I got the Natural, which is totally different in color than the pics here, which I knew, so no problem. the AE website shows the true color, as does my pic. Using Hi CRI light source. They look more red here, but they are more cognac. Chromexel leather, they have almost a black sheen to them, on cognac brown. They feel great, I wore them for almost 3hrs the first night, just in my house, and did not want to take them off. For me, these require no break in at all. I walked about 8k in my black ones, right out of the box, and had no blisters or anything like that. Soft as butter. I have had a bit of heel pain, bottom of my heel, in my black ones. But it maybe that i am still forming the cork bed, and it will get better. Or, it's a design flaw, and I can correct it with a heel pad/insole of some sort if it doesn't get better. I will see if this is the case with my brown ones, too. But It's something to work on, Allen Edmonds. Because I have heard it in other reviews, and have experienced it now myself, and I never have any problem with that in any other pair of boots that I own/have owned. I hummed and hawed about ordering these, and that was for a pair from the warehouse store here! These are INSANELY expensive boots, lets not even pretend they are not. But, they may be worth it... I love them so much, and they look so amazing on me, that if i lost them somehow, I would probably have to re buy them even at full price. That's how nice they are. If you are a person with lots of money, then, it's a no brainer. You should order a dozen pairs in different colors/leathers/soles. Case closed. If not, then try to get yourself a pair Used: Like New, like I did. You will not regret it. The leather is like the finest glove leather, at least that's how they feel to me. Gloves for your feet, was my thought when I put them on. The 4th gen German leather on my black ones, is even softer than the Chromexel, if that's possible.. Both are lovely. I bought mine in the smallest size that I usually wear anything in, 9, and I take up to a 10 in some shoes/companies. But IMO, these should fit close to the skin. Like a glove. I have never had this feeling before from a boot. I want to wear them barefoot. It's just another level. These are not a a cold weather winter boot. Not meant to be. They are not insulated, barely lined. Again, think foot gloves. And as such, you are not going to wear a thick/wool sock with these. Dress socks really are what you wear with these. The Dailite soles are fine in the snow and ice I'm sure, but I would not wear these at much below about 6C, so I will never know. I wore them all evening outside in about 3C and my feet were cold enough. Definitely not for below zero. Never expose them to salty slushy sidewalks. They would take it, but why? Yes, I recommend them. Bury me in these things.
