THE BOOTS OF MY DREAMS! I am a huge Frye fan, positively addicted to the timeless style and superior craftsmanship of their boots. I currently have seven pairs...which is really 6 pairs too many because not only are they fairly expensive, but they last forever. One of the things I love about this brand is their consistent sizing across all models; it's such a relief to just be able to order an 8.5 online, in any style, and *know* without a doubt that it will fit (whereas so many other companies play stupid games with their sizing). However, these might just be the last pair of Frye boots I ever buy because--GAME OVER, Veronica wins!!! If there were an official Venn Diagram of "Badass" and "Classy," Veronica Combat boots would be that place in the center. First off, they really do look like the old-school combat boots I used to rock in high school; comfortable and surprisingly lightweight, yet weatherproof and sturdy, the perfect kicks for wearing around the city (because you want to look your best but never know when you might have to put your foot in someone's ass). And as for that classic style, I could weep tears of actual joy that Frye refrained from ruining this perfect ankle boot with a tacky zipper; the lace-up shaft is just the right height to wear with skinny jeans or cropped pants, and they look equally fly with a dress and tights or a skirt and leggings. I have to admit, the stone-wash finish was not my first choice, but 8.5s in regular black seemed to be sold out everywhere so I took a chance and I'm so glad I did! The stone wash looked a little bit splotchy and contrived right out of the box, but they actually look amazing now that the boot itself is broken in more, like they're naturally (and badassly) weathered. Not that these babies needed any breaking in in terms of comfort; they absolutely cradled my foot with a perfect, feels-like-custom-made fit the minute I put them on. I disagree with other reviewers who recommended sizing up because of the stiff toe-box: the very bottom of the toe box rubbed my left pinky a bit, but they loosened up after a day or two of wearing and I never even got a blister. Now I wear them everywhere, all day, everyday: to the office, out on the weekend, even hanging around the house in sweatpants. I love love LOVE these boots and cannot recommend them enough!