If these didn't stand out so much, I would wear them every day!

I listened to the suggestions and purchased a 9 although I typically wear a 9.5.  I am able to wear fairly thick socks, and the size still works - it would look odd having an empty toe in these!

I treated them with suede treatment, but I don't wear them in the rain so I am not sure how well they would hold up or if they would soak through to your foot.  The sole is very flexible with little dots on the bottom - these prevent any chance of slipping.

One of the main reasons I chose these boots is because I have very skinny calves; most boots just look silly on my legs unless I wear jeans.  The lace-ups allow me to tightly lace these snugly around my legs (and, it isn't even at the tightest "setting") so that I can wear these with a skirt or dress.

I have to loosen the laces almost all the way to pull my foot out.  This was time consuming at first, but after a few wears I think the boots know what I want them to do.

I receive compliments every time I wear these - even my grandfather pointed them out.  I don't think he has commented on any type of clothing my entire life - that to say you can't wear them every day unless you are going for a new Pocahontas look that you want everyone to notice.

For some reason I thought Minnetonka was US made - These are made in the Dominican Republic. (still, good quality)