My husband hikes daily and has very flat feet, wears custom orthotics and says these boots are the most comfortable he has ever worn.  He says that Hi-Tec has not really changed these in years and from what I understand these are the most popular, largest selling boot, in the US.  Because of his flat feet and difficult fit, he wears these all year hiking.  They last him about 9 months, wearing them daily for his 1 hour hike, in rain, snow or summer heat.  He highly recommends them!