I love the Basel boot. I bought my first pair over a year ago and wore them daily. They just get prettier with age! I like them so much, I bought more in a few different colors. This wheat pair arrived last week, and they've been on my feet everyday since. They start to warm up and wrinkle just right around the front of the ankle, developing this lovely broke in soft look. The leather is fine quality! Though, this color is really thirsty and likes to be oiled regularly. The soles hold up pretty good for plastic. I'm hard on heels, and after a year of frequent wear, it's barely worn down wear I usually wear down the outsides of my heels.  My last pair was a true to fit size 8.5. I bought these in a 9, so I'd have a little more room to wear socks with them. I like them with, or without socks. They're pretty breathable, but socks are nice in hotter weather to keep them dry.