Wanted to love them - Lowa Renegade GTX Lo Hiking Shoes - Women's

After doing a load of research I picked these. This is my 5th pair of Lowa low hiking shoe/boot. I have always worn a size 8 comfortably in this brand and almost all others. They arrived and I was excited as they were exactly what I was looking for, a sturdy, fairly rigid sole, nice looking and great color. When I put them on with my hiking specific socks they were a little narrow on the sides of the toe box. I hoped it was just a case of the end of the day, hot weather fat feet syndrome. I took them out for a maiden hike 2 days ago 4 1/2 miles. Uncomfortable in the same places going up and HORRIBLE coming down. As much as I wanted these to work I will have to return them. Going up a half size will make them way too long as these were already a bit slippery on the heal. If you have a super narrow forefoot they may work for you, but if your average or more they are going to be too narrow in the toe box. Sad to have to write this review:(