These boots are perfectly true to size. I wear a 6-6 1/2 and I got these in a UK 4 (US 6) and they fit great.  They come with two sets of laces, black ribbons and sturdy flat black laces. Don't expect to be able to rub the wax off of the "Black Noir" type and make them completely black- they are a dark grey at most. They do still go well with black tights/clothes, though. I suggest folding tall socks down once or twice over your ankles in the beginning until you break them in! They are very comfortable otherwise. They look and feel very tough... I feel invincible in them :D