after reading reviews that these shoes slip on wet rocks, but I did not experience this at all. Over the countless streams I crossed, hopping on rocks and wet logs, the soles gripped extremely well on smooth, wet surfaces. By day 3, and 28 miles, I had no blisters and my feet were the driest part of my body. The shoes breathed extremely well and I never found myself with a sweaty foot.
I ordered a size 11 Normal, even though I usually wear a size 10.5 Normal. The shoe seems a little longer than I am used to, but has ample room for liner + 2 pairs of hiking socks. After 28 miles of use over rocks, sand and gravel, the shoes are in excellent shape with no damage.
I am curious as to why some other reviewers refer to these as "light day hikers" - these shoes really are heavy-duty backpacking shoes. I would NOT want to wear these shoes for a "light day hike" or around the house or to work at an office.
This would be my shoe of choice for overnight or multi-day backpacking or hikes into wet or rugged terrain.