I have been looking for leather boots for a really long time...I have taken back at least 10 pairs!!!...These boots are awesome...The leather is soooooo soft!!!...Almost suede like soft but not suede...Most boots I have received were of a harder leather and bagged around my ankles and were not comfortable...These do run a little big...I wear a size 9 in Sketcher and Nike sneakers but I think they run a tad small...In these boots I got a size 8 since reviews from other sites said to half a size down...Most shoes, not sneakers, I wear an 81/2...They are a tad small but I think they will stretch out a bit...I got the DK. brown...They are a little darker in person but BEAUTIFUL!...Most boots also make my feet look so large...These do not!!!....I don't know if the site says, but there is a real zipper in the inside of these boots...The one you see outside with the buckles is a real zipper but you cannot get into your boots that way...I am sooooo happy about this since I thought you would have to unbuckle your boots to get to the zipper!....I am 5'5 with average size calves...The boot comes up about 2" below my knee and I have about 2 fingers width between boot and calf, probably a little less...Get these boots!....Love them!