I have 18" circumference calves, and struggle to find boots that will fit my wide calves.  I'm a Dansko fan, and was so pleased to find these that I ordered in brown and black.  I suspected that the lace up with side zipper would be forgiving for the size of my calves, and this turned out to be true.

To start with, when you receive the boots, the first thing to do is unlace/loosen the laces all the way.  Then unzip the boots fully, and put your feet in.  Then zip up the boot and lace up the boots to a comfortable level.  This will eliminate ever having to re-tie / re-size the laces again, providing you just use the zipper.  I'm more than baffled at folks with skinny legs noting these were too tight.  If that is the case, my wide calves are pretty sure those thin-legged people didn't understand how to adjust them using both laces and zipper to achieve the perfect fit.

A note for others with wide calves:  my calves (18" circumference at the widest point) are probably pushing the limits of what my size 41 boots are capable of.  The top two lace eye holes are grommeted, and I was only able to lace up to the next-to-the-last grommet and tie the boots from there.  Fortunately this does not detract from the look at all.  I am not sure I could tuck any jeans in, although I'm sure tights and lightweight long socks will be fine.

I found the boots true to size--I wear 41 for all my other Danksos, and found the 41 Penelope boot was perfect for me also.

Some have complained about the styling--I live in the Pacific NW and for my community these are not outlandish.  I think in certain parts of the country they would be a stretch.  I am tall and don't like heels, and I'm older and don't really have much patience for "pointy-toe" anything anymore.  I loved the look of these boots, the soft leather, and the fact that my feet were incredibly comfortable.  I will be wearing these for work and other activities, not for cold weather or rain wear--the leather is too soft for that kind of treatment.