I'm new to hiking and didn't want to spend hundreds on shoes I might not ever wear again if I ended up hating the whole experience. After ordering a pair from 2 other brands that didn't fit right, I found these that were just the right fit for my feet. I usually wear a women's US 6.5 or 7 depending on the style of shoe. I got these boots in 7 B(M) US. I did swap the laces out for longer ones. I wore them for 3 days for light hiking and walking trails in CA and OR. I did get blisters on little toe and the one next to it on my right foot, but I think that had more to do with the way that I walk than the boots. My feet and ankles didn't hurt. I'm pretty happy with these boots and would actually go hiking again.