I have tried lacrosse lace ups, lacrosse rubber boots and chippewa boots. The main reason I went with a pair of Russell boots was due to the fit. I have a very wide foot, 6 EE so finding a boot that fits comfortably is hard. In order to get the width I would have to go up a size or 2 which would cause the boot to flop on my heal. After a bit of walking, it would become annoying. The lacrosse lace-ups weren't bad but I swear if I walked thru the grass my feet would get wet. I know $550 is a lot of coin to drop on a shoe, but as much as I walk in the woods chasing deer or turkey, I choose to put my money in my shoes to keep them from hurting. To hell with walking that much and have your feet hurting at the end of the day. Just my 2 cents worth.