Bought these for my first 3 day hike in the Smokey Mts. Hiked from elevation 2000 to 6600 in 13 miles, not one blister, no issue with feet at all. I submerged one in water, completely waterproof.  You cannot go wrong with these boots at any price. My partner had 185$ North Face already broke in or not new, blisters on both feet. Thank you Hi-Tec for making a hard trek a lot easier. I wore these right out of box, no break-in period. Im buying my kid some so he can go hiking with me. I cannot wait until the trail is under my feet again.