Do not think you can just pop these boots on and hit the trails. They 100% need to be broken in, and they also need extra insoles. I also recommend wicking socks because these boots are HOT. I ordered a 7.5 and they are true to size, however, if laces loosen slightly, my feet slip forward and my toes get crowded. So far, waterproof is accurate. I ordered these to replace a discontinued timberland hiker that I wore until basically disintegrated. I use them for hard walking on concrete in a dirty/damp warehouse setting, 10-15 miles, 7 hours per day. First day worn was rough. Second day was better with new insoles. Hoping the third day will be better yet. So far, okay for the price.

**2 week update**:
After breaking these size 7.5 boots in for a couple weeks and adding a plush memory foam insert, they are great. They are still very warm, but with winter approaching here in the north east, I don't mind too much. They don't allow my feet to breath so I must remove the inserts after each use and I sprinkle a little powder in them each morning. I am comfortable walking on concrete all day and they still seem to keep water out.

The regular inserts that come with these boots are just not enough to give me enough arch support, but having VERY high arches, it goes without saying that I have to replace all factory included inserts with better support. They are taking a bit to break in, but I expect that with all hiking boots as well.

Most of the problems that people have in some of the reviews seem to be things that can easily be remedied by knowing how to properly break in hiking boots/shoes and how to lace them to help with certain foot issues. Having flat feet, high arches, and other problems can be helped with buying inserts that address any kind of foot types. Lacing in a way to make sure your feet don't slide, have more room at the toe, or to lace up more securely for narrow feet can also make any hiking boot more comfortable. A quick search for "hiking boot lacing techniques" can show you how.

Breaking them in does not happen over night. Start slow and wear them for a few hours, then take short hikes and slowly build up from there. Everyone's feet are different, and no matter what there are liable to be places that rub. Wear for sort periods of time and find out where they are rubbing, and tape or add moleskin to all hot spots before they turn into blisters. Eventually that will not be a problem as the boots conform to your feet.

That being said, don't buy these and expect to go on a 10 mile hike the next day. Break them in just like the majority of mid-range hiking boots and you will be glad you bought them.

UPDATE: I have been wearing these boots almost every day for 2 and a half years and they have just now started to show some wear. Hooks haven't broken, they are still comfortable, and the only real issue is that the rubber is just now starting to pull away from the toe. I would definitely buy again.

I got these shoes 3 years ago for a winter backpacking trip. Right away I put them through the paces, I took them through swamp land, rocks, steep hills, ice and snow. They held up amazingly well! I soaked them and then let them freeze overnight I had to defrost them next to the fire. They are warm and fit well. I got a half size bigger than I usually wear since I wear thick wool socks with them. Since that first trip I have taken these shoes rock climbing, caving, tree climbing, and hiking in all weather. They are water proof. Last winter they became my shoe of choice for wearing on winter EMS calls (I'm a volunteer EMT). Their superb grips helped me keep my footing on ice while pulling a stretcher.

It was only on my last camping trip after I had been climbing on loose shale for a long time that I finally cut the black strip of cloth at the front. I haven't noticed them letting in water though. Other than that they are still intact and working great. I did put in a shoe inset to help with arch support. I do that with most shoes as I have high arches.

These are sturdy shoes, great in almost all weather. I definitely recommend them.

Exactly what I wanted

I purchased these as I needed a hiking boot and the price was right, except the right price was only in 'pink'. I wasn't thrilled about the color, but once I received them they were actually nicer in person and grew on me.
The first time I wore them was for a 4 mile walk. The only problem I had was rubbing on my outside ankle. I managed to push my pants down in, adjust the lace and I was ok. The second time I had the same issue, but not as bad. The third time and since I've not had an issue with rubbing on the inside of my ankle. I do tuck my pants inside them, which may have helped. My biggest annoyance is all the little pebbles and dirt that kicks up and goes into my boot. I usually have to take them off once to empty them.
I have worn them in below freezing temps, in snow and rain, my feet never got wet. I have not actually put my feet in water above the lace line to see if they leak. I did order a size up as I have wide feet, I have plenty of room in the toe box so I can wear heavier socks if necessary without feeling tight, but they are not so big that they feel loose.