I ordered these for my cousin, who doesn't have internet. I did a lot of research before ordering them but he was very dubious, because he's never owned boots that he liked. So much so that last winter, he wore sneakers ouside at work (maintenance). After they arrived and he'd tried them on, he told me the next day "I LOVE 'em!" He's amazed that they are so very comfortable right out of the box, and says that they feel like they were made for him. They provide good support and "ground-feel", and the insert at the ankle allows them to be flexible. No break-in required. I may give an update later, when he's had a chance to put them to the test in snow, but I think they'll pass with flying colors because they have AWESOME tread... deep and rugged, yet flexible. We've already had temps in the teens here in VT, and so far they have kept his feet cozy. He's also very impressed with my research and shopping expertize ;-))