I purchased similar boots from Amazon last October. The buckles were cheap and after about a months use they did not buckle anymore. These boots I just purchased look great and the material feels tougher and better quality! My calves are a bit thicker than the average, but I don't usually have too many issues with squeezing into mid-calf boots. These were almost impossible! It took me at least 10 mins to get them to zip up. I am assuming after wearing them and breaking them in, they will fit better. Overall I am satisfied with the boots, just wish they were wider on the calves.