MPJ, I actually bought the violet Hunters 2 months ago and have been more or less happy with them. Ordinarily I would have purchased a safe, conservative color like black, but Nordstroms was out of them in my size. I found myself drawn to the violet ones because the color cheers me up on gloomy, rainy days. I hope they aren't too garish--I don't think so--at least not when I keep the rest of my outerwear fairly neutral.
Patience, I have been happy with my tall Hunters. I am barely 5'3" and short-legged for the most part, and the shaft of the boot comes up to the back of my knee, but not in a way that irritates it. I usually wear a 7 1/2 and I sized down to a 7 in these boots because I thought the 8 bubbled too much in the calf. Though I think I made the right choice, the snug fit of the size 7 doesn't leave much room for tucking pants into them, and the size 7 pinches the big toe on my left foot if I wear them too long. Two last things to be aware of: first, the high gloss Hunter boots get these whitish marks all over them after a while, which Hunter says is due to "a release of protective wax that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth." I've found this to be pretty much true. Second, my feet (and calves) stay dry in these boots, but tend to get cold! Nordstrom sells a sock liner that goes with the boot that I did not purchase. It might be worth a try, but your own warm wool socks might work just as well. All in all, I'm happy with my violet wellies and am looking forward to wearing them in the rain again tomorrow!
