I LOVE the way these look and ordered them but they were a bit too snug in the calf area. Also, I am 5'7 and proportional but they are really tall and awkwardly hit right below my knee, kind of pinching me. I'm so sad I have to return them.
Bummer! you're right, they hit at a kinda weird spot below the knee for me too. I hope it doesn't bug me too much because I love them otherwise!
I'm trying to figure C&P on my tablet but I have Ecco Hobart riding boots in both nubuck and black. They're great because they buckle at the sides and are adjustable for thin calves, wide calves, athletic calves or calf-calves. I have larger calves and they fit me great, whether it's with jeans tucked in or boot-cut jeans over them. Amazon has the nubuck for $99; I paid $189 each at Nordstrom's a couple years ago. They also have a couple other styles (single buckle, ankle) and mink triple-buckle for closer to $190.
Another vote for frye boots. The price is so hard to swallow but I searched downtown Chicago for three months (Macy's, rack, Nordstrom, tj Maxx, dsw, Aldo) and couldn't find anything I loved half as much as my Melissa buttons. Leather boots are pricey regardless, so I figured I should get a pair I really, really loved with the hope of wearing them for years. Ironically enough, my boyfriend's aunt wore her Fryes from 1979 to Christmas dinner.
And if ex hadn't gotten rid of my Acme boots from high school I'd still be wearing them too. Loved those damn boots and back in 1981 they were still $100+ and wore forever. (They were from a western-wear store and made to last riding and roping.) Good boots are an investment as much as a statement and something to wear.
I got these from Macy's on Black Friday. I paid $30 so I'm not expecting great quality. I don't wear boots that often either. I've worn these once and like the look and the comfort is alright too. I don't live in a really cold place but I don't think these would be great for a cold climate.