I'm on my second pair so they must be not bad. Seriously; for me; they take a bit of breaking in but work very well after that in all seasons. Disappointing standard insoles disintegrate quickly and you will want to replace. I have actually used the old ones from my, end of useful life, Meindls fine. The sole is re-assuringly stiff and doesn't clog up easily but is not the best on greasy rock. Don't be fooled with the gtx label into thinking they will keep your feet dry. They won't. Put mine back to Nevisport for repair and they came back simply lathered in Contour (Scarpa HS12 wax). A couple of tubes of the Contour silicon wax are essential accessories for this boots. None of the Nikwax products worked for me. Looking for a new pair shortly and Euro led pricing has pitched them at about £180 on High Street now. This is too much for a boot that leaks so easily and the HS12 wax is about £6 a pop (You can't even get it at Nevisport). You could use 12 tubes a year.
I'm suprised to hear you've had problem's with yours. I've had my ZG10's for about two years now and find them superb.
I proof them about three times a year using Nikwax Suede and Nubuck Waterproofer and touch wood, they've never let a single drop of water through, whether walking in dew-soaked fields, in a torrential downpour, or through streams or such-like.
I bought mine after being fed up with gortex-lined fabric boots letting the water in after just a few months use.
Had these for 2 years now and they are the best boots I've ever had. Bought them initially for my trip trekking in Nepal. Did all my training in them and then all the trekking all day every day carrying nearly 20kg of gear (no sherpas, self guided trek), they never let me down. No blisters, never leaked, very comfy and they breathed very well combined with 2 layers of socks (merino wool liner, techwool outer). I love them. They are light, sturdy and very comfy. Cant find fault with them.
P.S with regard to the waterproofing, in training for Nepal I did the yorkshire 3 peaks with all my 20kg of gear and ended up with one foot in a bog up to my knee almost half way round! They didnt leak a drop! Dry comfy feet for the last 10 miles!
