Kate 08 Knee High Boot

I am so disappointed. With the zipper expansion closed, the calves are still too wide, a look that I call "fireman's boots." I thought the boot would be narrower at the top because it had that extension! So they stick out behind me a good inch or more, which just looks silly when tucking in leggings or skinny jeans. The boot itself is just ok, I wouldn't say it has much of an arch or great padding. I wore Josef Seibel many decades ago and still have 2 pair from then that are in good shape and so comfortable. I think the brand has really cheapened over the years, which is sad as they were so well made and comfortable. I'd guess these boot calves are about 16" around. I measured my calves at 14" around. I usually wear a 10.5/42 and these fit just fine, the length was fine, they're nice and tall, but they just didn't impress me much at all. And they are slightly too tall for the box they came in, giving them a slight crease where the top edge is split! It would probably soften up and not be permanent, but still.