Women's Larkyn Medium/Wide Waterproof Chelsea Boot

Cute but too hard for a senior citizen to pull on so I returned them

I'm looking to augment my winter foot options. Unfortunately, the Larkyn Chelsea in BLACK LTHR will not do. The fit was fine, neither too large nor too small. The sole was mostly comfortable. I love that these boots are marketed as waterproof. However, I don't know how these boots perform in any type of precipitation because they are going back.
a. The boot height is too high and chafes my leg just above the ankle.
b. While the boot runs true to size, the arch is in the wrong place--weird!
c. The sole feels awkward and the entire boot too stiff. Will it provide the stability and ease of movement I need?
d. For being marketed as a waterproof boot, the outer sole is too smooth. Not really meant for any type of inclement weather :(
e. Genuine leather? I have my doubts that these boots are made of what we know in the States to be real leather. It seems to be more of a 'pleather' - something leather-like. Why is this so-called 'leather' lined with microfiber fabric? It doesn't look, feel or smell like cow leather.

I've trusted the Rockport brand in the past for great quality, fit, and comfort. What's happened to your brand, Rockport? BOX 'EM BACK UP AND SHIP 'EM BACK

Bought my Larkyn Boots in brown about a month ago and really happy with how they are breaking in. Agree with a reviewer below, when you first pull them out they feel very sturdy and maybe a bit stiff, but after wearing them for about an hour they immediately broke in. Bonus: socks stayed completely dry during a dreary, wet winter day.

Love the style, but I have plantar fasciitis and sadly these will not work with complete lack of arch support.

I had achilles tendon surgery last year and I've found it impossible to get any shoes other than mules, to fit. I gave these boots a shot and VOILA! ...PERFECT FIT. No discomfort. Amazing. Thank you so much Rockport. I've purchase a pair of boots for every member of my family who have exceptional issues with finding good fitting boots.

I have never owned Rockports so was excited to try these, they were very uncomfortable, very stiff and very hard, so I returned them.