These are very well-made. The sole is rigid enough to use with crampons and the gaiters are a real benefit. The tread is very aggressive, so you'll have plenty of traction short of walking on ice. Walking in 30 inches of snow, there was no moisture penetration. My feet stayed high and dry. These compare favorably to the ones provided to me by the Air Force for Arctic conditions and those were of decent quality. The included insulating foot-boots are very thick, yet they don't make your feet sweat, which can just make you miserable. If you're looking for a boot that will serve you well in outdoor conditions for long periods, this would be an excellent choice.