I have been wanting a pair of these boots for a long time, a very long time. I have settled for everything else in the past. From Wal Mart footware to Red Wing brand boots. Some were good, some not so good. The price was keeping me from the Danners. My plan was to wait and see if the price would go down. But the price started GOING UP ever so often. I thought damn it and it's now or pay more later. So I got out the Mastercard and they arrived on the UPS truck. Now, let me address all you fellow boot wearers. These Danner Fort Lewis are absolutely the best boots I have ever put on my feet. I am spoiled forever because I will never wear anything from day to day like I do these boots. I know some of you may feel different about this but my plan is to wear my old Red Wings to mow the grass and walk through the mud, etc. This is because I don't want to get my NEW boots nasty. Maybe after my second pair of Danners, I will use the first pair for the "dirty work." I remember when I bought the Red Wings. They were great boots but they were rock hard on the inside. If I remember correctly I had to immediately buy two extra, soft insoles for them so my feet wouldn't hurt or blister. The Danner Fort Lewis boots are ready right out of the box. Soft on the inside (not like a pillow but the softest soles I have ever had in a boot right out of the box). And they have all that extra stuff too. Waterproof, durable as hell, insulation and steel toe, etc. These Danners are it. These are my footware from here on out, no damn doubt. I know the price is outstanding ($314.00). You just may convince yourself they are worth it after you lace them babies up and take a little walk down the road.