Hey, the ad says they will make you a better warrior. Isn't that enough? They look nice but the price, wow! Could be justified though if they solve your problem and really the only way to find out for sure is to try them.

Since you're in Chicago, you may want to look tactical at home.

I guess I may be the first to put the $$ into these boots.  Shucks.  I was hoping to hear some review first!
Mastertangler, you may have a good pair of the Abyss boots, but my complaint on their durability is pretty common.
OS, I'm near Chicago, but not in it fortunately!

remember when your Dad came home with a new pair of PF flyers? You would put them on and run around to show everyone how fast you had suddenly become. Those were the days.......

The Rocky's are sweet. Almost to comfy. A little concerned about the suede leather, repeated wetting and drying might dry them out? Sizes run true in spite of reviews that had them running a half size large. Of course the proof is in the putting.........Put them to the test  and see how well they drain, how fast they dry and how long they last.........support and comfort seems pretty amazing though. Will definitely add cord locks (hat tip ST).

Nice looking boot. Feel like I'm on the set of "Black Hawk Down" (that movie always makes me cry). The color will go nicely with my eco mesh railriders shirts (until the first mudhole )  Hey, you have to look good out there (just look at ANY fishing show, the guys are blasting them and they wear stuff I usually go to dinner in.......times are a changin)

I'd treat the exposed seams on any portage boot with some sort of epoxy/seam sealer, as I think the stitching is always a potential weak point.

Also most peoples feet are not the same size.
When you try on footwear, try both shoes on and do so with the sock/gaiter combo you plan on wearing with them.
Also remember that your feet swell throughout the day and that unlike leather boots, most synthetic fabrics won't "stretch" but tear instead.
You can lace to eliminate slightly oversize shoes,  but you can't lace to fix ones that are too small after your feel swell.

I really like those cord locks ( the military grade), but don't neglect how you lace them

You can eliminate a lot of foot/shoe issues by finding a lacing system that addresses your particular issue.
This is one of the most comprehensive sites I've found and a little experimentation BEFORE you have problems on a trip is well worth your time.

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