When shoveling, the design takes the impact, not my foot. These are my favorite boots! I ordered a 2nd pair, to keep next to another door, on another floor. LOVE the hook at the ankle/foot location. All of my other brand boots have an eyelet. This made the fit SO much better. The boot stays fitted to me, as to spreading out when the boot is bent. Better ankle support. PLUS the time it saves! (Now it's not an effort taking off and putting on. With the eye, I have to loosen ALL of the laces, to get my foot out or in. With the hook, none.) You wouldn't think that one hook would make such a difference, but it does!I haven't had this boot very long, but I can already tell, it will out last the other brands I have. Iron Clad is a good name for them. I've had them this summer and working/wearing them in 90 temps, my feet do not get hot. After hours of digging, my feet feel fine. They're not very old, but so far, waterproof. I can't feel the steel toe.They support my foot well.I'm SO very pleased with my Rocky Boots! I have other brands (and they sit at the door. I go for my Rocky's), but now this is the last brand I'll buy. I'm happy I came across them while looking for boots. I hadn't hear of them, so I didn't know what I was missing. I want to tell everyone about them! They are the most comfortable and well constructed boot. Made for real work. Made with people on mind. Well worth the money!