As I already own a pair of double sole elk leather Minnetonka boots and find them to be the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, I wanted a similar pair that would wear outdoors without excessive sole wear can be worn. Despite the warnings that this shoe size is too small, I ordered the same size as before, knowing that they would stretch and I prefer to wear them without socks. That was an accurate estimate, except for one factor: I usually wear wide, hard-soled shoes, and the rubber soles on these shoes don't allow for as much stretch as elk-soled shoes. Although the shoes are a little tight, they do get more comfortable over time and I wouldn't trade them for a larger size which I felt would be too long. I also find these shoes very well made and comfortable. Rubber outsoles are made of soft rubber and after wearing them for a while I can forget which pair I'm wearing.