With no previous experience of walks I recently bought these for the "three peaks challenge", purely and simply because I knew the name and they were half price. The gamble paid off. 100% waterproof, comfy, dealt with all terrain and more importantly no blisters!! I'm a size 8.5 with wide feet so 9's were perfect as they advise a little breathing room. The money I saved I invested in a top quality pair of the thickest, wooliest socks. Together these were my ultimate purchaes, making mine a happy weekends climbing.