I was afraid at first these boots would be "too stylish" for me. Like I'd feel out of my style comfort zone wearing them. But after wearing them the first time and feeling the click of those sturdy heels and the overall comfort factor, I realized they weren't just in my comfort zone, they give me a swagger that I can't get enough of. Heck I even wore them to the driving range the other day!I ordered a 9 to start, which is what I usually wear, and they were way too big. I processed the exchange and got another pair of boots to my door in like 2 days, before I even sent the other pair back! Awesome service. Then I could compare the two and decided the 8.5 was right for me.They are tight to pull on and off at first but as I've worn them over the past month and a half they get easier to take on and off ever time. Only thing I'm bummed about is I love the shape of the boot and wanted to wear it under my boot cut jeans as well as with skinny jeans. But it just does not work. Not even with my flairs. The fabric bunches above the knee and looks really weird. Maybe someday I'll splurge on the shorty for under jean wear.