The boot is very comfortable on the foot to walk on, however, I have a short, fat lower leg and the upper portion of the boot is a little narrow.  Now, it's not tight on my leg at all, but it is close enough that it rubs.  I'm going to have to wear socks with the boot that fit above the top.  The perfect size would have been an 8 wide, but they didn't have that size and I knew I could wear a half size larger in the medium.  I didn't think about the short shaft, though.  However careful I will have to be in wearing them, I still love them.  They're very comfortable to walk in, otherwise.