Hunting is not the typical trudging through the woods, rifle or camera at the ready, endlessly marching "stalking" prey. It's hiking for a while and then standing, usually in the snow for a long long time being as still and quite as you can. Hunting boots need to be loose for two reasons. First, as your standing there being as still as possible your heart rate is at rest and you need unrestricted blood flow to your feet or they will freeze. Second, insulation has to be loose to work, it's called "loft". Most think "pac boot" has something to do with the rubber toe, but it's actually because it's supposed to be a warm boot "packed" into a tougher outer boot. The advantage is that you can remove the sweat laden inner boot to clean it and dry it, or to simply change it out if it gets wet or compressed. Things I really like about this boot: It's sized right, I wear a 13E and it fits like a 13E should. The sole is stiffer than every other pac boot I can find these days. To offer a comparison, these fit and feel exactly like I remember the original Sorel Carabou's did back in the 80s. Back when they were quality made, honest pac boots, with the old Vibram logger sole, norweigen welt etc etc. These rockys are WAY better than the modern Carabou, with the fake welt and sole so soft I'm sure it's made out of kitchen caulk. I highly recommend this hunting boot for a variety of winter outdoor activities, such as hiking, hunting, outdoor chores, or walking downtown with your special lady. Pretty much anything in the snow you have to do for more than an hour these really shine! As great as these are, they do have their limitations, so I also have some winter activities for which I don't recommend them. These include outdoor break dancing, skipping, exhibitionism, polarbear plunges, walking on your hands (these do nothing to keep your hands warm) , wind sprints, babysitting, street corner rap battles, grammar policing, and singing as loud as you can (caroling excepted). If you've ever been hunting, you will appreciate what these boots offer in all winter conditions. If you expecting to go mountaineering, these boots won't offer enough support. If you expect to run in these, they'll get soaked in your sweat and you feet will freeze. If you want to look uber chic, well, rock these hard core! Or don't, whatever.
