This is the first pair of riding boots I have purchased, and I absolutely loved them!  Inside lining is soft that if you do not want to wear knee high socks, it would absolutely be fine.  I love that the shaft is not fitting to your calf that you can wear it alone, with socks, leggings or jeans tucked in them.  I'm 5'7" and a large built so my calves are not small, and there was still a lot of space to fit even bootleg jeans!  They run a little large though, but nothing to worry about!  You can wear thick socks with them and they would still feel comfy!  Shaft height is perfectly below my knees, which is what I was hoping for.  Overall, this pair is perfect specially with the price I paid for them!