^^^ I really like the fit and feel, and if it weren't for the soles I would have them at an A+ rating. I didn't go into them expecting them to be waterproof (really have never had good luck with boots that have more goretex/cordura than leather on the exterior so that wasn't a big surprise, although I expected them to be more water resistant than they were. But on the heels (from the sole to the boot) theres hard rubber (sole), then a layer of soft rubber, then hard plastic. Where the soft rubber meets the hard plastic on both boots has came apart. It's fine, I didn't have a ton of $$$$ into these and certainly wouldn't let it taint my opinion of Lowa as a whole. I suspect I may have gotten a lemon pair also as Lathrop and Sons were peddling this boot and I don't believe they would be selling this if it wasn't top notch.
Things I liked about the cevedales were:
stiffness, most hikers are too soft for me and that this isn't a mountaineering boot, just a stiff hiker was perfect for me.
The lacing system and locks they have are awesome
rubber rand has taken more abuse without coming apart than other brands
Initially I had some serious traction concerns because the imprint of the sole is smaller than the boot but it hasn't been an issue and these things are locked in 4wd all the time.
My $.02
