Working for NPS I need a good boot for search and rescures, trail maintenance... Danner dropped the ball on this one. First, the "Half-length, Airthotic instep" are plastic and only incorporate your heel. The plastic does not provide much support and it also does not fit properly in the boot. This leave a gap between the insole and the leather of the boot which causes some unusual blisters on the heel. I tried to use different insoles (even really thin ones) and it just presses the top of your foot onto the boot ripping off any hair you have. So you have to cut the insoles in half to fit the boot. Next is the tongue design. It fold over itself on one side of the laces (see photos above). This would be fine if the seams would line up when you lace them. Sadly they do not so the seams double on top of each other causing another hot spot on the top of your foot. In my opinion the leather is thin and does not provide much support.Last, the 5 in shaft height makes it so the top of the boot digs into my Achilles tendon. the short height does not keep rocks or other debris out so you need to wear gaiters. I was hoping that some of these problems would go away after I broke the boot in or tried different socks but no such luck. There are some good thing about this boot. The Vibram tread is fantastic and the boot is waterproof if you stepping in very shallow puddles. That is the only reason I gave these boots two stars. If you work for the government and you see these boots on the uniform website don't waste your money. If your paying for these completely out of pocket LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE!

These boots are very comfortable and durable. I used them in the Swiss Alps with no problems. Great boot. Worth the money.