With great trepidation I decided to try these out; the sizing issues appeared to be a nightmare! I ordered in the listed equivalent (39) to my usual US size (8.5-9) and lo and behold, that's what I received. Perhaps the discrepancy has been worked out; frankly I didn't look to see what was printed on the inside label--I just popped it right on. And they fit!

I purchased in the black; the violet suede was tempting but black goes w/everything. I was pleased they weren't a shiny black black as I wanted a super causal, rocker-chic look. The leather smells divine, they're clearly quality (pretty typical from this brand), and the overall look was exactly what I was aiming for. The buckles are well done--they actually function (though don't affect fit) and don't jingle jangle with each step. The hardware is awesome--not too shiny or cheap looking. And I love the that the leather isn't perfectly smooth but NOT 'distressed' or too pebbled. I'm so over the purposely distressing/aging/scarring trend. See my prior reviews for those rants, lol.

Fit wise, I find them to be a teensy bit narrow/stiff in the toe bed. I have fairly flat feet/low instep so don't have difficulty getting my feet into boots w/o a side zipper. However, if you DO have a high instep, this boot could be tricky. Length-wise they're TTS and though a thick sock proved a wee bit snug, they're already stretching out; I don't advise ordering up.

The shaft circumference is surprisingly wide. You typically don't see quite such an oddly generous cut on a bootie. I suppose it's just the style, but if you have micro-thin legs I could see how it might make for a galoshes-like silhouette. I paired these with leggings and then layered funky knee-high socks over the leggings and it looks great... but with just a bare or hosed leg, the super wide circumference isn't as flattering. You can see the beige lining when you walk or look down--it's so wide!

I wore these out on a long Saturday night and they proved comfy; no blistering. The no-slip sole was great as I traversed stairs in the dark. No worries.

I gambled on the Trestrap and it paid off. I may have been lucky based on prior reviews. But as of 11/16/12 I think it might be worth it to see if this Kickers cutie is equally as pleasing for you.