I'm a big fan of Sorel and have a few other pairs in a size 5 (women's size 7). The Whitney II are noticeably tighter, so I removed the insoles and they fit much better. They've also stretched out a bit over time, and I can now wear them with the insoles. They're still a little snug, but the thickness of the insoles makes the boots incredibly comfortable, almost like wearing slippers.I'd be hesitant to use these in mud and slush because of the light color, but they're perfect for frigid temperatures and light rain/snow. The traction is also really good for icier conditions that my duck boots don't handle as well. Plus, they're nearly half the price of the women's version, so they're a great overall boot for me.