The unboxing was very good. The boots were carefully packaged, wrapped and separated like a high end product. There was no odor whatsoever other than a pleasant familiar rubber smell that indicated quality. I ordered a size 11, and I am a consistent 10.5 Wide (2E) precise size. If you are a 10.5 W (2E) and wear Danner, Rocky, or Matterhorn USA military boots, then size 11 is perfect with a Smartwool sock and a WigWam sock liner underneath. I suggest the Smartwool Mens Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew sock and a fine sock liner to ease getting into and out of these boots. Make sure your toenails are trimmed and sanded down to avoid piercing the expensive socks and to ensure good foot health! Also exfoliate and sand-paper off any rough or dry skin on your feet to ensure maximum comfort prior to use. I do not suggest cotton socks; only tight fitting wool from Darn Tough Vermont or Smartwool. The sock liner is critical to avoid swamp-foot and to maintain the pilling of the wool sock. The liner is your moisture and vapor transport barrier! The boots are not insulated, but lined, which is my preference, and these boots will be ideal for warm weather, especially when the rubber portion of the boot is in the water. There is a removable foot bed-cushion insert in these boots that is adequate, or you can install your own to ensure rigidity. Orthotic inserts should fit as well. Do not expect ankle support, it was not in the design, or required. If you have athletic legs (not soft or obese legs) and good size firm quadriceps and hamstrings, then the leg openings will be snug. I measure a 27" thigh with a thin pair of snug Clothing Arts pickpocket proof blue jeans. This will be the maximum leg opening, and the openings on these boots seem as if they were tailor made for my thigh (I got lucky here). The canvas is beautiful and high end, and the stitching is perfect. The product is worth the asking price, and the price is fair given the quality and the good looks of these boots. I am going to look good sporting these boots and will be color matching my shirts and gear to match the canvas color. The build quality is so good, that I am now considering FrogToggs over Simms for chest waders and related gear. If they made this hip boot to these standards, than it is safe to assume their other offerings will follow suite. I am highly impressed by this made in China boot, which is no surprise because if a product manager wants a well made product from China, it can be done. If you need ankle support, then purchase Aryse IFAST® dynamic ankle stabilizer that will fit inside this boot, or any boot. I intend to use this boot carefully, and to hike and walk into a spot on non-technical ground. If I needed to hike 3 miles through rough-terrain to get to my spot, whether hunting or fishing, then I would use a stocking foot offering with a set of high end Corker wading boots. If I need to hike with these boots, then they are going on my back attached to my Alice-pack, and will be hiked into the spot, then put on and used at the site, which is a viable option for Rambo types.
