I bought these boots for a Peter Pan costume for halloween. I red the reviews and even though it got some negative ones I went for it. What the hell amazon will let me return. I LOVE THEM!!! In my experience I always buy 1 size bigger in ALL boots. I wear 8-8.5 depending the brand. I bought a 9. They fit perfect with a little wiggle room for my toes. Now I have VERY muscular calf muscles. It is a little tight to zip up. However it helped to loosen the laces. I'm thinking of buying another pair in black because I love them so much! If your thinking about BUY THEM!