I got a pair of Steve Madden boots last year at Macy's and loved them. But I had to get a 7 1/2 when I usually wear an 8 1/2 they ran so large. I was worried these would be the same but they aren't. I got an 8 1/2 and they fit perfectly. And for those of you out there that have 'athletic calves'(in other words 'large calves') like I do. They fit well!