These are easily my fav pair of shoes. I wear them ALL the time and yes they do wear in a little bit and lose their stiffness.  I put some foam insoles in them and they're way more comfy than I expected.  They DO snub my big toe a little bit but it's not so tight that it's always squished.  I bought these in a size 9 and a 10 would be too large, I'm sure of it.  I normally wear a size 8.5 to 9 shoes/boots.  They can be a little awkward to walk in on very flat surfaces like while shopping, but you sort of learn how to get into a rhythm.  I honestly think these were built for dancing (stomping!) because I've never danced in shoes with as much ease at the height they are.  They look heavy but really aren't.  I walk all around the city in them and tend to forget that I'm wearing huge sneakers until I hear someone compliment them, which is often!
They do have a slight "clown shoe" look to them when viewed head on, or from above, these are THE stompy shoes I've always wanted and I have 0 regrets buying a pair!