“Great boot, runs small”

“I bought these boots a few months back when they were on sale. Last winter, I wore the Columbia Bugabootoo but sliced a hole in the bottom of them on a sharp rock while hiking. I figured I would try these as they were cheaper at the time and I was looking for something a little less bulky. These boots definitely run 1/2 to a full size too small. I wasn't too concerened about them because I have very narrow feet, but it still ran very small. They have taken me awhile to break in (at least six 2 hour hikes) and the biggest complaint I have is that if I lace them either too tight or too lose they rub the outside of my ankle in a painful way (I normally have NO problems with shoes rubbing wrong). It takes about three tries to get the laces just right in order for them not to rub. The other downfall is that the tread on the bottom is wearing out VERY quickly and doesn't grip slush and ice very well (and we aren't even into the full of winter yet). I solved that problem by buying some slip on grips. However, I've only had them for a few months now and wear them maybe once or twice a week and there is considerable wearing on the tread. Compaired to the Bugabootoo that I wore last year, I have to say that I prefer the Bugabootoo even though they are more bulky. The Bugabootoos leave room to spare for thicker socks whereas these do not leave ANY spare room for thick socks. If you are planning on wearing anything more than a medium weight hiking sock definitely order these a 1/2 size or full size larger...especially if you have a medium to wide foot. Overall, good boots, but I'm currently shopping for a replacement pair just in case these don't make it through the winter.”