Sorel Womens Short Sport Hiking Boots

I am normally a 7 but will need 7.5 if I am going to consider keeping these. The sole is very comfy even though the heel isn't entirely spongy -but better than most cheaper boots that are rock hard. Very sturdy - but then a bit too stiff! Even though I love the design and colour of the shoe, these are very difficult to put on and seem very stiff around the leg. I have really narrow feet and legs so I can imagine if your feet are wider and chunky it would be really hard to put them on, even though once they are on there is plenty of room! I'm sure you can put up with it but I think it would annoy me after a while. I understand that you can break into boots gradually but I bought timberland boots a year ago and I thought I could break into them but gave up for similar reasons like the puffy ankle bit at the top of the shoe feeling restrictive round my leg! Although the padding around the top of the rim at the back of the shoe LOOKS comfy, I personally find it uncomfortable because it doesn't align with my leg and the rest of my ankle properly. I think the tallest part of the shoe needs to be angled back slightly to allow for more flexibility like some of the other boots I own. Perhaps if you have larger ankles you can fill out the shoe more in the right places. So best to just try them out for yourself!