****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I ordered these boots for a charity event I have coming up in late September. I have never owned cowboy/western boots but I am glad to have had the occasion to purchase these. Not many people wear cowboy boots in my area for fashion.The boots arrived two days early and were packaged very nicely. They came in a nicely designed, colorful Laredo box and were individually wrapped in breathable plastic bags. Each boot was filled with paper to hold the shape of the boot.Upon first inspection, the boots seemed a little stiff and are darker in color, as others have stated, than depicted in the advertisement. It gives them that rugged, worn and loved look. The quality of the stitching and the studs looks like it will last. The stitching is a light color and the design is very pretty. I love the cross inlays. The inside of the shaft of the boot is lined with a dark brown cloth and is comfy. The bottom of the shoe is a flexible dark brown rubber material. The heel measures 2".Upon slipping the boot onto my foot I didn't hear that "pop" noise that others have described but the boot fit snugly on my foot. My heel slips up slightly when I walk which I have read is normal for a properly fitted boot. I wear a 9 in street shoes and a 9 1/2 in athletic shoes. I have very average feet. They are not wide nor are they narrow. I can usually pick any size 9 off of a shelf and wear it comfortably. I've measured my feet with those devices you see in shoe stores. My left foot measures a ladies 9 and my right foot measures a ladies 8 1/2, which really isn't a problem. I looked at the size chart provided by Laredo and it corresponded to 8 1/2 for my bigger size 9 foot. (10 1/4 inches and 26 cm from heel to toe). I even measured a sandal I own. It is a size nine sandal, but it's measurements corresponded with Laredo's size 8 1/2. I really agonized over which size to order with everybody's reviews recommending to order a half or whole size smaller. I ordered a 9 and that was the right decision for me. Besides it was $18 cheaper to NOT order a 1/2 size smaller! ;-)I'm 5'9" and about 140 lbs. My calves measure 13" in circumference. The boot fits perfectly on my calves. The boot was very snug along the top of my foot and slightly pinched my toes. I walked around the house and in five minutes the leather had warmed up and relaxed to fit my foot. The sole of the boot is slightly cushioned. The boot bed feels narrow. I am hoping it will relax the more I wear the boots. Before my event I will wear the boots with socks around the house so that they will give a little and be more comfy.All in all, I'm excited to own such a beautiful pair of boots! I'm hoping to be able to wear them comfortably for many years to come.
