After years of thinking about these boots i finally got some! I am usually a 40 but the 39 fit perfectly. I wore them around the mall for about 20 mins without socks and i literally have no skin left on my heel...they are so tight on the heel! i hope they loosen up. I shall wear with socks once my heels have healed! Ouch...still no regrets! Im sure i have read that other people have had trouble with tight heel...does it loosen up?