I am so happy to have found this company. I live in Maine. It is cold here-like 6 months of the year. These boots are comfortable, warm, stylish, everthing you could need in boot but rarely find. I usually wear a size 8.5 sneaker and a 9 boot. I decided to get a size 39 and I'm glad that I did. Although I could have probably gone up to a 40 and worn a thicker sock. BUT......you actually don't have to wear a sock with these if you don't want to because of the wool lining. It feels awesome! We have not yet had snow on the ground so I can't speak to the traction in snow or ice yet. I saved up for a year to get these- I don't normally spend this much on boots but they are worth it.