I researched quite a bit before purchasing boots online, fearful of not being able to try them on, etc. During my research, I discovered the brand "Born", which I had never heard of before but their boots were very attractive and at every online shoe site, they had rave reviews.  Since I was ordering this towards the end of the season, my size 7 became hard to find.  Lo and behold I found them on Amazon and they were on sale!  I received them fairly quickly and anxiously opened the package and slipped them on wearing knee highs, not a thick sock.  I immediately fell in love!  It was like they were made just for my feet!

I was initially unsure of the color (gray) but found that it complimented many things that I wore.  One other thing that is important to know when ordering (besides the potential of the buttons falling off, see my addendum) is that they fit snug around the calf and they don't go up very far to the knee.  I have a fairly thin calf and I was surprised at how snug they fit, especially with a jean tucked in.  They seemed to stretch a little bit and they were comfortable for me, but if you have a larger or very athletic calf these may not be for you.

I didn't give these boots any short break in period of time, I wore them while traveling out of state.  I ran with them through the airport, got caught in a snowstorm and wished I had a thicker sock on since they are not a snow boot, but they sure held up just fine.  I wore these boots literally non-stop, except for sleeping, for 5 days.  I forgot to bring any other shoes or boots on our last minute trip. It certainly didn't matter because they were so comfortable and never caused any blistering or rubbing anywhere on my feet or toes.  I didn't experience any foot pain whatsoever. I wore them with knee-highs and also with a regular thicker sock and they were comfortable with both types of sock.  I wore them tucked into skinny jeans and underneath boot cut jeans and they looked great either way.

The leather is very soft, and buttery with a beautiful inner lining. I received many compliments when I wore these boots.  I plan on ordering another pair of Born boots in the future and I'd consider purchasing other Born shoes and/or sandals.  You can't put a price on comfort when it comes to your feet!

Addendum:  Unfortunately I had to knock a star off my five star review.  I wore the boots to church on Sunday and when I was sitting there I looked down and noticed on the left boot, the top button was missing.  In it's place is a short metal flat screw that pokes through.  The look is very unappealing to say the least and I am terribly disappointed.  I have only had these boots for not even a total of 3 months and have not worn them everyday, I'd say on the weekends, except for my stint of my five day excursion traveling.  This is a very pricey boot and the leather and comfort is high quality but the decorative button (and any future buttons) falling off is truly unacceptable since I have no idea how to replace it or fix it.  I have contacted the seller but have not heard back yet, but it's only been a few hours so I will give them an opportunity to respond.  I will update if I receive a resolution to this problem.

2nd Addendum:  The seller responded back to me within 24 hours and told me to return the boots for a full refund. I was very surprised and pleased, not really expecting a full refund. They also emailed me a paid UPS return shipping label. They said once they received the boots back, I'd receive my refund.  I sent them back on a Friday and had notification on the following Wed. from the seller that my refund was processed.  I have now ordered another pair of boots from Born, the Attila.  I am determined to own a pair of Born boots and am still so upset that I had to return these wonderfully, comfortable fitting boots due to poor workmanship on the decorative buttons.  I hope Born improves the construction and application of these buttons.