text: I find it interesting that of the many reviews, (though I didn't read all of them) I didn't come across ANY that mentioned the SMELL.  As soon as I opened the mailing envelope, a very strong moth ball mixed with chemicals smell hit me! I'm not sure if it's because they were out on my porch in the heat for a few hours since delivery, but it always makes me leery when I smell that because I wonder where the product was manufactured & WITH WHAT exactly!! They are very nice and soft, DEFINITELY need an insert for support because you are otherwise walking on an uncomfortable flat surface. They are certainly what I would expect for the price - but the jury is still out on whether or not I will keep them. For me - I don't think so - I expected them to stand up a little bit above the knee.  They do in fact go above the knee, but they HUG it, and that is not flattering on a shorter thicker leg like mine. I would have expected made in China, but a check of the website says it's founded in CA, so not quite sure where in fact they're manufactured. But they are definitely cheaply made, certainly as I expected for the price, but if the style was slightly more flattering and/or the smell goes away, I would consider keeping them.  These are the kinds of boots you get that you don't expect to last more than one season, if that, but they stretch the wardrobe and you can potentially get a few pairs and have a few different styles w/o the major $$$. Maybe 1 of my nieces will like them, otherwise they will probably go back, but, I MIGHT try another style from this company if I think it will be more suitable. Do your feet a BIG FAVOR, definitely order a 1/2 size up to add a shoe insert.<br /><br />UPDATE:  DID RETURN THE BOOTS. They didn't fit any of my nieces (2 16's, 17, 20 & 21) & everyone acknowledged that the boots have an extremely narrow foot; & the smell did NOT go away for the few days we had them. If you are lucky enough for these to fit your feet/legs, then as I stated in my initial review, it's good to have as a wardrobe stretcher for certain outfits.  They are not the greatest quality, as the odor immediately reveals, and they are not likely to last all that long.  Woulda if I coulda! But no can do!nitial review, it's good to have as a wardrobe stretcher for certain outfits.  They are not the greatest quality, as the odor immediately reveals, and they are not likely to last all that long.  Woulda if I coulda! But no can do!