Dr. Martens Women's Clarissa II Sandal (7-8) (Open Box)

I wear an 8 or 8.5 US in regular shoes and sandals; however, my DM Nartilla sandals are a UK5/US7 and they fit perfectly. So I ordered the Clarissas in a UK5 as well. The first thing I noticed was how stiff they were. Unyielding. When I squeezed my bare foot in, not only was it very painful, but I could not see any way that this sandal could ever come anywhere close to being big enough or comfortable. Very tight and very stiff. Did I need a larger size? The length was just right so a larger size would be too long. I have a fairly wide forefoot, but narrow heel and thin ankles. I could barely buckle the ankle straps, they were so stiff. I decided to wear them around the house for a couple of days with thick socks, just to see what happened. It was an ordeal to get them on with the socks and then it felt like they were cutting off circulation to my toes. But I persevered. End of story: after a few days of indoor, sock-wearing breaking in, the difference is amazing. I’m wearing them today without socks (still around the house because I don’t think they’re ready to wear to work or for a walk yet) and the forefoot and ankle straps have stretched and softened just as I hoped they would. They are the correct size for me; they just need considerable breaking in. I can now tell that the more I wear them, the softer they will become. What had previously seemed inconceivable is happening- they are morphing into very comfortable footwear. And they look good, too.