SIZING:
Let me start off this review by discussing sizing. I researched the living poo out of these boots before I purchased them, hemming and hawing over which size to buy, mostly because I read some reviews indicating this boot ran both larger or smaller than marked. Most of the shoes I own are either a 6, 6.5 or a 7, depending on the brand and type of shoe (ballerina flat vs. boot). I do own 2 other pairs of Keen shoes, both of which are a size 7, but this is because Keen didn't offer half-sizes when I purchased them. Otherwise, I would have purchased them in my normal shoe size 6.5. All that said, I purchased these shoes in a size 6.5 and I'm so glad I did. I'm able to wear them with a thick, fuzzy pair of socks without feeling like my feet are crowded in the boot, but they are just as comfortable with a thinner pair of socks. That said, I probably could have purchased a size 7 and been fine.

FIT:
I am petite, 5'1", and the boots come up to mid-calf. I read in many other reviews that customers were unable to zip up the boot comfortably with jeans tucked in due to having muscular calves (14"-15.5"). I totally agree with that statement - not because I can relate, but because my calves are 13" and the boots zip up perfectly with jeans tucked in with a tiny bit of space leftover. Keep this in mind if you are a buff chick with ripped calves. :-) The toe area is roomy and comfortable.

APPEARANCE:
Please remember that this boot, from the top, has the boxy-toe look that is trademark to Keen, so if something with a narrower silhouette is what you're after, this boot isn't for you. The boot is at once rugged but also really cute to dress up or down - and unique. I'm not one to jump on a fashion bandwagon (namely the UGGS bandwagon), but I did want a cute pair of warm boots for the winter that were fashion-versatile. I love that these don't have the uber-trendy UGGS look that a lot of ladies are wearing. Score!

QUALITY:
The boot is of a very well-made leather with a sturdy sole that doesn't slip on snowy surfaces. (How's that for alliteration?!) The stitching is smooth throughout - I wasn't disappointed in the overall quality.

REAL-WORLD WEAR:
These are waterproof and will keep your feet warm and dry. Also, you should know that there is no need to break in these boots - they were comfortable the minute they were on my feet, no weird rubbing or chafing spots inside.

Bottom line: a versatile trademark Keen boot that will turn heads and keep you dry and comfortable all at the same time! I hope this helps those of you who are on the fence about purchasing this boot!

****UPDATE - DECEMBER 2010****

Just got back from Christmas vacation in snowy Utah. I wore these the whole time - played in the snow with them, walked all over Salt Lake City in them...they still look brand new and were comfortable the whole time.

****UPDATE - OCTOBER 2012****

Okay, it's been a couple of years now, and these boots are still going strong. I wore them to an EXTREMELY muddy corn maze on a cold night - as in, ankle deep mud - and was was very warm and cozy. My hubby just hosed them off afterward and they still look pretty darn new. They're coming back to Utah with me this Christmas. :-)

****UPDATE - 2014****

Whelp, 4 years later and these boots are still a pair of troopers. Still look brand new, still holding up to the elements. So yeah...these will last pretty much forever. Further updates from me at this point are probably unnecessary. ;-)