I bought these boots as once again it is Carnival and I need some sturdy boots for a very hot and all day treck on the road.  These boots have a great sole considering the cost.  I previously bought some boots that were completely eaten away at the bottom by the time I was done with it after 1 day of wearing.  These are great.  My only concern is that there is a hard piece at the ankle that hurts a bit if I bend my foot at a weird angle.  Once I put on socks and the usual doctor scholl's etc this shouldn't be a problem.