Men's Vierzonord Neoprene Lined Boot

I am impressed with the build quality of these boots (but then, for $225 they better be bombproof!). Every seam is solidly welded, completely smooth and straight. The rubber used is very supple, even stretchy, but also resilient and puncture-resistant. This is much different than the stiffer, harder rubber on brands like LaCrosse, and I like it. Unlike the shallow tread pattern on so many competitors' boots, the deep lugs on these boots provide excellent traction (I wish they used Vibram soles, but...) The footbed is comfortable, firm, and supportive. I especially like two thoughtful touches. One is the reinforced rubber on the outside of the heel (protection from wear and tear when pulling the boots off). The other is the smooth rubber heel counter seamlessly glued over the neoprene lining to protect it from the heel wear that I have found to be such a problem with other rubber boots (Muck Boots and LaCrosse Burleys specifically). A minor but annoying issue: when the boots arrived, the cardboard rings meant to keep the top of the boots open and properly shaped while in the box had slipped out of place, and bent in the front lip of the top of each boot. The boots are still that way regardless of all of the things I have tried to fix this. They are completely functional, but even my last pair of $65 made in China Burleys didn't have a problem like this. I used the sizing tool, but have ended up with boots probably two sizes too large. The fit is not sloppy (the heel, ankle, and arch are comfortably snug), but there is plenty of room in the toebox (over an inch), and I find myself occasionally catching the tip of the toe on steps, etc. I am keeping them because I can then wear another pair of socks in the winter. I mention it just so others will know this may be an issue. Finally, a word about the supposed 4-degree Fahrenheit insulation claim... As a 73-year-old who just went through a first Maine winter with the boots, I can categorically say that for me, these boots start to feel cold when the temp drops into the twenties (hence the second pair of socks). This is frankly impressive in its own right for any relatively thin-walled rubber boot, but a long way from the claimed rating. I have no doubt that for some people, they will insulate to a much lower temperature - just not for me. Again, I mention this just so others are aware. Would I buy these again? Absolutely! By far the best rubber boots I have owned, and I've owned a lot. Plus none of my money went to Xi Jinpeng.

Very good and surprisingly light & flexible boot which protects my feet from mud & rain