I bought these boots as a serious backpacking and hunting boot. I own a pair of Zamberlan boots but they were slightly too narrow, Crispi was slightly too wide. Hanwag is a great medium width boot for an average boot width. I prefer to hunt in the stiffest soles possible outside a true mountaneering boot, and this boot is very stiff. At first, I was scared it was going to be too stiff, since the leather was pushing on my toes, but adjusting the laces took care of that and now they flex perfectly. I used them down to -2, but I would suggest using insulated boots 10 degrees and below. The boot performed well in varied terrain, mostly the mountains of Western Montana, as well as in dry to snowy conditions. I apply Obenauf's as it seems to me to the the best wax/oil.
I will invest in a pair of light day hiking boots and I wish they made shoes like other companies, I am sold on Bavarian craftsmanship.