My first proper boots (Meermin), are they supposed to fit like this?

[Boulder]

So, as my title states, I have never before owned a proper pair of boots. My experience is limited to your average 50-90 USD cemented sole boots. I got sick of the poor quality and decided to try a new route. Based on some research here on SF, I purchased these dark brown boots from Meermin.

The question of the day is: Are these the rigth size?
They feel just fine, but i feel that I am lacing them to tight to achieve that feeling. I noticed that the leather just in front of the laces rises a bit, as seen in the photo just below. I am referring to the "slight rise" pointing from the center of the laces towards the lower left in the picture.

Besides this the leather is quite stiff, so I find it hard to foresee how they will fit as they wear in. If they widen, will the leather sides of the laces start touching?

One last issue: the front of the boot does not rest flat on the floor, I can tilt it from side to side, and even more when i lace them up tight. I occurred to me that this might also change as the leather softens? I.e. the leather softens, the sole rests flat on the floor and stretches the "rise" in the upper a bit. Problem solved or wishful thinking?



Standing on my toes:

 

[Fred G. Unn]

I'm not sure the standing on your toes pic tells us much. Probably there is too much volume in the vamp area, but from the attached images it's sort of hard to be definitely sure of anything. Since these are your first "proper pair of boots," what size did you get? What size do you wear in other brands? This might be a ridiculous question, but since you mentioned you usually wear shoes priced 50-90 USD, you are aware that Meermins use UK sizing and not US, correct?

 

[Boulder]

I'm not sure the standing on your toes pic tells us much. Probably there is too much volume in the vamp area, but from the attached images it's sort of hard to be definitely sure of anything. Since these are your first "proper pair of boots," what size did you get? What size do you wear in other brands? This might be a ridiculous question, but since you mentioned you usually wear shoes priced 50-90 USD, you are aware that Meermins use UK sizing and not US, correct?

Thank you for replying Fred. Standing on my toes exaggerates the rise I was trying to describe. Would any other angles be more informative in order to understand my problem?

Generally I wear size 43 and 44 depending on manufacturer (I'm Norwegian, but feared our Kroner would be a confusing currency). Some shoes I wear larger, such as boots for hiking and skiing. I tried measuring my foot and guesstimating. Maybe I'll just wear thick socks and forget about it. After all winter is coming, and over here it gets pretty cold... Norwegian import/export customs is such a hassle anyway. Or is that a bad idea?

The size of the boot I ordered:
UK 9.5 US 10.5 EU 43+ 104mm 294mm

 

[Fred G. Unn]



Generally I wear size 43 and 44 depending on manufacturer (I'm Norwegian, but feared our Kroner would be a confusing currency). Some shoes I wear larger, such as boots for hiking and skiing. I tried measuring my foot and guesstimating. Maybe I'll just wear thick socks and forget about it. After all winter is coming, and over here it gets pretty cold... Norwegian import/export customs is such a hassle anyway. Or is that a bad idea?

Ah, ok, I was sort of assuming you were wearing US mall store brands by that description, which often have a bit of vanity sizing when compared to proper dress shoes. I just wanted to make sure you didn't just order your sneaker size, or order UK size in the same size as US. If it's only a little large then thicker socks would certainly help. If it's way too big, I'd either return or try to resell here. At least for me, poor fitting shoes are almost always just a mistake and I never end up wearing them.