This is the first full-price Ralph Laren purchase I have ever made.  It hurt, but it was worth every penny.  These boots are beautiful, comfortable and well-made.  The dark-brown is a rich chocolate leather with a gold-tone "belt loop" adorning the ankle.  It is very eye-catching. Sizing is true to size, very comfortable and no sliding. I expect these to last me much longer than the cheaper boots I had been accustomed to buying.  The only tough decision I made about them is which of the three colors to choose from.  I actually needed them in black but the adornment was silver-toned and I just didn't like the look as much as the chocolate and gold combination.  I also wanted the sable, but that will have to be for another spree.  Very happy with my purchase.