I bought this on the weight of everyone's reviews here and on other sites. Yes I do say they're better than my last two Pearl Izumi purchases. The soles are rugged and will not wear nearly as fast. There aren't as many glue points to worry about coming loose as everything else is stitched in for extra ruggedness and wear.

As for comfort? Boy are they! I walk on the job every day. and I've adjusted the tightness a few times and found my sweet spot. They are like slippers in comfort but wear like a great pair of shoes should. I hope to find these again in a year or two.

Update: After nearly 12 full months they are wearing incredibly well in the uppers and the Vibram sole is still nearly flawless all these months later with only the left toe starting to come loose but nothing a bit of glue won't cure. I'm ordering another pair because these are absolutely the best day-long shoe I've ever worn by far and I walk about 6 hrs out of my 10 hr day in them!