Being new to cold/snowy weather I needed boots to wear that were warm and rain/snow resistant and looked good enough to wear when I have to dress more than casual...some complaints I have heard about boots is the fact that they are too tight around the calf...I purchased my usual size and they fit beautifully (granted I've never had issues with calf size)...the zipper allows me to tuck in my pants easily and they are high enough that the pants don't pull out and hang sloppily.