I have two other shoes from Freet, the Tanga and the Tundra. The Tanga I have in size 42, Tundra size 43. Based on recommendation from Freet support I got the Howgill in size 42, same as the Tanga. The fit is snug, they are narrower than the Tanga for sure. Not noticeable when walking, but if wearing while you're sitting you do sense a bit of squeeze. This feeling is much less pronounced with thin socks. The material used for this shoe is quite remarkable in that it is really hard to feel as though you don't have enough space in the toebox. I've tried to push down with my foot towards the front with my heel lifted quite a bit, thicker socks, even then I really don't feel that my toes are bottoming out in the toebox. I do like the snug fit as the shoe feels more like an extension of your foot rather than something additional and clunky. It's snug but the material flexes to compensate, it is a unique fit in that regard. Like the styling of this shoe. I will say the laces are very much decorative, they serve no practical purpose. This is a slip on hiker/trail-runner, if such a thing exists. Elasticated laces would have been more than sufficient. The thick standard laces do look nice, so there is that. I haven't gone hiking with these as it is much too early in season where I am located. The tread is the same as the Tundra, which I've used for hikes. Not the most aggressive tread out there, but sufficient for most scenarios. Would take extra caution coming down steep hills covered in loose rock. Overall am pleased, it's a well fitted hiker for situations where full waterproofing is not required. Looking forward to putting it to good use when the weather warms up. I don't do much trail running but would think this to work well for those that do.