My previous water boots were some generic ones, for $20 - 30 bucks. I don't remember how much use I got out of them, but last time I wore them I found the material had broken down along the crease where you foot bends. Unfortunately, I found this out while wading through some gross marsh water.

I got these boots mainly for beach adventures with my dogs, which often include fetching balls from the surf and crossing shallow channels. I believe these are the one of the tallest Bogs boots you can get. They are totally waterproof. Most of the upper is made of rubber or some other synthetic - part of the higher calf part is made of neoprene I believe - At first I was hesitant as to whether that was waterproof as I was not familiar with the material but yep, it is entirely waterproof. The neoprene or whatever it is, is sort of stretchy - when I pick up my boots, I pick them up by grabbing onto the neoprene calves - the hold is OK. There are some fabric loops sewn into the top of the calves, but they often fold inwards so that it is easier to just grab the entire calf with your hand. If the loops were larger or some how were forced to stand more exposed, it would have been a better grip but they are OK as is. I suppose the fabric loops are just there for hanging up the boots at home and not for holding them with your hands.

I considered getting those "fashionable" Hunter boots but read that they might be tight in the calf area and, since I think I have larger sized calves, I opted for these. The calf is VERY roomy - I like it. I can easily slip my feet into the boots hands-free and can easily slip off the boot using just one foot "stepping" on the back of the boot. Love this feature, as I've also been using these boot for quick backyard chore runs - no need to lace up or use sandals - just jump into my boots, no socks, and go pick some oranges/take out the trash.

I have wide feet and usually wear a US mens 11 "regular width" just to compensate for my wide feet [can hardly find wide shoes in store now a days]. If a shoe has a wide version, I am more accurately a mens 10, length wise. With that in mind, I tried on a 10 and a 11 of this model and found the 11 was too roomy and I could not comfortably walk in them. The 10 was perfect length wise, but was a feather too narrow for one of my feet - I decided to keep it anyway and now actually don't even notice it but might if I were walking in them for more than a couple of hours. Per Bogs' website, their boots are built European style which feature a narrower heel and wider toe box, so maybe that is why. Since the size 10 length is spot on, I have no trouble even running in these boots - pretty cool given that the calf is so roomy that I can put them on hands-free as mentioned above!

The whole boot is very stretchy, save for the outer sole, so be careful if things in your environment are prone to dropping onto your feet - definitely not construction type work boots. There is no extra ankle support beyond what you'd expect from cross trainers or running shoes - the calf is not stiff, it is flexible. The neoprene seems pretty tough but I'm not sure how the rubber uppers would fair in rough environments [rocks, branches, gravel] - would probably get scratched up eventually. I wouldn't care about that so long as it was solely cosmetic and did not compromise the waterproofing but fyi.

When it's in the 60s F outside, my feet get a little warm after some walking but nothing unbearable. I think the roominess helps with the moisture ventilation. Would definitely use these in the snow.

If there is a negative it is that they are pricey - it was definitely a splurge for me. I will be sorely disappointed if the rubber breaks down within two years at a usage rate of a couple of hours a week. Hopefully my previous water boot experience was related to the price point. I will be sufficiently happy if they last 5 years at my planned usage rate. Time will tell if they last a reasonable amount of time to justify the price tag.

Overall, good featured boots, not too bad looking if you're willing to drop the money for it.