"I have what us women consider athletic calves and am constantly on the lookout for wide shaft stylish boots. I bought these immediately when I saw the circumference of the shaft was 17". I was quite disappointed when since the part where the stitching ends (the ACTUAL circumference) is only about 15.5". The loose floppy upper part is 17" but this doesn't help when the shaft is still 15.5'. I will be keeping these boots and hoping that the suede will eventually stretch since I LOVE them, but am disappointed that they will not be used as often I liked for now."