After reading other reviews, I admit I thought maybe the wearers weren't used to wearing boots. I used to work in the emergency services and am used to wearing combat style boots, however they tend to lack real warmth needed when living in Wisconsin. I had my wool socks on when trying out these ultra stiff boots. I didn't like them and I sized up to a 10 because boots tend to run small, I normally wear a 9. My feet were swimming in the boots despite my wool socks. I walked around on my carpet with them and they are awkwardly stiff and they don't look like you can break them in either. They remind me of wearing snowboarding boots. On the plus side, they look snazzy and are ultra lightweight. I would think that I would want to put a foot insert in them if I were going to keep them. I walk outside a lot during the winter weather and just can't see me trying to walk in these stiff boots. They are just not comfortable. I will return them and buy something in the Kamik department.
*****UPDATE****** 2/27/13 I really wanted light but warm boots so I didn't buy the kamiks but gave a try to the COLUMBIA MINX BOOTS. Oh my word, those are the boots you want for lightweight. They are lighter than my sneakers and ultra flexible too. See my review on the Columbia Minx. Finally, warmth and a lightweight boot with sneaker flexibility! Whoohoo!!