LOL, Pburgh! Coppertop has that very same pair (now beaten up beyond recognition), and is happy with them; besides, his feet are 1/2 size bigger than mine, and he's still growing!
Mary, I noticed the difference after eating out with the family, taking out Annabelle (she be a ho') and walking around the house. When I took them off to go upstairs, I could FEEL the "missing" support in my ankles.

There are several hiking/light athletic boots available...PM me if you want to know where to get them, as I have ALL the catalogs!)
Dennis, I'm not sure about using THEIR brand, but I will follow advice about getting a leather silicone spray; my days of HAVING to "spit-shine" are long gone, but I do want the weatherproof feature to last (quoting here..."Using pastes or waxes is not recommended since it will change the appearance of the footwear and may clog the pores hindering breathability").
The "warp-drive" will be installed tomorrow afternoon between 1-3 pm CDT...still waiting.
