My main concern was warmth! With my old boots, which I thought were fine, my feet would be freezing cold within minutes. With the Sorel boots, my feet are SO toasty warm and stay that way! and I couldn't be happier! Very good looking boot also, and the traction I get with these boots is excellent also, which was my 2nd big concern. I would give it 5 stars but I am not so thrilled with the pull at the top on one side designed to help you pull your boots on. It indeed helps to have this pull! as at first, these boots are a bit hard to get on until you get used to them...but if you pull your pants down over the boot, the pull sticks out a bit and looks a little funny. Not the biggest deal, after all, its winter and who cares what you look like when you are trying to stay warm and dry! I'm just saying that would be the only thing I would change is either make the pull smaller? or just not have it. But otherwise, a really great boot that does its job! Last, I'd say fairly true to size? I am an 8.5 and I ordered a 9 and they fit very well with socks on!