Had difficulty deciding what size to order because many people indicated that they felt we should size up one size. I have narrow heels and wider Front on my feet, plus having toe issues, and these arrived in my usual size, 41, even though I ordered 42 so apparently someone was watching out for me because of 42 would've been much too big. I can see where a person who has a thickness on the front of their ankle going toward the instep might feel them a little bit tight, But I have high insteps, and they feel fine to me. If they did not have the zipper on the side, I think they would be very difficult to put on. I love them exactly the way they are. I might put an insole in to give a little more arch support, but I haven't made that decision yet. I just noticed that I had her on this indicates that I purchased a size 10/10 1/2 which would've been a 42. That is what I tried to purchase but I did not receive that. I received a 9/9 1/2 or 41, my usual size, so I did not need to size up as was recommended by many people.