The boots I received are quite literally as new. I think they look and feel great and as with virtually everything I have purchased from A&O, quality and delivery times are fantastic.
However, the size I purchased (UK8) is unfortunately quite tight across the bridge of the foot and quickly becomes painful to wear. I have persevered in trying to wear them in, hoping they will stretch, but to date after about 8 hours of wear, they are still tight and uncomfortable across the bridge - I guess in someways that is a testimony to their quality, that they are not going to stretch anytime soon.
I always purchase UK8 and seldom ever experienced shoes/boots being too tight, but I guess that is one of the risks when you cannot try something on before purchase. In hindsight I should have gone for a UK8.5 (possibly even a UK9) as I think that would have been the perfect fit for me and I'm almost tempted to buy another pair (in a larger size) as I really do like these boots.