I was so nervous ordering these with the mixed reviews but they are fabulous! One is slightly darker from the other but they are nubuck and this is to be expected. I wear a 7.5 to an 8 in boots. I ordered the 7-7.5 size, they are snug but not uncomfortable. You will need an insole as the foot bed is very stiff with no support. I also have very big calves 15 1/2 and that is no problem with these! Overall I am very pleased with them and despite the bad reviews I love these boots!