As with all Dr Marten's they are very good quality. Unlike the lace up ones though they are very difficult to get into if you have a high arch. There is NO give, you just have to work it. Once they're on though they are VERY comfortable. I would wear them in the rain w/o fear of sliding (we have lots of brick walks here) and even in light snow. Nice to have an option that isn't brightly colored rubber.