They run narrow, especially for Steve Madden.  But then, Steve's sizing has clearly changed, last season's boots were narrow also.  I got my half size up for thicker (typical cotton) sox. I also like cushioning and arch, which these totally lack. I added Birk's soft foam inserts and Scholl's half-footed arch and now..they feel good and stay on. But even though the rear is no longer sloshing around, the TOES ARE STILL squished a little on both of the sides, but ok after a few hours each day..not thrilled! BUT love them.
Also, the half-size up is too long, but that is the price to get a typical medium width (which is what I have). I will say the loud strap (!) is placed well, and helps detract the longer length of my already big feet. (love flats though)
Sizing up was also necessary to get some nice padding and support added into the boot. I like insoles for warmth in the winter, AND for comfort reasons. The narrow toe box is also not very tall, and would be way-tight with even a thin insole.  The insole of the boot is flat, hard, and ran a bit downhill. With inserts you don't slide forward. And of course you can get really thin insoles if you also slide forward in these, without sizing up maybe. My foot was sliding forward probably because the instep is really high and baggy..not good in a boot at all..(but i love them!) I got into them without unzipping..and they are not really wide up top. The shaft opening may be about 12 inches, and my legs are about 9 inches where the opening is.
HOWEVER, /// I cant find nicer leather, better STUDDAGE(!)or better price, even from Frye. Frye had a great short boot with a strap that went all around the boot, with a substantial silver chain on top of the strap. Kind of a harness style but not quite. Plus another strap with chain where the boot split open up top. Bolder toe box that suits this style well. Easy fit. Really sharp, intensely nice quality. But- the Fryes had huge legs- 15 inches..I forget, that is big for anything below the calf. I do have skinny legs and these are still loose but can be concealed with scrunching jean legs or loose-stlye leggings. Plus the style is not supposed to be skin-tight, its a relaxed style.
I do see some studs are not installed perfectly- but are in very tight, they won't come off..I am sure of that, I carefully inspected and poked around a bit. Also the straps don't hit each other when I walk, I don't think they are really any wider than other bootstraps. I do wish the toe was wider.  You may get addicted also..when u see them. The size 9 is gone already..
On another site there were numerous reviews about snug toes and loose heels. So I am not alone. The few who had narrow feet that reviewed were fine but some did not like the heel's fit. Anyway, the PRICE is a few dollars less HERE ON AMAZON.. and you still get free shipping and Free returns.. I did not know that -in time.
I must say you cant beat the quality, the pebbled leather is also on the foot of the boot as well as the shaft. So the leather is especially /noticeably high-end. I get tired of the semi-shiny thin stuff!  Love the lower height, EZ ON +EZ off.