When I first got these boots, I took them on a two week trip - they seemed comfortable enough for a lot of walking, and waterproof. The first week was awful (I didn't bring any other shoes so was forced to wear them day after torturous day). A bruise formed on the inside of my calf where the top of the zipper area rubbed against my leg. But then miraculously, after a week, they suddenly became very comfortable! The whole experience reminds me of breaking in a pair of jungle boots I bought at an army-navy store in my younger punk/goth days - excruciating breaking in period followed by many years of favorite, very comfortable shoe status. Hard to explain. They are weirdly heavy, so it feels like I'm getting more of a leg workout when I walk a lot, but I kind of think of that as a positive thing.. They seem very durable and shiny and yes, they are made in China. They also seem pretty good at keeping my feet dry and warm in foul weather. Maybe a little too warm in hot weather.