I use this shoe when a boot is too much but a sneaker just won't cut it. Great TRACTION in various conditions and it doesn't clog and carry mud in the tread because of the shark's tooth lug pattern outsole. Waterproof eVent is better than Gore-Tex because it's not as sweaty. There is a nylon shank in the midsole that helps with torsional rigidty so it really does create a stable platform. I wouldn't recommend carrying a 40lb pack over rugged terrain unless wearing a boot that comes above the ankle but this shoe is very supportive. It's light enough to run short distances in but isn't a road running sneaker. In short, this is the shoe to wear on days when you could end up doing a bunch of different things.