My motives weren't quite so grand as the other reviewers, I just wanted a boot I could use for everything, and these are just the trick. Had always used 3 season boots before but had aspirations for all year round and further afield through europe etc. I can safely say I have thrown everything at these boots without failure. Mid summer mountain walks where its been hot where my feet have been slightly damp through sweat, mid British winter with wind, much rain and snow with dry feet slightly damp through sweat again, no change, I've scrambled, this is where these boots really come into their own. Solid assured yet light and comfortable. Pity they have a disco theme colour scheme. Only fault I can find. If they made an all black boot I'd buy them for work (military). Expensive but worth every penny.