Coming from a different mountaineering boot used last elk season which fell apart in a 3 weeks of hunting. These are out of the box more comfortable! The stitching is done extremely well inside and out. As an Italian company you would not expect anything else! The Sole is stiff enough for heavy pack outs and feels just as stiff as the mountaineering boots I used before. They mountaineering boots had a 3 ply graphite shank in them to stiffen them up.. These boots are just as stiff and are much more comfortable! They are more quiet with the Eva and the traction allows mud to release from the sole so you don't fall on those steep down hill hikes. For sizing they run very true to size. I'm a 9 in snowboarding boots so they fit tight and little movement. With hunting boots you need that extra toe room so go to the .5 for the room. I'm using the 9.5's and they are perfect. Great company and amazing customer service. Highly recommend any Zamberlan boot over the others!