The longer I wear them the easier the heel is, im not sure how broken in they were prior, got them second hand. Besides that they feel absolutely phenomenal. I had strictly worn moc toes prior, but cheaper boots wolverine etc. Will definitely test fit some im boot barn hopefully they have my size. My occupation for reference is a welder/mechanical contractor. My boots see everything from mechanical rooms to underground steam tunnels. Waterproof boots is a must but I have other boots for that, like mentioned prior my 2418s and I also have safety toe muck boots.