UPDATE;
I have fitted some Nordic Walking insoles and the boots are significantly improved for comfort, I have cleaned and reproofed them again and they are ok in a shower but no more than that..
Something I have been made aware of is the lack of 'breathability' of these fabric boots, I recently walked part of the SWCP around Portland Island, the weather was cold 4 - 8 DegC and the sweat in the boots was making my Bridgedale socks and the insoles wet..
I have seen some reviews that complain about the soles being slippery but I have had no significant slippage, Different soles are better on different surfaces so as long as care is taken a sole can be effective in most situations, I have walked in mud, gravel, grass, dry dirty fields, up slope, down slope and most importantly a coastal path with a varied wet / dry / rocky / lose / slopes etc and found the soles non slippery and perfectly adequate although they do seem to be wearing down quickly....