They just came yesterday and I was actually sad when it was time to go to bed and take them off! I'm so eager to break these puppies in for sure. First of all, they came exquisitely packaged, from the box to the tissue paper wrapped around each each shoe separately, even the fitted paper inside of them was perfect. Definitely these boots were packed with care and not a rush job by any means. I wear an 8 1/2 in shoes and opted for an 8 after reading all the reviews here as well as visiting the official Dr. Martens website. It seems sizing down if you're between sizes with average feet is highly recommended. I'm glad I did. I have slightly narrow feet, but these fit me like a dream. It's as if they were handstitched to my specifications! I don't know how they would work with something besides an average foot if perhaps wide, these being so fitted to mine, I'd have to suggest looking into sizing up if you have wide feet, but that's just this narrow footed persons take on it. I like to know what I'm getting myself into, information is power in my book. My pair were imported from Bangladesh, and reading about the history on their site, they used to be made only in England, but they sourced some of the work (not all) to a couple of other countries. I know that at least these are doing right by the Dr. Marten way when they all came specifically from England, they are perfect. You are definitely getting what you pay for! Growing up with uniforms that required good shoes like leather penny loafers, saddle shoes and patent leather mary jane shoes, I knew that they would require some breaking in. They are stiff and sturdy, but that's a good thing from my experience because as you wear them and break them in they mold to you exactly. The bottoms are so dreamy with the Air-Wair bouncy soles! You really do get a cushioned bounce with each step. I'll be wearing them around the house a few weeks (I'd say between 3-5 weeks one can break in a pair to fit so naturally. I got the "Patent Lamper" kind, which is patent leather. From what I know from looking into it for my own benefit, it's leather suede with PU (Poly Urethane) over the top to give it the extra shine. It's not as hard as straight up leather, but it's hard enough. You might need to massage the leather some to help break it in faster, but I'll just wear them in the house until they are more molded to me. If you got the patent leather ones, do expect some "squeaks" when you walk. That's normal and has happened to me with any shoe of the same material in my lifetime. It'll get better over the years (yes, years and years and then some more, these are built to last!). For now, I am wearing a pair of my hubby's big socks which actually fit. like knee highs on me and then push them down after the boot is on to help not chafe around the top of the boot where it sits on my skin. This is just while I'm breaking them in, when they soften a little I do not expect that to be an issue. It was nice to get that tip, plus, in my opinion, it's a cool look with the socks anyway with dresses, skirts, jeans, leggings and daisy dukes even! I'm thankful and consider myself blessed to own these "Docs" and am looking forward to a long time friendship with my boots! Dress them up or down, doesn't matter, they are a classic to last for any age! It's how you feel after all, but expect the compliments for sure. Make the style your own! (While doing it in comfort while you're at it with these boots). I highly recommend these. I will never need another black pair by taking care of scuffs on my own with these and would definitely snag some other colors if I had the funds because these are beyond dreamy and comfortable. A little bouncy cloud to walk on, and I am loving it! I hope this helps you, keep reading all you can about these boots and decide if you're willing to give them a chance. I hope you're as happy as I am with them! :)