These boots were finally on sale here at Amazon so I took the plunge and bought them. Still breaking them in (though they don't even really need it, comfort right out of the box) but I see loving this investment for years to come. They are a little bit snug in the foot though, not the length that is perfect just the width. I ordered my true size and don't see wearing thick socks with them anytime soon, but I think they are also made a bit snug so as they wear they will loosen up since they are leather. I have larger calves and they fit fine and I didn't order the extended version of this boot either. That was the one issue I was worried about. Otherwise no complaints they were exactly what I expected and wanted in these boots. They were a nice dark brown out of the box but I used mink oil on them so they darkened up a bit more and look even better (closer to the picture too.)