The story: I've never owned a pair of pull on boots. I've had work boots (Doc Marten's) and rain boots, but no riding-type, girlie boots. I'm almost 49! These are WONDERFUL!!! Very, very cute. I've been lusting after boots for a few years now, and fell in love with the FitFlop look about three months ago. Ordered some super cheap on sale Roma sandals, and that sealed the deal on the brand! I've had leg/back/knee pain for years, and after getting FitFlops, it stopped! I'm also a big time walker/hiker, so finally finding something that not only doesn't cause more problems (boo, negative heel shoes!!) but actually is HELPING has truly been a blessing. So I went ahead and got the boots. I love the tall boots, and now want the black leather ones. They are all simply fab!

The hard facts: I wear a size 10.5 and got a 10, and they fit beautifully. No problems getting them on or off at all--and that's with my big, wide feet and calves! My calves are over 17"--and the boot shaft is snug, but not uncomfortable. My guess is they'll stretch out. As it is, a zipper is probably unnecessary unless you have small feet and big calves because the width and height of the boot shaft changes in proportion to the shoe size. They're a beautiful, rich amethyst color (figured my first pair of big girl boots should be purple, right?), heavy suede, and well made, too! I am worried about how well they'll hold up against the weather, so I'll be keeping them for inside wear, or around the city romps. I got FAST delivery from Amazon--ordered on a Tues. received on a Weds. The price was the lowest anywhere around as well.

The workout quotient: I can feel it. I can't see it yet, but I can feel it. If you've ever walked on wet sand at the beach, that's how it makes my legs feel. They work a bit harder, but I don't think super-fast results are what would be seen. It's like changing diet to more healthy food--it may take a while to see, but the benefits are there because I can feel the difference. Also, I can walk long distances again with no problem, so my workout routine can return to what it was about eight years ago.

Maybe the most telling and poignant thing to say is that if anyone has suffered from pain when they walk, they'll understand the total joy I feel when I go to take a step and expect it to hurt and it doesn't. My life is back.