Slip it on and go!

This is my third identical pair of Bearpaws. I'm impressed with the high quality, comfort, value and warmth of these boots.  Here's my story: My usual size is 8.5. I bought a size 9 at the beginning of winter 2008-2009. However, as happens with all shearling boots, the wool wore thin inside, and by February 2009 I was sloshing around in them, and they had lost their shape, making my ankle buckle. I tossed them into a Goodwill box. My 15-year-old daughter suggested I get a pair that was a size smaller. We were able to find clearances galore in February 2009. I found a pair for $40 and wore them more than I've ever worn any other boot. As winter 2009-2010 raged on, the soles started to wear thin. I was able to use my old Bearpaws until a few weeks ago. It's now the 2010 spring season, and I could not find an identical pair of Bearpaws in the stores. I did manage to find a few pairs of the affordable sub-brand at Target online, but they were the same price. I decided to get the "real thing" instead. I found my pair on Amazon for $60. It was the best price I could find anywhere. My love affair with these boots continues.

The moral of my story is:

1. Buy them 1/2 or 1 size smaller than you normally wear.
2. Be ready to invest $40 to resole them because the sole is soft and fairly thin, and it will wear out before the rest of the boot (still cheaper than UGGs). The rest of the boot will hold up fine.
3. The fur inside offers some support, but consider an insole if you are going to be walking miles in them, as I do.
4. You can recycle your old boots: They are also totally yummy as a house shoe, to be worn without socks; or stick them in the Goodwill box. An art or fashion student will undoubtedly put them to good use.