I have another pair of Dan Post boots that are ostrich and much softer and flexible. These look great and feel decent. They're a lot thicker than my ostrich boots, but still love them. They'll take awhile to break in. I hosed em down with bick-4 really good after a good washing with saddle soap, but this leather doesn't absorb conditioner as well as other types. I might hose em down with straight neetsfoot oil and wear em a few days straight without taking them off to really loosen them up. They got a little softer with the saddle soap and conditioner, but they need a lot of wear to soften up yet. I use these in my woodshop and all day, and alternate between several other boots during the week. They're finely crafted and I get compliments on them. I like the way they look a lot.