These are serious old-style boots like your parents or grandparents used in the Dolomites in the 60s. They are heavy and I cannot imagine what it would take to damage them. I have had mine for 10+ years. They are scuffed up to a suede-like finish, but they still function just fine. Just add neatsfoot and you are ready to go. Another reviewer on this site reports that theirs fell apart, but unless they are no longer made the same way, s/he must have gotten an anomalous pair. These boots are really stiff, perhaps too stiff, but if you wear them around for about a week before a long hike you will re-acclimate your foot to these fortresses. These boots don't really break in, rather, you are broken into them. If you and the boots get along, you will be served by them for many, many years. If your feet don't like them, you are out of luck.

By Mike, the hiker from NAPLES, FL on 3/26/2008

[...]I am a size 9.5E in shoes and 10 in boots. These boots are very uncomfortable when tied as designed to the full height of the boot.Uncomfortable to the extent of not ever able to lace to the top.I bought these in size 10 and found them about an half a size large but needed the extra half size to achieve my required width. The boot was not available in an E width when purchased.I found that the boot has never "worn in" to the full extent of comfortand the stiffness has made me reluctant to wear them.My biggest gripe is the boot has totally fallen apart. The "VIBRAM" sole is dry rotted and separated from the body of the leather.Close inspection will reveal there is very little wear on the soles, thus proving the boot has been used very little. As far as the failure of the durability of this quality and expense of a boot, one would expect it NEVER to rot or fail at design and glue points. I am very dissatisfied[...]

By MITCH from TUXEDO, NEW YORK on 12/5/2007

I am an avid hiker with hard to fit feet, I normally have to buy and try many boots before I find a pair that I can live with
I usually am a size 10 in boots and find those narrow in the toes
I bought these in size 10 and found them about an half a size large
I bought another pair in 9.5 (m) and they fit like slippers right out of the box, I am so happy words can not say, its that satisfaction you get when a piece of gear just works right, I would recomend these boots to anyone

By 6302005 from Kentucky, Appalacian Region on 11/8/2007

I have had these boots for 10 years and they have become more comfortable with each use. I strongly suggest that these boots be worn for short periods of time prior to heavy hiking use.
A very rugged boot while forgiving if broken in correctly; please remember that, if nothing more. The Norwegian welt sole is rugged and supportive and needs to be conditioned prior to prolonged use.
These boots will support the user and all equipment attached to him/her.
I recommend these boots with the slight reservation of a conditioning prior to hitting the trails. Doing that will soften the leather and form it to your feet; at that time, it will serve you like a tank, protecting you from the elements while providing an engineered comfortable environment for you feet.
Buy and use with confidence while considering the extended break-in period prior to extended use.
dAb