Columbia Snow Blade Wp Boots Black

I've had the boots about three weeks and use them every day in the course of my job, which has me outside in and out of a car and walking on pavement, crushed stone, and snow and ice for 5-6 hours each day. The boots are warm & definitely waterproof, and comfortable regardless of sock. The interior lining feels great, and the boot is very well cushioned. The waterproof base of the boot is sturdy and does what it's supposed to do, and has really good grip on slippery surfaces - with my old boots I always needed yak trax on ice, with these boots the grip is excellent and I haven't needed the trax (yet). It also does not seem to pick up any junk and track it inside like some soles do. The only thing that I've noticed is that the boot is slightly wider than I expected both inside and out, and I feel that an extra sole insert gives it a better fit, if you like the boot to closely hug your feet (I do and typically use an insert). There is just enough room in the toes to keep them warm and let them move a little without sacrificing stability. While it is holding up just fine right now, I am slightly concerned that the seam between the suede upper and the rubber on the base could start to pull apart, only because I am already starting to see some fraying at the heel... but I'm also pretty rough on these boots. The single set of lace hooks at the top of the boot are surprisingly good at locking the laces in... sometimes I have had difficulty loosening the laces to put the boot on when I haven't realized that the laces are still hooked in. Overall a great boot - when this pair eventually wears out I'll probably get another pair.