ColumbiaMen's Valley Pointe Waterproof Hiking Shoe

I'm male and weigh 205 lbs. I had purchased the exact same model at a local shoe store (I got the last size 11 wide). I wore them for a couple weeks and liked them so much that I decided to order another pair from Amazon. I'll either rotate them so they'll last longer, or wear one pair out and then use the second pair.The shoes seem to fit true to size. They are not too tight or sloppy. They snuggly hold my foot and they don't slip on my heels. The arch support is just right for me, and they are comfortable to wear even when standing for hours on pavement. The shoes get good traction when hiking on trails.The laces have stitching along the edge and they hold tight without a double knot when you tie them.The breathable waterproofing membrane works well. I can walk in wet grass or get them splashed by a garden hose and not have the moisture reach my socks. They may be slightly hotter to wear than a shoe without the membrane, but not so much as to be uncomfortable. My feet don't sweat even in humid, 90 degree F weather, so they evidently are "breathable".They are VERY easy to put on and take off. Untie them. pull up gently on the tongue, and the laces will easily open up to make a large opening.

I normally wear a 10 in womens and 8-8.5 in men's, but seeing that most people recommended going a size up, I ordered a 9 wide. They are a perfect fit, and I am very happy with them! They are also very lightweight, surprisingly, for their durability and I look forward to wearing them through the elements!

I researched long and hard to choose these shoes. My research included many references to sizing in charts and purchaser's comments regarding this model and others by the same manufacturer. It also included the same from many other footwear manufacturers and their purchaser's comments so I felt that I had the best idea on sizing I could possibly hope for without having the shoes directly on my feet.These shoes turned out to be too narrow and I didn't feel like enough wear would stretch them into being comfortable. I also considered the length to be a little unclear as to whether is was slightly short or not. I came to the conclusion that either a wide version, a half size up, or both would fix the problem. My solution was not available in this model.Ultimately, I went with another show and even changed my criteria in the process.The return was easy as usual with Amazon. Their customer service has been good to me.I would consider this or a similar product in the future, but again, being wary about sizing.

I walk for exercise and love these shoes, waterproof helps on wet grass, second pair I have bought, they last about a year for me.

I am very happy with this purchase. They took a beating over a 3.5 hour hike onto the summit of Croagh Patrick in Ireland and they still look brand new.