The all leather provides protection and allows you to treat the leather for waterproofness without having to rely on some gortex or other barrier that makes your feet sweat and won't dry if water goes over the top.  This boot has a great mid sole that offer plenty of distance between your foot and cold ground or sharp rocks.  secure hold on my slightly narrow feet and accomodates my higher arches well.  I am buying another pair before they change the style.  Oh yeah...and this is my third pair...i love these