Paris Boots Wide (Steel Gray)

Just perfect!

I took these out of the box and admired the shape, the construction, and the color (which is a true gray without any other color undertones, something that can be hard to find)--they really *look* nice, elegant lines and focused design, for what is a very basic Edwardian-inspired style, and will easily dress down or up. Because these are available in Wide, I chose to buy an 8.5W instead of going with a 9 (which is what I usually do when Wide isn't available). It took a few minutes to get the laces loosened enough to get my foot in (high arch)...and when I did, I literally said "Ahhhhhh." They fit PERFECTLY and are so comfortable around my foot, a thing that I NEVER expect with boots these days. The heel height is just right for what I wanted as well. Not quite the arch support I need and a bit "hard" in the sole, but because they're wide I can get an insole in them. I suspect I'll end up buying more of these in other colors.

Very well made. Comfortable fit. Really a pretty boot.

Average

I normally wear a double wide 6.5/7, but since American Duchess is still limited with their sizes and don't offer a double wide yet I went with a wide 7.5. It's a little tight on my pinky toe, but it's about what I expected and it does seem like the leather will stretch out like I want without the shape deforming too much. I ordered the Steel grey, and really I'm disappointed in the color, it's nothing like it is in the photos. In the photos it has a nice metallic sheen and is a cool light grey. The color I received is a medium grey that does not have have that shine to it. I Imagined wearing it in a more dressy setting but with how dull the color is that's out of the question. I agree with the other customers that the laces aren't long enough, I am unable to tie them with the laces going through the top set of grommets. I'm still debating if I'll be returning because the fit is ok and I can tell I'd like them as more of an everyday shoe, but it's not the dressier color shown on the website and way I was hoping to wear.