first time purchase w/backcountry.com and they get 5 stars
this is my second pair of these boots, the first came from a local shop, the right foot was ok but the left boot's toe developed a flex-crease too far forward and blistered my left foot and were returned there.
i bought the second pair here, these boots seem to differ in shape within each pair as this time the right foot was a little tight when new. I felt it was the material the boot is made of. This time I did not cinch the boots tight when first wearing them, just laced them up and walked around in them quite a bit to soften the material and it worked. So far 12 miles and no blisters, pinch points etc. boot is warm, waterproof, plenty rigid enough, and no trouble with the tongues. Great for the money spent. i only gave 4 stars because of the experience i had with the first pair