I have been looking for a pair of brown boots for the last 4 years, ever since the last pair I bought started cracking along the shaft...my calves were getting larger from working out and the boots couldn't take it anymore.  Nothing I had looked at seemed to look quite like what I wanted.  I ordered a few pairs over the years, but always returned them because the calves were too narrow.  Then I found these Frye's came in Extended Calf.  Thanks to the reviews, I learned that these boots had a good chance of working on my 17-inch calves.  I normally wear a size 8 shoe, and ordered the 8.5 Extended Calf because 1) I normally wear socks with boots and heard these boots were snug, and 2) I figured going up a half size would give me a bit more calf room.  When I received the boots, I loosened the top buckle to the loosest setting.  The boots went up 95% of the way on my calf before they got too tight.  Knowing I could have the shafts stretched in the future if they don't loosen up on their own, I was very happy with the fit.  Luckily, since these are slouch boots, you can't even tell they are pushed down a tiny bit. I have a narrow heel, so I have a little slippage even with thick bootie socks, but I can add an insole if it becomes a problem.  These boots look and smell great, the quality of materials is fabulous.  Long story short...amazing boots, fit well but if your calf is larger than 17, in a size 8.5, be prepared to get them stretched.  After 4 years of hunting, the price was worth it.