The service and shipping from NRS is excellent. Not sure why I'm from Texas and only discovered AB within the past year. I've worn most other brands but I never saw them when I lived in the DFW area. When I order a pair of AB's, I expect there'll be a few loose stitches and that the sole may not be exactly perfect. The toe bug isn't perfect, mainly because of the irregular grain of the elephant hide. The 'black buff' coloring has some natural irregularity. The wide square toe and the natural leather sole and foam insole are possibly 'love it or hate it' elements but I love it. It has felt 'just right' from the first time a tried on a pair. In terms of sizing, using a 3D scanner, my feet are size 10.5D and 10E and the 10.5 D's feel about perfect. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't expect AB's to be perfect and I'm not judging them that way. They are an excellent handmade boot with what appears to be excellent materials built with a 'rough and raw' appeal by people who know how to do their job.