My fiance purchased a pair of $200.00 boots for me from Sterling Shoes. The young lady who helped 'size' me told me I needed a size 39. We bought the boots and after wearing them for a day at work in an office they turned out to be the most uncomfortable boots I have ever worn. I thought I would try a pair of gel inserts in them but this made the boots too tight. The brand was Roberto Vianni. I was told that because they had shown signs of wear that I could not exchange them. How on earth are you supposed to know how comfortable or painful a product is unless you wear it. I thought Roberto Vianni had a good reputation for top quality products. I feel ripped off as now I have a pair of boots sitting in my closet I can't wear for more than 2 hours. Funny how quickly they show signs of wear on the bottom. My guess is that they make the ridges so delicate on the bottom of the boots on purpose and any water comes into contact with the lettering it just fades off just like the fading receipts you get from many store transactions. My daughter shops at sterling all the time and she was surprised at how uncomfortable they were. Sterling shoes better start caring about the consumer complaints and start doing something about customer care. My recommendations or lack there of may depend on it.