****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Alright, so, I haven't had a pair of boots since I was like, OK, well, let's just say it was pretty much 30 years ago. Remember when America loved country in the mid-nineties? Y'know, before Shania and Carrie, and Reba was the hottest woman in Country Music? Yeah, that era. So, it's been a minute.Why did I come back to this? Hell if I know, honestly, but, here I am, lifting weights, wearing camo and talking to God - just seemed like this was where things were headed and I embraced it.So I got the boots.Which, again, I have no real frame of reference, so, if you've had boots in the last 30 years, we probably have different expectations. Was I prepared for how soft the leather was? Nope, but, it's damn nice. Flares out my boot cut jeans a bit more than I was imagining, but I assume that'll change as we age together.Putting 'em on . . Again, I'm used to sneakers that I keep loose-laced and can slip on. Taking whole minutes to literally shove my foot in was not what I was expecting, but, understandable.Once I got into 'em, I understood why it was suggested to go half size down and one step wider. They're a little tighter than I'm used to across the top, but I think that'll loosen up with some more time in 'em, too. The half step down in size and going wider was clutch - they fit very well. The insole is also pretty comfy, looks like a memory foam kinda deal.Color is pretty accurate from the pictures, I've attached my own real-world example.They're definitely a square toe, which, I personally believe is more appropriate for men, and bottom line, they look right under jeans, where they should be. Your toes obviously aren't gonna fit all the way to the end, but I don't feel like I'm wearing clown shoes, either.Outsole felt pretty tacky at first blush, which was unexpected, but a welcome detail. I'm not worried about slipping in these, despite having a boot heel I'm not used to. Doing a few laps in the driveway, looking like I'm learning to walk, again, help mold 'em to my feet.So, in conclusion, I'm finna pop the tags and give these a fresh coat to make 'em mine - I'm keeping 'em and looking forward to many years in these boots.TLDR: color is pretty accurate, go half size down and one step wider, and you should be fine. Everything else is preference.
