I used my boots for day to day wear for everything outside of work: running errands, backyard family night, meet-up events for my kids. I'd wear them all day long to try to get as much wear into them as possible. I reached 150 wears total.
This leather was stiff and tough! I didn't think I'd make much of a mark on it. The reverse side was very rough. I used the leather balm that Fortis provides to cover the INSIDE of the shaft because it was scratching my legs. It softened up. I conditioned as need, about 3 times total during the 6 months and polished with Pure Polish once in February. The leather is very nice, very shiny, very strong. It didn't have much give and took a long time to break in. It's very durable. The color darkened slightly over time and grew in depth and richness.
This last provides a great fit for a wider foot, medium instep. They go on snug because the leather is tough, but after a few minutes of warming up, I have no hot spots, and the last fits perfectly. The foot bed has great support. Although I have plantar pain, it went away when I wore the boots. I should've sized up a half size because of the flat, unstructured toe, but I can still wear the boots just fine. The shaft of the boots fits well under my slim straight jeans. Very wearable boots. I'm getting another pair in black.
The design of these boots is spot on! Great narrow shaft. No heel slip. Perfect instep. Good arch support. Wide toe box. The stitching on the uppers is well done, both structurally and aesthetically. Outsoles held on well. Good hardware, I never had a problem with it.
Perfectly fine outsole. Never had a problem. Good traction. Very durable.
I love the woodsman heel. Looks great. Feels great. Good traction.
Fortis boots is awesome! And they're only getting better. I'm definitely getting another pair of engineers from them in black, and possibly a natural color. I'm very happy with these boots. I would very much so recommend these boots. They are a great value.