I got these in preparation for 2 weeks in Asia - trekking over ruins and in jungles etc. I have worn them for a week around town and out at the horse barn to break them in. Turns out that they don't really require any breaking in if you are already used to wearing a similar style of boot. If not, you want to wear them a few hours at a time and let your heel and ankle adjust to the back of the boot. These Nevados are definately lighter weight than my Ariats and my Wengers (both similar style & type). And these are softer, cushier inside than either of the other two brands. They have decent arch support and overall feel very balanced on pavement, gravel, mud and uneven grassy pastures. I feel confident about wearing them in Cambodia and Thailand etc for a couple of weeks.

The only reason for a one star reduction is the sizing issue. I wear a 9 1/2 in both Ariat and Wenger hiking & trail boots and that is what I ordered in the Nevados. They are actually a bit too long in the toe for my feet - it's like they are running a half size bigger than marked. The width though, is excellent and I am keeping them despite the length issue. With thicker sock the difference really isn't noticable and the little extra space might be appreciated in the jungles.