I’ve never owned a pair of boots in my entire life but a friend recommended I get a pair for a dress I was wearing to her daughters wedding. I searched on line for the most comfortable cowgirl boots available & Ariat was highly rated. I have 6 1/2 size feet but because they are wide, I wear a 7. I also have muscular calves (another reason why I never owned boots). I received these boots on Friday and the wedding was the next day. The first time I put them on, I barely got my foot past the ankle. I’m fearless & wanted these boots… so I maneuvered my feet in & walked around. Very comfortable. Wide and wonderful. Getting them off the first time was a feat … husband and son helping to pull them off. Again, I am fearless & wanted these boots. I put them on the morning of the wedding. They slid on easier - still a little tight at the ankle but easier. I walked around. I was winning this battle, they were stretching as leather will do. This time, I was able to remove them myself … not easy but I did it. I decided to put on a pair of thin ankle / trouser socks to soften the ankle area of the boot. Worked perfectly! I wore the boots to the wedding… a crazy idea as new shoes almost always hurt … not a blister, not a pain, not a problem. This boot war was won & I am now the new and proud owner of my first cowgirl boots. I know with time, they will get even more comfortable and easier to put on & take off. My daughter eyed them with the hope that she would get them since they at first didn’t “fit”. Not. Happening. I love these boots.