The description didn’t say they had a side zipper. Also was led to believe they were manufactured in the USA and they are from China.They’re so comfortable. They will keep your feet super hot so be aware. The fabric seems to be wearing on the top but the soles are great. One thing I’m not a fan of is the size. My big toe rubs just slightly but if I went up half a size they would be too big. Hard to find a perfect fit in all my Zero shoes.TLDR:If you like vibram five finger toe shoes, you will love these boots for winter.I've been wearing Vibram five finger toe shoes for 4 years straight before we moved up to Fairbanks Alaska. My mother-in-law gave me a pair of clonky boots to wear and they hurt all winter last year. I wanted something like the Vibram Five Fingers, flexible, wide (big bunyons) and good for the feet. I found these boots and they work splendidly.Water resistence:I'm not sure about the water resistance yet since I used them in dry snow but I'm hoping they work when spring comes.Socks:I ordered a pair of tall Ininji wool toe socks to wear with these since they aren't thick woolies. I don't think I could do thick socks in these shoes but I do think I need warmer socks. My feet are the warmest part of my body when I come back in the house so maybe it's okay.Size:Like the Vibram five fingers, I ordered a size 7.5 so I did the same with these boots. I'm not sure what size foot I have but start with a half a size up to be safe. These are perfect for people with oversized bunyons!I like these boots. However, they’re slippery as “F” for a “winter” shoe. I say winter lightly, any wet surface.I have other barefoot style boots that do not slip nearly as much, so I know it’s possible to have some function and fashion in a winter barefoot boot/shoeWill they ever be a fully non slip? Who knows..Ice is ice.But I feel it’s a good kinda fun bootI kept them, but for the price, and the non functional grip slip, kinda wish I’d returned themAnd the do run a tad smallI wear an 8.5 should have got a 9I have other xero sandals and shoes, without a half size option so I split the difference. 8 tad to small, 9 too big... Hope this helps anyoneI bought my Mika boots over a year ago and I have used and abused them during nearly every cold weather day here in Utah since. I commute by bus and train, which means I regularly find myself sprinting to the bus stop or train station to catch one, or standing for long periods at said stop/station waiting. I also have a high-energy dog who needs two or three (or more) walks a day, no matter what the weather is doing. These have been warm, comfortable, reliable boots. I've loved mine so much that I got my mom a pair for Christmas this year and I don't think she's taken them off since. She typically has problems with shoes squishing her toes, which causes enough pain she can't walk as well, but says these solve that problem and is now looking to replace her year-round walking shoes with more Xero shoes.A couple of extremely small gripes - I think these are best for dry or frozen snow; I wore them once through some puddles while it was sleeting and got wet feet, though I'm thinking spraying some waterproofing stuff on top might help (and to be fair, I'm not sure how well my heavier snowboots would have done in those conditions). Another thing is after over a year of heavy use, I'm seeing some minor fraying on these bands along the bottom, but not to any degree that I'm concerned they're going to break or even look bad.These are probably the best shoes I've ever bought in my life. Seriously. Im going to sell all my old shoes because I'll never wear anything but Xero shoes for the rest of my life.Ever since I fractured my spine I've always felt dainty like I couldn't run or walk places. I guess this feeling came from my feet because with these boots I CAN RUN. SERIOUSLY, LIKE A FULL SPRINT.I wear them all day, even around the house. If I have a cooking day ill wear these too. Usually my feet hurt and cramp up after a day of standing and in these boots its like "what? I stood all day?"I never thought a pair of shoes could change my life so much.They also always keep my toes warm and I prefer them over my slippers. CRAZY!Just make sure to order .5 or 1 size up. They're made to be snug-ish so your feet don't move around every which way inside your shoes.Holy shmoly I did not expect to love these so much! They are fabulous. Stylish, as comfy as walking around in socks, and the perfect brown I was looking for. Just don't wear them to the massage place that makes you take your shoes off at the door. Lol. They do take some effort to put on & off. I wear 8.5 or 9. The 8.5 fit me perfectly, with a little extra shove to get my slighter bigger left foot in.I HATE spending lots of money as I’m usually disappointed but not this time. Living somewhere that can drop to below -52 with the windchill, I really was hoping but nobody had review from these temps.... get them! They’re light, they’re spacious, they’re warm! When it’s super cold I could use a liner to keep my toes actually warm but they’re not cold. Ordering 1/2 size bigger leaves the space needed for a liner but that will be next year for me ? never been happier!