I break these in for a week after buy they , then hike 26 mile with they in and out of the river over a weekend . they hold up great , have great traction even in the water , and do not produce a single hot spot , blister , or anything else on my foot . hose they off when I be do and they still look great for wear around town if I want to . rock do get stick between the sole and you foot when hike river bottom , but the same be true for everyone else with I as well , whether they have on tennis shoe , water shoe , or sandal . I buy a 1\/2 size bigger than I normally wear and they fit perfect .