I have these in black & liked them so much I got the brown ones too.  They are extremely comfortable right out of the box.  I do put the Dr. Scholl's heel / arch pad in every boot I have and that takes most of the "heel slip" boots are sometimes known for.  But I don't think you even really need it on these once the sole breaks in some.  I have lots of cowboy boots but this is my favorite for couple reasons:  the square toe can go country or just casual depending on how you dress it b/c it's so versatile.  Also, some complain the shaft of the boot is very floppy on these as opposed to normal cowboy boots standing up stiff on their own.  I actually like this b/c even w/ boot cut jeans alot of stiffer shaft (ha...not sure how else to say that) shows thru the jeans  & bothers me.  These are softer and don't show thru slimmer jeans as bad.  Lastly, as anyone that wear alot of cowboy boots can tell you, while tradition cowboy boots look awesome, if you wear them in the woods or on the farm or whatever you will about bust your a$$ b/c the bottoms are usually slick / scuffed leather.  The Ramblers are a very thick rubber and I have tons of traction...even walking outta the rain into a store with concrete floor.  I never lose grip.  As for the size debate, I'm a size 11.5-12 depending on shoe and both my Ramblers are 12's.  They fit perfect.  I can't speak to some saying an entire size down.