I took a chance when these were on sale after Christmas, I bought a pair for my snowboarding kid in BC & a pair each for my sister & for myself. We're part of an adaptive snowsports program & the nature of instructing some of our students can mean either a LOT of snowplow with some athletes or a lot of speed with Sit-skiers.
My knees haven't been sore at all with mine. I was raving about them last week after lessons, another instructor raved about his & this week, two other members of our program have ordered some too. The fit is great (order your regular size/follow the chart), love the tie waist & the pockets. I was concerned they might have caused problems with my boots/socks as they're a bit longer than my legless Smartwool baselayer but they're great (I'm 5'4" tall). I'll be ordering a pair of the cooler weight ones for spring skiing & warmer weather hiking. I have my fingers crossed that they fit as well in the waist without the drawstring.
Try them, I have zero regrets & would definitely buy again at regular prices as well.