Back when the Olathe Boot Co. was in business they used to have a sign on the wall that said, "If it's tight in the instep and loose in the heel, it fits." That about sums it up. You gotta try 'em on. If you're trying to buy boots via mail order, you're wasting your time and money. I have boots that are over 20 years old, have been soled and heeled numerous times, and are still good boots. They sure don't look new, but they sure wear well.........

WD pretty much summed it up straight for you. You have to break in a pair of boots, like breakin in a wild stallion. Not comfortable at first, but well worth the effort after a short while......

When I try on a pair of boots, I look for tight fit with a slight heel slippage. The heel should stop slipping once the boot is broke in which typically takes about a week of constant wear. Also, the sides eventually loosen up for a comfortable fit.