I had read differing opinions but settled on the consensus that these were good starting hiker shoes and they are holding up well. I bought superfeet insoles to go with them, and I just did Iron mountain followed El Capitan. They saved me from a nasty sprain and handled El Capitan well. I did have to buy 11.5 even though I normally wear size 10, but through the rocks and mist, and heat and you name it, my feet felt great after.