These boot were comfortable right out of the box. The color was exactly as pictured and delivery was super fast. The best way to break in any boot is to wear them, wear them and wear them. But I use a three step method that really softens the leather and adds a nice darkened tone to the leather. First I treat them with mink oil (some have said that the modern mink oils can damage leather over time so I have considered going to Obenauf's LP). Then I wear them for a few weeks. Finally, I treat them with Pecards leather oil. This not only softens the leather but also darkens it a few shades. Over the charcoal gray this resulted in a dusty black that looks like a weathered, well-worn black leather. Sizing is pretty close to true. I wear a 9.5 running shoe and the 9.5D boot fits me with just a little room. Two pairs of socks and they are comfortably snug. Love these boots.