I bought these for my wife so we could spend more time outside in the field, hiking, hunting, fishing, etc.  Personally I liked the newer design of the rubber toe guard, because I have worn a hole in the toes of all my previous pair (no rubber toe guard) after 12-18 months and I hope this would improve the durability of the boot (only time will tell).  The only complaint my wife has is they are a little heavy and not very "cute".  She has stated that they are comfortable.