Real Suede.  Stacked leather heels. Taupe color is as pictured and is closer to a tree bark brown or ash brown.  Would've loved a lighter more true taupe color (something between a light grey, beige with a hint of lilac), but for twenty and change, it's a great deal.  Not much arch support. Comes with heel tap replacement !amazing! because that's quite practical. Probably should order a 1/2 size larger and add an insert for all day comfort because the sole padding is thin.