text: Update: December 3rd 2015<br />With use and compression socks, these boots loosened up to a proper fit. Unfortunately, I abused the boots to the point that a hole developed in my right boot. I'll have to say that the maker of the boots did not design them to be used as working boots while cutting down trees and splitting wood, I can say they were also not designed for a tactical environment either.<br />And after seeing the dramatic price increase, I highly recommend that you do not waste your hard earned money on these boots.<br /><br />But that is not a problem for an Army veteran.<br /><br />I listed these boots as fitting a little tight, but that may fix itself after being broken in.<br />Update: 8/01/2011<br />After an extensive hike to break these boots in, I'll have to admit these boots are very comfortable. They did loosen up a bit, but they still fit about a half size too small.<br />I noticed another review that said these boots cracked on them, I guess they need to learn how to take care of leather products like this. The leather is of the same quality of the combat boots I was issued when I first joined the US Army. I would suggest cleaning them with saddle soap and keeping them polished with black boot polish. Leather dye can be used to cover any scrapes that go past the boot polish.<br /><br />I would compare these boots to Herman Survivors and Rocky combat style boots, but I hope  Ridge Wear lasts longer than those.