To my eye they look too big at the top of the shaft, but maybe one could be tightened by a cobbler. My favorite of the two pair is the Miz Mooz. Could the top buckle strap be made to tighten a bit more?
On the first pair maybe the wedge of...is that black elastic?...in back could have a piece cut out of it? They are beautiful boots.

I think you're right--they both look a bit roomy on the top. When I was searching for boots, I noticed that shaft height is pretty crucial to getting a good fit. Seems like the top of the shaft has to end an inch or two below the knee cap around the meaty part of the calf to get a good fit.

Between the two, I like the Miz Mooz better. They look great from the front--just a little roomy from the side.

The Miz Mooz are very good looking boots. I don't know if they are too loose or not. I hope they work for you.

Both pairs are lovely but i fear they are a bit big round the calves at the top :-( x

I like n1 better, but they seem too loose.. no. 2 are tighter but I don't like them so much...

Medusa -- I have been waiting for an update on your boot hunt since I too am always looking for boots that don't have that big gap around the calf and was hoping you might find a brand/style that I could copycat. I hate to say it, but I think the gap on these is a little too large. :(

They're both too big. :-( I like the brown color and I'm a fan of riding boots. The season is just beginning. You'll find something perfect.

I think your instinct is right Medusa, some hunts are just very frustrating.

Thanks everyone, that confirms what I thought. I am going to send these back and keep hunting.

Hmmm. The Miz Moos get my vote for sure. But I cannot establish whether they are too wide at the calf. The buckle is pulling them in, which is the idea – giving a little bit of a slouch effect. They could be perfect!