Men's Waterproof Boulder Boot

I'm one of those folks who will modify shoes like this to dial them in for my needs. So far I haven't had to do that, but it's probably coming after wearing them pretty much nonstop for three weeks. First, the pros. These shoes are well built from quality materials and should last a long time, even after they're "worn out". I think they look good new and will look even better once they're broken in, scratched and scuffed, and dried a few times after getting wet. The wide toe box has become really important to me over the last few years (I'm 62 at this writing), and the zero-drop design plus the materials make this a solid shoe for some basic outdoor experiences, yet fashionable for indoor and even some work environments. It's not a hiking orca construction boot, but could easily get around for a bit in those environments.

The cons are minimal, but notable. The boots require complete loosening of the laces to get on and even then I sometimes feel like I'm going to break the heel loop. They're a little tight behind and above the toe box, making them more comfortable to wear untied and loose-laced. Speaking of laces, they are essentially paracord which is rugged, but they don't seem to hold knots well and loosen over time unless I double-knot them. So another reason to wear them loose. That looks great with jeans or shorts, but won't work so well at the office or when walking distances. I would also have preferred the welt to be sewn (Goodyear?) rather than glued. I suspect…