Mochi - Angie is a straight shooter! No worries there:)

I think QM hit the nail in the head: I think is the gap what makes the shaft height more evident.

Sending out positive shopping vibes to you QM. You cracked me up... I do that ALL the time. I go shopping with a specific item in mind and end up going home with something else...

I agonized over boots and bought this pair finally after much debating. Fussy feet and I needed a fairly low heel. plus I wanted them to be be right below my knee. hence the 16" shaft height. They hit me about an 1 1/2" below my knees. Maybe I'm long in that area? My calves are not huge but not tiny either. They are comfy and look pretty good. I teamed them at Christmas with a black scoopneck knee-length dress and black textured tights and a bright scarf and felt pretty good. I hope you find your "10" Here is the link to what they look like. I DO love the video reviews on Zappos.

http://www.zappos.com/etienne-.....ck-leather

Meredith~ Zappos says that they have a 15 inch circumference,but they dont' look that big around. Would you mind measuring yours around the top and letting me know if that 15 inches is accurate. Those are very pretty!

QM, your husband definitely stays home next time!!

Do you want the boots to be heeled or flat? I am still stalking the Aquatalia riding boots from NAS that I am kicking myself -- literally, I want to kick myself -- for not buying in July. What was I thinking?!? Anyway, you could join me in stalking them ...

Hi QM,
They ARE 15" circumference! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to tuck jeans into them if I went down lower in circumference. I just measured my calves and they are about 14" and they DO gap somewhat when worn without boots tucked in. Before coming to YLF I wouldn't have thought twice but now my eyes have been opened. These will stay my casual boots with pants but now I have to look for dress boots myself. Wah!!!! They do look cute on though!

well, those aren't available in my size anyway, but my calves are only 13.5, so 14 inches is about my max in calf circumference.
argh! my head is about to explode over boots!

I hear you!!! I wear a 9 1/2 shoe and that is tough to get! Plus I like a lower heel (no more than 2 1/2" inches) have 14" calves and need the 16" height so that they don't look like mid calf boots which I think would emphasize my largish calf. I hope you find your perfect boot. I really like those video reviews that Zappos does! Now go take some aspirin!

Thanks, Zap :).

Nancy, your new Docs only just squeak by my "height fit filter" - and I mentioned that. They are much more casual than Kim's boots, and the lacing detail allows for a little "ill-fit" at the top. Rest assured I do say it how I see it.

Kim is after dressy boots and my fit criteria is stricter in that regard. The boots are about an 8. I know Kim wants a 10. Thanks for being a sport, Kim.

Laura, I hope you find those Aquatalias. They are try beauties.

Zap, to answer your question - it really depends on who you ask! I hold very strong opinions about pant lengths and boot fits - other style professionals may not have the same opinion. But then, I am more lenient on jacket fits - whereas another style professionals strongly believe that a blazer should close down the front - I don't think that's a must. I really think that dressy boots should have a CLEAN fit. '70s style dressy boots can sag at the ankles because that's part of the look - but they *do* fit around the calf and aren't too tall in the shaft.

FWIW, that's my opinion. As always, it is up to you whether it means something to you.

That explanation makes sense to me! (I'm not Kim, obviously, but I think we all know the feeling of being "close but no cigar."

Angie- yes, you're right... I'm after a 10 for my black dress boots. Thank you for always being honest.

Glad it made sense, Nancy

Kim, my pleasure. Just doing my job.

This was a monumental threadjack! QM, thank you for being so nice!
Thank you Angie, your explanation makes a lot of sense!