From the minute I tried on these boots, laced them just right (noticing how only smooth leather fit across my wider left foot with a larger, tender bunion on it) and stood up and took that first step, it was love at first foot- fit sensation!  There was literally NO pain, discomfort, pinching or tight feel in either foot.

 This would be the EIGHTH (8th) boot I'd tried on in a week and a half both from Amazon and from Zappos.  I tried the Troopa by Steve Madden, the same style boot by Rockport, Wanted, Dirty Laundry, Toe Warmers, Totes (these two being more zip-up rain boot style), Free Spirit and of course, these Nine West "Technobeat" boots.  My problems ranged from too wide at the shaft and ankle (I have skinny ankles and claves but wide feet)  to  narrow across the toes and ball of my foot.  The Troopa boot came in a close second, however its reviews warned of the soles and heels cracking or coming off. (several women agreed on this point).

The Nine West Technobeat's leather is a nice rich brown color with a burnished appearance, exactly matching my HP computer screen's color display and oh,that wonderful new leather scent wafting out of the box.  The laces slid easily through their grommets making adjustments easier.  The buckle on the side I wasn't sure I liked until I discovered it was adjustable and I could snug up the fit around my ankles by moving the buckle in a notch or two.  I have a size 7.5 wide foot, but most boots, including this style, only came in a medium width.  I ordered up a half size, which seemed to fix that problem with all the styles, particularly the Nine West ones.  They seem to run a little wider in their size 8 medium which made the fit just right for me!  The toe is well-rounded with plenty of wiggle room for the tootsies.

These boots were the last of my trials.  (Besides the Troopa which I'd already reordered, thinking that style in a larger size was as good as I'd find), I decided to wear them around the house on the carpet before making up my mind for good.  I tried them laced over my jeans, then with my pants out over the boots.  Both ways looked great.  I particularly noticed, beyond the amazing comfort, that there was nothing really "mannish" about this "combat" boot's style.  With that buckle on each side, they had a rather cute, practically feminine look to them.

Bingo!  Wore them for 3 hours straight before I ever felt anything at all different on my feet.  This was such a relief, and such an unusual event for me in my quest for the perfect, stylish, not too mannish, cute, AND perfectly comfortable, "army style" lace up boot!  Happy me.  So happy, in fact, that I felt compelled to let others, maybe you?, know about my discovery just in case you are also looking far and wide for a certain style for YOUR foot.  If you are - and if you're like me, not wanting to look like you have "Storm Trooper" feet - you certainly want to give these boots a try.  Happy walking to you!