This is my second pair of Salomon boots. I had a pair of mid-size XA Pro boots and bought them because the XA Pro is no longer made. At first I was concerned that they would fit the XA Pros, but that was unfounded. These are great walking shoes. I bought these a few weeks before my trip to Iceland where good boots are essential if you want to stay safe on the trails. At first they felt a tightness around the ankle, but that went away after a few hikes. We climbed over the waterfall in the pouring rain. The boots stayed dry and provided excellent support.