text: I LOVED these boots! I saw them on Aldo's website marked down from $250 to $125 and thought I could still find them cheaper elsewhere so I went to Amazon. I read the reviews and decided to risk it even though my calves are muscular and the shaft opening seemed small. I went up a size from what I usually wear. When they arrived, they were GORGEOUS. The leather was beautiful and the gold hardware zipper and buckle accents were so unique. I found it rare for black boots to have gold hardware, as well as the zipper being on the outside of the boot. They really stand out. They look very expensive!<br /><br />On the downside, the shaft opening (barely) allowed me to put the boots on and zip them up. The boots were too tight and the leather was too stiff to allow flexibility. I could barely fit my bare leg inside, so I knew that I wasn't getting leggings or jeans tucked into those bad boys. :( They fit well in the foot part though, and when I walked around the house a bit they felt comfortable. I just could not work with the super tight shaft cutting off my circulation. My suggestion is that you go up a half-size to a full size and that you have small calves. They would be worth it then. It's a shame. I had to return them. :(