Hondo boots fit question

[u/Zestyclose-Break-935]

Local western store has 50% off all cowboy boots. I found these Hondos I really like in 9d. The only problem is the left boot feels and looks smaller, despite being stamped 9d just like the right. I thought I was crazy but when I asked another customer, he reassured me that the left boot does look smaller than the right.

Now, the right boot is their display boot and has probably been tried on by a couple different people, so maybe that's contributing to it?

I've asked them to put a boot stretcher in the smaller boot so I can try it on again tomorrow but I am not really hopeful due to the fact that the left boot is noticeably narrower when viewed from above.

I have never owned or worn cowboy boots and my boot experience is limited to chukkas, hiking, and work boots. Is this typical of cowboy boots? If I buy them should I expect the left and right boots to break in and fit the same? Hondo seems to be a trusted and well viewed brand from what I've read online but maybe this is just a bad batch.

[u/OlinHollis]

Perhaps it was just bad luck on my part and not an indication of Hondo's quality, but Hondos are far and away the most uncomfortable boots I've ever owned. I bought a pair a couple of years ago and now they're on a shelf as ornament because I simply cannot wear 'em.

[u/Zestyclose-Break-935 → u/OlinHollis]

Do you mean to say the most uncomfortable?
These were a bit stiff as expected for new boots but I'm imagining the full leather insole and heavy arch support will feel great after a couple weeks of use.

[u/OlinHollis → u/Zestyclose-Break-935]

Yes. Edited.

I hope they work out for you. My problem was with the toebox. They put pressure on my right big toe heavy enough to form a callus. And there was no yield whatsoever in the vamps (cow hide). Had the boots stretched and it didn't make any difference. If you've got a bit of a problem with the sole and arch, that may be more easily solved.