The boots are gorgeous out of the box, however, the right does appear to have been stretched and underneath it does look like someone lightly walked around in both of them. No biggy because they fit beautifully. I typically wear a size 8.5, but upon reading reviews I chose the size 9. They do have about a half inch gap at the toe box, but it’s perfect with thick socks, they don’t feel cramped at all. The inside shows Made in Mexico as my other FRYE boots have printed and that wonderful smell of leather is apparent as soon as you open the box.I ordered a 9.5 in these (I am a tightish 9 - comfortable 9.5 US/UK 7/Euro 40, my foot measures 25cm) and went larger because of the pointed toe. I was actually worried they'd be too big as my Carson Shortie's are a 9 and are at LEAST a half size too big, they fit me like a loose 9.5-10. These were almost impossible to get on but with thin socks it eventually happened and was easier after that. But my toes are a couple cm's from the end and my heel is touching the back. When I compared both shoe styles it turns out they measure exactly the same from heel to toe which is extremely inconsistent sizing for a similar style boot from the same company! My advice is go half a size larger in these and a full size smaller in the Carson's and you should be ok. The color is a dusty/dusky brown not grey or charcoal at all but does go with most things. The boots are gorgeous and well made and my whole room smells like leather! Shipping was unbelievably fast. I'll probably keep them and hope they stretch a little.I'll never be able to wear them with thick socks but bet they're wonderfully comfortable on bare feet!This is my first pair of Frye boots. The toe is pointier than I expected, which makes the style is VERY western. I got a little worried about that, but after trying the boots with a few different outfits, it turns out I really kind of like that aesthetic. I got the black stone wash, and the colour/finish goes with everything in my wardrobe. Don't be afraid to try something different.To get them on, once I found the right (guess one could say) angle and area to pull up on, they were easy to slip my feet into, there was no struggle. The boots are roomy and very comfortable, and I'm sure people can wear thicker socks with them. The pointy toe does not pinch your feet, so don't worry—my feet are size 9M, and I ordered my true size, medium width, and no breaking-in was necessary. It felt like I've had the boots forever with just one wear.All that being said, even with the Amazon sale price (as opposed to the Frye website where these exact boots are a whopping $421.45) I think these boots are a tad expensive for what you get. Not bad quality, but not spectacular either.I didn't find anything disliking. Its worth every penny, and they will last forever. The craftsmanship is beyond what I expected. I also find the boots to be very comfortable. Again, worth every penny!!It's taken 3 separate orders to get the right fit. I am a 7 or 7.5 in my other Frye boots so I started off ordering a 7. Could get the left one on but nowhere near the right. Back they went and re-ordered a 7.5. Gutted that I couldn't get either of these on, with socks, without socks, cling film, couple of glasses of wine, you name it i tried it. So back they went. Today a pair of size 8's arrived. The right one went on fairly easily but the left one put up a bit of resistance initially but they are on, I'm sitting here admiring them and am glad I persevered. Got the black suede ones. I think they are just a narrow boot and if your instep is high you may just have to go up size wise but they are so stylish and very comfortable once on. Cannot wait to take them back to London to wear this winter, Frye are much more expensive over there and you can only get limited styles. As usual a great deal with Amazon.I normally wear 7.5 in all shoes, including Ariat & Dingo boots. I ordered 7.5 in these, Stone Wash Black. First time on, was very difficult to get onto my feet, but once they were on, they fit perfectly. The first time taking them off, was much easier than putting them on. I took them on and off repeatedly, each time getting them on was easier. I absolutely love the look and fit of these boots. They are low profile, the shaft does not stick out at all under jeans or other pants - perfect. I have initially worn them with merino wool socks, med thickness. The toe bed is not tight at all, and the slippage in the heel is exactly right. The smell is amazing, and the distressed portion looks authentic, not "dipped in another color" for efffect. They literally are distressed, and I don't plan on babying them at all. Wish I could afford all the colors.... will build a collection over time.I love the Frye Billy Short boots. However, I returned the black pebbled full grain leather. They were just too black. I wanted the 77815 which is the number posted for these boots but that's not what I received. I wear a size 6 in other boots but I wear a 6.5 in these. They run 1/2 size too small if you have medium width or wider feet. If you have a high instep these might be next to impossible to get on. I put plastic bags on my feet & take them on & off several times until the leather stretches & softens around the boot opening. Then I wear thin slippery socks. Love the look of the Frye Billy Short.The gold is black suede with a gold shimmer finish. The toes have a worn look with no shimmer. Very unique and stylish, but I won’t be surprised if the gold shimmer rubs off eventually, but this may be OK as it could add to the worn look.I'm normally a size 9 but ordered size 9.5 due to the comments stating the boots ran small. They were too big so returned them for a 9. Found they were still slipping at the heel even with thicker socks and rather wide as well...wider than other styles of Frye boots. Unfortunately, had to return these boots too. Still had to give them a 5 star rating though, as they are a lovely colour, beautifully made and of excellent quality. Just what you'd expect from a Frye boot.Wow,,,,they are the most comfortable boot ever!!! So stylish and amazing!! Actually fit like a glove!Fryw is amazing quality as always.Beautiful boots. A bit more brown than I thought, but still very nice!