I wear a US size 7.5 M in most shoes. My foot is a true medium width. I ordered these in an 8.5 M based on the reviews and they fit just right.  The brown is not really a cognac color. Its more of  medium brown, perhaps chestnut brown. The wide calf is perfect for me. With skinny jeans on, my calves measure 16.5 around. These boots fit perfectly over the jeans without a struggle but also without any room to spare so they're just right. I would have given a 5 out of 5 if the color was more of a cognac rather than plain old brown.