I bought these Lineman Extreme NI ST boots from Kenetrek because the company quit making its Hardline ST boots. I was kinda upset at first, but then I began wearing these Lineman boots and soon realized they were better. They are definitely stiffer and took a little more time to break-in, but they deliver great support, and as an added benefit they have an electrical-safety certification, which is always comforting. I've had them a few months now and they live up to the Kenetrek name. They're 100 percent waterproof all the way to the top of the 10-inch boot. I mostly use this boot for ranching and farming, then I switch to the Mountain Extremes for guiding or hunting for myself because of the weight savings, but the Lineman Extremes are equally comfortable! Overall a great boot for work.