I love these boots. I've never had a pair of long boots that come up to the calf. I've tried them on, but could never get them to zip. I fell in love with these, though, so I bought them, hoping against all hope that I could make them work. I found a neat tip online to spritz them with 50% alcohol (available at most drug stores for less than a buck), inside and out, put them on, and zip them up. Worked like a charm. Before the alcohol, I couldn't zip about 2 inches with thin socks. Using the alcohol, they are over thick socks and a pair of jeans. I wore them to town thinking I'd break them in the hard way (I even took painkillers with me, just in case). They didn't hurt once. My feet felt great the entire time. I think I'll probably have to use the alcohol a few more times until I can zip them without it, but I'm happy as a clam with these boots. Beautiful.