This is my first pair of Freet's - I own several pairs of outdoor brands' shoes, but they are all too soft and fragile for real rocky mountain terrain, so I just wanted something sturdier. I still haven't put them to the mountain test, but gave them a good city walk to get used to them. First thing - they are sturdy and well-made, leather is thick and protective, they provide some insulation as well. The shoes are roomy - can accommodate medium to wide feet with hight volume, there is plenty of room for the rock plates (get the rock plates!), for thick socks, etc. They do run small though - don't, under any circumstance, go for your usual size, consult the chart - it's pretty informative and, after ordering two sizes larger than my usual one, they fit quite well. The heel pad doesn't rub and bruise, but the shoe in general needs some kind of breaking in before heading to the wilderness. After some time, they feel amazing and you won't feel them at all. Also, I would initially give it a good waterproof spray, even though they are waterproof, just to protect the leather from the elements.