This is an impartial review as I neither bought them on amazon nor did I get a free sample for review. I was lucky to be able to try them on at a store, had I jot, I would have been scared to order a full size up, but that was what was most comfortable. Initial impression after slipping into them is how they remind me of my snowboard boots - but obviously not as stiff. But the padding inside is similar, and I can honestly say Ive never felt anything like this in another pair of casual footwear. Theres even padding behind your Achilles area so they stay put. I ended up with black/plum kitten as that was all that was left in my size. Theyre quite clunky looking, and while comfortable, I cant confidently say they are cute. Because I went a full size up, I feel like they look massive on me but I wear them for walking my dog through muddy parks and sandy beaches so I didn't get them to look cute. I cant attest to their performance in ice, snow, or cold as I live in Vancouver. But I can attest to them being waterproof as weve had record breaking rain in January. And Ive gone through 3pairs of waterproof boots which clearly only mean just the bottom rubber. Ive walked through ankle-deep mud and stayed dry. I did worry about the ease of putting them on and taking them off with no zipper. I actually have the laces done up loosely so I can slip in and out of them (with some but minimal tugging). Im not scaling cliffs or anything so I don't need them done up tight (probably lends to the general clunkiness I feel). I have a pet peeve of noisy boots where the heels clunk and you can be heard a mile away. These have silent heels, but do squeak on floors. They haven't felt slippy on wet tile either so thats a bonus. Ive been very happy with them and wouldnt hesitate getting them in another colour next year. One last note on sizing: I do think the padding does give a bit so I think going up 1/2 size would be sufficient in my next pair (especially if you don't wear thick socks)