I bought these boots a half size smaller than my last pair and nailed the comfort factor. Break in period was just over two days, i have a high arch so an heel/arch insert was necessary for support, which also incorporated a gel sole for additional comfort. I was half surprised to see these were made in Vietnam and not China.  Idealy made in the US would be preferred but I already have a pair of $300 Danner boots that I cherish and needed something for the day to day and did not want to spend that kind of money on boots that would ultimately be worn hard.  I found that these were much better constructed than my last pair. Some minor overstitching at corners and unions but it has been a week so far and they have endured a 35 pound object impact to the left toe (steel slab that fell from about 5 ft, no harm, barely a mark) snow (no water penetration / intrusion. So far so good. another review should follow in the comming months