I’m not in the market for boots right now, but if I were these would be a no for me. There are too many things I don’t like: back laces, short zipper, & the front is taller than the back. As far as the stretchy fabric, I don’t mind a small panel for ease and comfort of wear, but I am not crazy about the entire back of the boot being fabric. I do love how the boot looks from the front and the toe shape.