Incredible boots. I usually have REAL trouble getting alpine boots that fit nicely. The Nepal Evos are amazingly comfortable, and hardly needed any wearing in. I did a couple of hours walking around at home, taking the dog for a walk etc, a one day alpine trip. Then did a big 6 day mission into the mountains. I wore them on the 11km approach as well... the only blister I got was on my right little toe. Warm in the snow, a bit too warm on the approach. Not as warm as my plastics, and also not as sweaty... the goretex breathes well. Dont feel quite as rock solid as my plastics in the snow (due to the ankle being quite flexible), but they make up for this on rock and for general all-roundness. The sole is more flexible than I expected - not completely stiff like plastics, which helps with walking. My wife got a pair of the womens boots and she is equally happy. Somehow LaSportiva have made a really solid boot that is super-comfy and not too heavy. I am comparing these to my Koflach plastics, Asolo Granites and a pair of Raichles, and these are way more comfortable. They are too heavy for general hiking, but OK to wear on the approach. Also went on easy after freezing at night. Locking ring on the laces is a nice touch and the mini-gaiter which snugs it up against your ankle (but you still need normal gaiters). Inner-sole seems cheapskate and I had some pain on the balls of my feet, so I replaced it with another, which solved that... I think most people who wear these a lot will want to do that too. I am a street-show size US 12 and got the Nepal Evo in US 13. The fit is snug, but with room to move your toes. When these wear out, I know what my next pair of boots will be...