I have had the non-GTX version of the shoe for a few years now and love them. They are super comfortable and I have never gotten a blister. I use the shoes for a bit of running but mostly as light hikers for long day hikes. I was ready to give the shoes a try for backpacking and wanted the GTX version to handle the typical spring and summer conditions in the Sierra (stream crossings, lingers snow fields, etc). I slipped the GTX Wings on when they arrived and immediately knew they wouldn't work. They weren't bad but I was looking for the same fit/comfort as the non-GTX wings. These seems stiffer overall and even slightly wider in the forefoot. I wasn't willing to chance a break-in. If they don't feel good right away it's a no-go for me. These are still fairly comfortable shoes, just not as plush as the non-GTX version. Bummer.