I have purchased many Clarks shoes in this same size and have been happy with each and every one. The quality, the fit, the design was perfect in every case. Based on this history, I ordered this shoe in my usual size. Unfortunately, I encountered three problems. First, the toe area was so tight as to cause pain. True, I have somewhat wide feet, but Clarks had always fit me fine in the past. Someone with a narrower foot might fare better. Second, in the area around the ankle, the leather was so stiff that I could not fit the shoe to my foot despite the Velcro; it ballooned awkwardly outward from my ankle. Lastly, the leather almost looks artificial. The imprinted design is intended to look rustic and natural, but instead makes genuine leather look like fake. The quality is sturdy as always, but they just fit differently than any other pair I'd owned. After many happy Clarks purchases, this is my first disappointment.