Head's up! I wear a size 9, so I ordered a size 9. I tried them on and was all "NOOOOOO!" The calf fit loose enough that I could tuck my boot-cut corduroys into them, but the foot bed was so large that when I walked, my feet were sliding back and forth. I put on two pairs of thick socks, and that helped a lot, but the fit still seemed off. I have Amazon Prime, which gets me free 2-day shipping and free returns on shoes, so I bought a size 8 to compare with the 9s. The 8s fit great with a mid-weight pair of socks. Plenty of room for my toes to wiggle. They'd also work with one pair of thick socks, but not two pairs of thick socks. The calf is more snug, although wearing skinny jeans with these boots was the obvious solution. I've got larger calves (14.75"), and shopping for boots can be challenging. I'm so glad these fit, because I love the design.

I also did a water test with the 8s, because the 9s leaked after wearing them in slush, leaving my socks damp. I filled the bathtub halfway with cold water and stood in it for a few minutes. The 8s stayed nice and dry! I did wear these around the house afterwards just because they're SO LIGHTWEIGHT and comfy, but rubber doesn't breathe and my toes began to feel a little sweaty. When I took the boots off, my socks were dry, and my feet aired out in a couple minutes. When I wear them this spring, I'm going to sprinkle powder in my socks and/or the boots to stay comfortable, since rubber keeps water out, but also keeps it in.

I think the reviewers who had size issues were like me-- on the small end of their shoe size. The reviewers who had no size issues are on the big end. I do think these boots run large. I've got 1 or 2 pairs of size 8.5 shoes in my closet, but I've NEVER worn a 9.5. So I guess this could be a litmus test: if you've ever worn a half size smaller shoe, go a full size smaller in this boot. Otherwise, just get your normal size. And half sized gals should definitely round down a full size, if not two.

I chose these because I live in Wisconsin, where wet snow, ice, slush, mud, rain, and puddles occur throughout the year. I also work outside a lot and my backyard becomes a total mud pit any chance it gets. I wanted boots that were functional for working in the garden and then could be hosed off and worn to the farmer's market. Plus this style has so many colors, it will go with just about any outfit. Big bonus from some of the uggos out there. Would it kill L.L. Bean to make Wellies in something other than shit green/brown?

 I'll update this review if I run into further issues with these boots; otherwise I'm ready to rock this spring in style!