mine have been great with this boot. really work on that sizing issue, you don't want to pack 3 socks in a boot. its a bad call, you should have a liner and then a mountain sock. These are way better than the makalu, very nice rocker and the rubber is going to keep you plenty dry.

JP - one of the worst ways to lose heat is through the sole of the boot. If you are standing on an I-Beam in the middle of winter that sukka is just going sap the heat right out of your feet. Try a cork based insole. YOu can get them made in high end ski shops, should cost around $120 and take about an hour. The cork insulates well. The insole will also help correct posture and other foot problems. I added a set to Nepals and feel like I gained a lot of warmth.

I'm pretty surprised that your toes are getting cold. My feet tend to run cold all the time but in these they've been fine....even down below 0ºf. In my opinion 2 pair of socks with the tongue inserts should totally correct the problem. Have you tried sock liners or windstopper socks? I use to spend countless hours on road bikes in horrific temperatures and windstopper socks saved my feet! With my Nepal's I have to kind of kick back with the heel of the boots which sort of jam's my heel back in there and that seems to help so I don't have to crank the laces down.I guess the other question is: are the boots too narrow for your feet?Hopefully that helps a little. Good luck!