I wear a 7.5 shoe and boot.  I ordered a 7.5 and it was extremely comfortable right out of the box.  I do not have wide feet, but I do have a very high arch. These boots fit like a glove, and I mean that in every possible positive way.  There is proper heel slippage, as there should be in a western boot.  Based on my experience with these, I will only order Ariat boots. The color (silly brown)looks very close to the pic above - not black, but very dark brown - no problem wearing my favorite black t shirt with these!! I cannot recommend these highly enough.  I also own durango western boots, and these are by far more stylish and comfortable!  I will update after wearing them out this week!