Red is my favorite color, so when I saw these I had to have them. I wanted something  to wear while riding the ATV and Motorcycles. They came with the choice of yellow/orangish laces or black laces. I put the yellow ones on.

The good, the bad and the not at all ugly:

The Bad: breaking them in is truly a pain, literally. I still have not gotten them broken in entirely. I bought the mink oil (as I had read this helps) and put this on to help loosen them up. It really did not seem to do anything. They are tough leather, and above the ankle still rubs if I wear them for too long. Unfortunately, too long only equates to a couple of hours. I don't have a clue as to how long it will take to get them broken in.

The Good: They are gorgeous and tough. As I stated, I bought these for riding. Since I am not walking around a lot when riding, they worked perfectly for me and were comfortable for my rides. They protected me from hot mufflers perfectly. They got wet and muddy from puddle splashing, and cleaned right up with a dry cloth. The soles are thick, offer great traction, and did not get marred from all the rocks and crap that they met.

The oh NOT so ugly:  Everywhere that I have worn these boots I have gotten compliments on them. Quite literally in the middle of the mountain just south of nowhere I had people driving by in their 4x4's stop and compliment my boots. I have not gone anywhere with them where I have not received a compliment.

All in all, I love them! I would not plan on buying them and wearing them dancing the first night you had them (unless you are really into pain). If you have the time and patience to break them in, they are so worth it.