These are good boots. Most of my hiking is in a very rough desert environment with rocky, uneven areas. I've worn out a couple of pairs of Merrills and Keens that worked okay. For me these are better. First, the pros. They were comfortable just out of the box. However, because of very tender feet I tried them out on short walks but found breaking them in was not an issue. I've now hiked about 20 miles over a couple of full days, in rough conditions, with no blistering or discomfort problem. They are very light weight. The soles have good grip in all situations. The uppers cover the ankle and offer good protection and support. They fit well and seem to run true to size but are narrower than Merrills or Keens. I selected these boots because they were not water proof. I wanted something that breathes better than Gortex. These do. The soles are one piece and seem much less likely to delaminate, which was a problem with my Keens. Although not much different than other light hikers I've worn out, the soles are thick enough and firm enough so I don't feel every rock I step on. I've used these boots only a short time. I'll see how they work out over the next few months.

For the con, getting the laces really snug is difficult. The upper lacing eyes are clumsy and not as user friendly as others. Also, another color choice would be nice. Too picky? Probably.

All in all, these are nice boots for light hiking.

1/2017 update. We'll, I finally wore my first pair of these great boots out and have purchased a second pair. They have arrived and I'm using them now. If I were to rate them now I'd give them a 5+. With no doubt, these are the best and most durable hiking boots I've ever had. I've hiked 500 hundred+ miles over the past 4 years with them in very rough, rocky terrain where most folks won't go. Some hikes all day over 10 miles. Not one blister or sore. For a guy with very tender feet, that is something. My old boots finely had a split seam. Unbelieveable boots! I'm looking forward the same experience with my second pair that fit and feel as good as the first.