I'm surprised how much negative feedback these boots are getting. Maybe they screwed up the manufacturing process. Besides the annoying stitching coming loose in the toes, I have been wearing these things for over 2 years, 5 days a week. While handling a chainsaw or wielding a shovel or walking in mud.But let's be clear. These aren't work boots number one and number two, does everybody on a 2 year deployment wear the same boots from start to finish?Further, my young military friends say that at my age, light is good. They told me not to bother getting a vest, it will just slow me down. Speed is the friend of the wise old warrior. I intend to use this speed to run like hell when TSHTF. Or maybe at least the "old man jog" where you swing your arms a lot and it's clear you are making an effort but you go noplace. Kind of like a Harley.They are light as air. They are comfortable from the second you put them on. They are breathable. The soles are really grippy. Just one thing I learned is DO NOT PUT THEM NEAR A FIRE TO DRY OUT. The midsoles started melting. But they still do the job and I'll keep wearing them.The price has gone up from $85 to whatever hundred now so that's a real consideration. They WERE the best boot for the price.For the record, Smith & Wesson haven't been too particular about who they let put their logo on stuff. They make guns. What qualifies them in the footwear industry was never clear to begin with.That's my two bits. Except for the chainsaw work. I recommend steel toes for dropping trees. I carry both boots with me in the forest. Take off the comfort boots, put on the steel toes and the helmet and go nuts.I've purchased a few tact boots and none have held up like these. I purchased these in June of 2020 and they finally need replaced. I hunt, hike, fish, I work standing on my feet and they have held up. These were more comfortable to wear than my tennis shoes. These are my "everyday/everything" boots.The heels seem to be higher and with the nice feeling arch support, I believe that Ive become more stable in balance which gives me stronger feeling steps when walking.Buying boots on-line can be like on-line dating.You just never know what you might end up with despite the photos and reviews.5/5/2022I'm buying another pair of these boots.I can be pretty hard on footwear.I bought my first pair back in October of 2019.I'm a big guy and have big feet, 13 wide, so I ordered that size.They fit my big feet wonderfully and were comfortable "right outa the box".They kinda feel like I'm wearing sneakers.They're the only boot I've worn since I bought them.I retired my Carolina loggers.I finally broke part of the zipper-upper doing some cement work.Plus the soles were starting to get a bit worn down.Are they water proof, not really.Do they have steel toes, no.They ARE light weight.They're warm during the NH winters when I'm out in the snow and cool enough during the summer.Hope I get the same mileage from the replacement pair I just ordered.I hope this helps in your Boot buying decisions.These boots are nice. Light weight, comfortable, breathable, and solidly constructed. They look pretty cool, too. I love the side zipper, it's way better than undoing laces after a long day of work, and then wrestling my boots off, loosening laces again, wrestling more... With these it's just a velcro tab and a zzzip and they slide right off with no undue effort. I was able to wear them at work all day, straight out of the box - they are flexible enough to where they don't need an extensive "breaking-in" period like some other boots. and then there's the "cool factor" because they're Smith & Wesson branded. everybody says "wow I didn't know they made boots"I bought these to replace a worn-out set of Magnum boots, and I like these way more. they're lighter, more flexible, and they look cooler I think. also the tread is more "rubbery" and it's softer to walk on, and grips a slick surface better than the harder soles on the Magnums. No steel toe on these, but it's a welcome change, just for the weight difference. the toe is "reinforced" with plastic, but it definitely won't protect like a steel toe.. something to keep in mind if you need that extra protection you might wanna look into a different model with a steel toe. I've only had them a day, so I can't testify to their longevity, only time will tell. but so far I think they're great! No blisters or rawness, my feet felt great after 10 hours working on my feet in them. (update: good so far, after 2 months)I ordered 10.5 size, my normal size, and they fit with no problem. no need to go up or down compared to other boots. I've got pretty flat feet, so I don't like any kind of arch in the sole, and these don't bother my non-arch at all. compared to red wing boots, the arch in those was agony after a few hours walking in them... also the price isn't bad, $70 compared to $100 for the Magnums, or $200 for the red wings, this seems like a good value for (IMO) better boots. Also they don't set off the metal detector, which is convenient, as I go through one on the way in and out of work, I don't have to stop to be "wanded" anymore.Edit/update: 4/14/17 (2 months later) - I've been wearing them to work every day, and they are holding up quite well. No problems with the zippers, or stitching, or anything. The leather is pretty durable, and hasn't scuffed up or gotten gouged easily like my last pair of boots (Magnum Response), they still look pretty nice. The break-in period was short and painless, which is more than I can say for a lot of other boots. I didn't get blisters from them or anything, They're still comfortable, my feet don't hurt after working being on my feet on concrete all day, including a significant amount of walking, The soles are holding up well, and have a good amount of grip. The side zipper is a god-send, it makes it so nice to take them off after a long day without having to futz around with laces, and I can throw them on really fast if I'm late getting out the door. To be honest, I think I've only untied/tied the laces twice since I got them! I'd definitely recommend these boots to anyone who has to be on their feet all day for work or whatever. 10/10 so far!It’s extremely cushioned & comfortable EXCEPT for the sole. I had to rip out the insole and replace it. NOW it’s perfect!This zip boot is well made and of great quality. Will purchase again as needed.The boots fit excellent. They are great for hiking. Hike 12 miles with no problemThis product is as inferior a product as you can purchase. Going on name brand recognition you would think the company would make a product that would last more than half a year. This does not. I live in a moderate climate in Canada. Our winter was one of the mildest. This boot ended up with cracks in it that made the boot no longer wearable or functional. I have had military and para-military grade "tactical boots" before this is the worst boot of any kind I have purchased. I had read reviews and even YouTube videos on this boot. I am very disappointed. I will never ever purchase anything from this manufacturer in the future. Considering their reputation in the firearms industry, it makes you wonder. Take heed. Buy another brand.I am a bit dissapointed in these, the last pair had waterproofing all along the inside of the zippers, these don't have any so will not be as waterproof as my old pair. Just as comfortable though for that I give 3 starsI bought another style 2 years ago and he loved them so I got these to replace them and he loves them the same. Loves the productI actually bought the for a friend. He loves them so much just got myself a pair. Awesome!Very comfortable. I would buy these again! Well work the money!