Snug to the heel, unexpectedly great arch support.
I'd never have bought these if I hadn't tried them on in person. I bought a pair of Rancourt boots back before they refined their patterns, and they were sloppy in the back, and tight in the toe. And the shafts were so wide I could pull my foot out with the boot facings laced together balmoral style.
These are the opposite. The new pattern hugs the curve of my heel, with no slip. The shaft doesn't totally close up on me. The toes are roomier, more comfortable. And these boots have an astonishingly pronounced amount of arch support for mocs, making them very comfortable for long standing and walking on hard city surfaces.
Finally, the leather! Greasy doesn't do it justice. I haven't had to condition them since I bought them. I brush them, and the surface still feels oily, and all the marks just disappear. Yet, the leather is thick and adequately supportive.
A really great boot, my favorite summer boot, in fact.
I wish Rancourt would start doing full length sock liners, because I start to feel the stitching under my toes after a long day, but aside from that, I have no criticism.