First off, let me just say – these boots are a game-changer! The faux leather feels surprisingly premium, with just the right amount of stretch to hug your calves without feeling tight. I wore them for a full day of errands, and my feet didn’t scream for mercy – a rarity with heeled boots!

The 3.5-inch chunky block heel is my sweet spot: tall enough to elongate my legs but sturdy enough to walk confidently. The side zip? Lifesaver. No awkward hopping around trying to pull them on.

Now, the real test – my slightly-wide calves (15.5 inches). These accommodated beautifully with room to spare (the 16.5-inch opening is accurate). No sausage-casing effect here! The square toe keeps things modern without sacrificing toe-wiggle space.

Downsides? After 4+ hours of continuous wear (like at a holiday party), the balls of my feet started protesting. These are dress boots, not marathon walkers. Also, while the black is versatile, I’m with other reviewers – a burgundy or chocolate option would make me buy a second pair instantly.

Value-wise? At $60, they outperform fast-fashion alternatives (no chemical smell, sturdy zippers). For comparison, I own a similar SHEIN pair ($35) where the heel detached within weeks – these feel noticeably more durable.

Pro tip: Size up if between sizes or have wider feet. My usual 8 fit length-wise but felt snug; the 8.5 was perfection with thicker socks.