It's interesting to see how completely different everyone's opinions are about this product. I took a gamble and wasn't necessarily disappointed, but the boots definitely do not look patent leather (at least not in grey). They look vinyl. I'm okay with that, but I can see how others wouldn't be. I ordered a size up based on the reviews, but the boot does not run small in my opinion. I could've ordered my regular size and would've preferred it, but it's not worth exchanging. The calf width is loose on me, but I admit that I have narrow calves. No zipper problems for me yet, luckily. I think this is a cute pair of boots for the money, but they aren't exceptional in any way.