Buying shoes and boots online is a challenge (bless Amazon's free returns!), especially because apparently all shoe sizes are not created equal.  I sometimes wear an 8, sometimes an 8.5, but the 8.5 in these Clarks boots was too large, so I exchanged them for an 8, which is perfect!  These boots are comfortable, the shaft is narrow enough for my skinny ankles and the toe-bed wide enough for a little wiggle room -- no rubbing or binding and no breaking-in required.  I like these boots so much I've also ordered a second pair in red (burgundy), and, since I've never owned/worn a pair of red shoes in my life before or even had two pair of the same style shoes simultaneously, this says a lot about how much I love these Clarks!