These are some of the most comfortable hiking boots I've encountered ... and I've had all sorts of foot, knee, and back issues. The lacing pattern allows excellent foot-fit, and the ankle support is very good "light-duty." The boots are feather-light and have amazing traction and slip resistance.They also look great ... but who thought up those electric blue laces???? ;-)The waterproof "depth" is only good (temporary submergence) to around the lower grommet, but these seem to take a flood ... I wore them in the heaviest, lashing rainstorm recently, and only got a bit of inner damp, probably from splash into higher grommets or wicking through the (very heavy!) laces. The uppers seemed to like Red Wing prep, and now water just flies off, like boot Rain-X.I have another pair in "Brown Sugar" coming. If they ever discontinue these I will start a letter-writing campaign.Sizing: Beware!!!!I've had sizing problems with Merrell before, Moabs in particular. As an example, I have to take Moabs in 9M ... but my general size is 8M. These in 8M are perfect.