First impressions: Out of the box-very attractive, great quality leather, very well made and matched Frye's reputation and made in USA. 2nd Impression-On the foot- excellent fit. I wear a 10.5 in Clarks and saw in reviews that they run a half size large so I ordered 10-perfect fit. Comfort was very good for the first day all day. 3rd Impression-But they do need breaking in and that will take, I believe, 15 wearings to where I don't have a sense of stiffness. Understand that they get better with each wearing but for the rugged, well made boot it is, that will take some time. There is no discomfort; just a measure of stiffness like my military boots when I was first issued them some years ago. The leather likes saddle soap and brown KIWI polish(mine are the Redwood color) which should be applied before the first wearing as this helps the break-in. And polish should be applied at least after every second or third wearing for the first month and then as needed. These boots will be around for years and deserve the care to assure that. The sole is a bit stiff to begin with but has loosened up a bit(I've had these for about two weeks and I'll update this review in a month or two. Bottom line: I am very pleased with these and they are all the other reviews have stated. Great boot! My only complaint is that I didn't order two pair- I can't wear any pair two consecutive days as they need to breathe(as in dry out)for a day. O.K., I'm adding an addendum now that I've had them a couple of months: they improve with age! They are now well broken in and are very comfortable for all day wear. I prefer wearing fairly thick Smart Wool socks with them as it adds a little cushion as well as a measure of breathe-ability. The sole has become more flexible and the support is excellent. The leather upper has grown more supple as well. They are truly like an "old friend" as I stated in the title. These boots are absolutely fantastic.