I've had numerous pairs of these Ariat Spitfire boots in different colors with no problems. I've been trying to put on a pair I've just bought twice and the leather is so tight it's hard to put on. Even after wearing them to work for two full days, I can't wait to get them off my feet. I don't know how this pair passed quality control but there are some serious issues with these boots. I'm not sure I'll ever buy a pair of these boots again based on this experience.