I purchased a black pair in size 8.5 medium/regular.

I normally wear 8.5M in open-toed shoes, and 9.0M (or 8.5W) in closed-toed shoes and/or boots, and I have 9" ankles and 15" calves.
After reading the reviews, I purchased 8.5 without hesitation. Turns out, the fit is very much to my liking!
The boots do run a HALF SIZE LARGE but that is only 3mm (0.118 inch), and can be easily remedied with a pair of socks.
In my case, the length and width is perfect; comfortable, no pinching or pressure points, no pad or gel inserts required, and no break-in period at all.  These black beauties are truly "ready to wear".  You custom fit them to your ankles and calves with the lacing, but the clever addition of a side zipper makes these boots, and you, ready to go in seconds.

Atrus boots are truly made for walking... or hiking, or dancing.  They have good arch support, striking design, and are made with good quality materials and workmanship.  The side pocket is a functional one, in case you need to store a couple of coins, a key, or a bus ticket.
The "worn in" leather, and the "I'm tough but sexy" look to them command a lot of positive attention from many age groups whenever I wear these boots.  Oh, yes, I should mention I am in my early 50s.

As I type this, we are in the midst of Canadian winter.  I did venture out in my Atrus boots a couple of times, in varying temperatures.  They are not very warm on their own, but with a thin wool sock, they were ok.  As for the traction - it is awesome!  The rubber traction design of the soles definitely helped me stay upright on the icy sidewalk.

So far, I have worn the Atrus boots with skinny jeans, leggings, jean skirt, and a winter-weight knee-length ponte dress but, it seems that, no matter what I paired them with, the boots added A LOT of pizzas to the outfits!
So, don't let your age limit you in your quest for comfortable AND fashionable footwear, and do let you imagination run a bit wild, and get a pair of these fantastic boots, before there is not a pair to be found anywhere...