I ordered these boots in the brown and I really like them.  Up close they do look and feel like synthetic material but I wasn't expecting them to look like genuine leather at this price!  The two sets of buckles are adjustable but even at the tightest setting they do not make the shaft any smaller.

I ordered my true size and they fit perfectly.  I can wear them with thick or thin socks plus an insole to provide extra padding on the ball of the foot.  The heel is high but very comfortable.  There was no breaking-in required.  Plus, the soles are made of rubber so they are safe to wear on snowy days.

I do think women with larger calves will have trouble with these boots.  I have big feet and skinny legs so I often can't wear boots, even with jeans tucked in because the shaft is too wide.  With these boots I can tuck in my skinny jeans and have about an inch of room left between the boot and my leg.  I think these would fit normal-sized calves perfectly.

These are great boots for the price.  I'll be ordering the black pair also which I think will appear more like genuine leather than the brown ones.