Breaking them in wasn't that bad. There were reviews of people having their legs looking roughed up from the boot. I didn't have that issue. It was a little stiff when I first wore them for my 12 hour shift but it wasn't that bad. Once I broke them in, they are the best boots I've owned plan to buy another pair. Toe box fit me fine I don't have wide feet or legs so the boot was perfect for me. Cute color and style but comfortable and so far durable. I work 12s in a plastic factory and I honestly somehow always end up beating my shoes and boots up right away but they still look decent after a couple weeks.* update.*Ordered a second pair in black. They're beautiful just like the marlin pair. They fit was exact and I'm not disappointed.I bought these for a sweet young lady recently to wear at work on a concrete floor moving stock for a well known big box store. This morning a heavy cart rolled over the back of her heel and ankle. She has bruise ankle and heel tendons, is in a brace and on crutches but I am sure the injury would have been so much worse without these shoes! They are very well made and comfortable. The steel toe protection is excellent, arch is good. Size was true to fit.Using it 35 hours a week from the box and I generally get size 8 shoes for running; this protects my toes from 50 lb cast iron and I can still hike in the easements. I also scrubbed once and washed and sprayed with waterproofing. I’m the one who doesn’t complain about my boots be too heavy. And it also protects my ankles from the unstable terrain.Fit comfortably right out the box with minor heel rubbing during the break in process. Toes aren't crammed in by the steel box. Most comfortable pair of boots I've owned. Dont make my feet look huge like some brands!I have relatively narrow feet and these fit me well. They did need to be broken in bc they rubbed my ankle bone and heel at first.I really love these boots. I work construction and am on my feet for up to 15 hours a day sometimes. These are really comfortable and feel supportive. Definitely plan on buying another pair in a different colorWith the steel toe box, too small means your toe is pushing up against a steel ridge. The foot bed is very cushiony, but there is no arch support. And certainly no room for insoles! They were such nice boots, however, that I will be reordering. I’m trying a whole size larger.Fit perfectly, not too heavy to walk in.