I used to wear competitors boots before I tried the Crispi Guide GTX. However I would ruin an expensive set of boots in 9 months time. The Crispi guides have made it through one full year of hound hunting every condition in every climate from Arizona to Alaska. I didn't have to break them in. The first hunt I wore them on was a catch and release bear hunt with hounds. Hunting a wilderness area I hiked in to the hunting spot and followed the dogs to a large boar. During that pursuit I crossed several creeks and muddy springs as well as hiking the rim rock of the Arizona rim. In total the first time with these boots was right at 21 miles round trip. The boots were comfortable and water proof and my feet didn't overheat. After a full year in these boots as a guide from, deer, elk, antelope, lion, and bear these boots have easily surpassed the competition. They are still comfortable and waterproof. On a side note I actually save money with these boots by not having to replace them as often as I had to do with brand x. No failures, just pure performance. Guides don't have time to work through gear problems. Crispi eliminates any of my previous brand boot issues and have never let me down. My only recommendation to Crispi is to offer a little more aggressive tread. Other than that they can be worn as a comfortable daily home, work boot and they are always ready to tackle hunts from snow,rain,cold to blistering summer bear pursuits behind hounds.