I am a recent transplant to Maine and although it's been an overall mild winter, we have had some record breaking cold temperatures. These boots run large (I am a size 5-5 1/2) and bought a size 6, their smallest size, and found the boots to be comfortable when wearing wool socks. I am very active and these boots have kept my feet warm while walking my dog, hiking or snowshoeing. If I am standing still for a long period of time, for example, at the dog park, my feet do start to feel the cold, not a biting sting of cold, but start to feel the cold. When it is slushy, the dampness will creep in. I've not experienced them getting wet inside but I imagine that could happen. These boots are best for cold, snowy weather but not wet and slushy weather. Wear your jeans over the laces or wear gaiters to keep out the snow. Although they are not waterproof, these have been my favorite boots of the season. They look good and were comfortable right from the first wear.
My original order, I followed the ordering instructions and ordered an 8 since I usually wear an 8 or 8.5 depending on the brand. When they came, I thought they would be ok for winter with extra socks on but I couldn't get comfortable when walking in them and the tall part felt like it was bunching a ton in the back when I walked. So I exchanged them for a 7 and fit like a glove with regular thickness Under Armour socks. The width feels normal (ordered M) and comparable to my other shoes. If I would have ordered the fuzzy sole insert as well, the original 8 that I ordered prob would have still been too big. Glad these came since our Ohio winter just hit within the last few weeks. Def worth the wait!
I ended up snagging a pair of these boots in the dark cranberry color & they were shipped to me with in the week. I am really happy with the boot - it does seem to run big to me. I wear a 6.5 usually and got the size 6. There is plenty of room for me to wear thick socks & lots of room at the toe.
The leather is pretty stiff right now, but I know that with time/wear it will become softer.
