I bought these boots after spending a long time researching and considering which style and size to get. I usually wear a size 8.5 but ordered a size 8 because so many people reported that this boot runs large, and I'm glad I did - the fit feels pretty close to perfect.

As with almost any type of leather boot, this pair needed to be broken in. I wore thick socks with them and wore them around the house a lot, and managed to escape most of the blisters and cuts that way.

The leather of these boots is really gorgeous and high-quality. It smells wonderful and seems to be sturdy and durable. I've been treating it periodically with Dr Martens Wonder Balsam because it's very snowy here currently and I don't want to get water stains or salt stains on my boots. They take to the Wonder Balsam very well.

My main complaint about these boots is that the soles just aren't comfortable. They're slightly padded and have a little bit of give to them, but it just isn't enough. Even now that the rest of the boot is pretty well broken-in, the soles still feel uncomfortable if I'm doing a lot of walking or standing. I put in some foam Dr Scholls insoles, which helped a little, but I think I'm going to have to get some even more cushiony gel insoles in order to really make these boots comfortable.

I also find that the boot rubs uncomfortably against the inner side of my left foot, often leaving that spot sore, but I think this may just be an issue of the shape of my feet rather than the boots themselves.

Overall, I'd say, if you're looking for a pair of boots that are durable and will be able to last through even Canadian winters, these are probably a good choice. Just be aware that they might not be the most comfortable boots out there, and they might require some additional insoles to make them wearable for long stretches of time.