I love these boots, there is a soft insole that I like very much. The side zipper is part of the style not a functioning zipper. No matter because there is a working zipper on the arched side of the boots. The size is on point I wear 8.5 and my foot is quite comfortable in these. For the price here at Amazon.com it's a great buy. Other sites are charging $79.00 for the same boots. Really fast shipping way to go Amazon!