I bought these in spring 2011, getting on the combat boot trend pretty late. I love Madden shoes, so I was fairly certain of my size and fit, and already had my heart set on that pretty Cognac leather. These shoes have lasted me well.
They definitely rise above my ankle, so the name is a bit of a misnomer, but they're not mid-calf. They have enough room to easily accommodate skinny jeans, leggings, or thick socks. The heel is very low and comfortable to walk in, the leather is nice and soft, and they're well-constructed boots, overall. The toe is reinforced, it actually reminds me of a riding boot, though I wouldn't recommend using it as one! Still, you won't stub your toe in these boots.
My only issue is with the laces. They're thick, round laces and do not enjoy staying tied. However, that's easy enough to replace.