I like these gaiters. They are my first pair. I like wearing my waterproof sneakers to hike instead of tall clunky boots and these allow me to do that without getting snow in my feet. The fabric is tough but flexible enough to be a far better alternative than tall boots. Some snow eventually found it's way in but, again, not enough to make me go back to tall boots. I love the drawstring at the top. It is very easy to tighten with one hand and it makes the top of the gaiters stay up very well. I am using these for two to three mile hikes in snow about one foot deep. Not sure how they would handle on extended hiking trips. The only thing that was difficult at first was how to tie the string on the bottom around my shoe. There was not anything specific about how the string is to be threaded so I just wing it.

My first pair of gaiters
This is my first pair of gaiters, that's why I opted for the cheaper pair. And for the price they did work out well. A few things I've noticed was that the tightening cord when cinched tight hang's about 6 - 7 inches, so I just tucked them in as best as possible. I also worry about how long the cord at the bottom will last if I really start using them alot. I could always get some shoe lace's to replace them with, but hey, I bought the cheap pair, but as I said, they did work out ok.

Not good
These gaiters has a funky tightening cord on top, too stretchy, too thin, and too long. When you tighten it up there's six inches of cord hanging there and a big, clunky cord lock, and it still does not go real tight because the cord is too stretchy. Looks like it will break down and lose it's stretch completely. The hook for the laces is too long, too floppy, and not placed well to tighten down to the foot. If you like a cord underfoot instead of a belt and latch, try to find another brand. I'm sending these back.