This is my 8th pair of Docs and these are the best. The leather is so soft, there is very little breaking in time though I'd still only wear them a few hours a day at first because the heel cup is still rigid.

The leather is very nice and matte. The product image has grainier or more textured leather--which is what I wanted--but I'm not too disappointed. These look and feel fantastic. With other Doc boots, the area around the ankle will still be a little stiff even after years of wear. This is no big deal because it's not uncomfortable and if you need the protection (like riding a motorcycle or stuff at work), it's nice. However these are very soft around the entire ankle from day one. They actually move and flex a bit. I can't tell you how nice this is!

I know there is a lot of complaining about UK-made versus China-made docs. At this price point, obviously this is the China-made version. However, I think the quality and value is still excellent. The craftsmanship in the UK-made boots are noticeably better. However, will the China-made ones hold up? Absolutely. The construction is still the same in principle. Did it ever dawn on people that a big part of the price difference between the two is because UK wages are much higher than the Chinese labor--which is why they are mostly made in China? I can't fault DM for making a sound business decision 90% of shoe manufacturers do. (Redwing, Nike, Adidas, Uggs, Etc).

The soles are great, darker than the other ones that look more clear and like hot glue. This tread pattern is the best. The other heavier lug sole tread kind of have a logger-look and make the boot look clunkier. I have both, and this is a good all-year tread. The only Doc boot I have that is more comfortable is probably the Rigal. However, it's more like a basketball shoe than a boot. Also, for me the sizing is way off (they run big) and they get a little hot inside.

Inside, the footbed is super comfortable. Now these are boots. All boots get a little hot, unlike super-breathable mesh running shoes. But compared to other boots, these breath okay and are simultaneously water-proof. If you need more arch support--like many people do--SuperFeet makes a half-size plastic supplement for shoes. It only goes to the middle of your foot to the heal and it's very thin. It would not take up much of the foot room which can be adjusted anyway with the laces. It makes a remarkable difference and you can get few more hours out of these if you stand all day. It is a hard plastic device so do test them out first in stores. Mine never slip.

I love these Carpathian boots and I think you will too. If you are looking to buy your first pair of DMs and you don't want them to be shiny, these are the ones. They won't kill your feet the first 10 times you wear them and they look awesome!