These are good shoes for the money but significantly inferior to the more expensive Rockport hiking shoes. I don't mind a stiffer sole, but they just don't keep my feet as comfortable or natural. This is probably due to the simplified construction (thinner leather, less detailing, no grommets on the eyelets for laces, etc.) needed for the price. I can usually get around a year of daily use out of a pair of quality Rockports (ie two or three years of ownership if I'm changing several different pairs of shoes) but I don't expect them to last long. almost as long.