I wore boots for 30 years and then went to light hikers then to low cut trail runner type shoes. I supplement with Superfeet insoles. And 80% of my hiking is off trail. I would NEVER go back to boots. I have a pair of Danners sitting in my closet. It is not the break in period but the general stiffness and discomfort of boots for me. I suffer from achilles heel problems and ankle bruising in boots. Sorry, you have no convert here!