I thought these shoes were going to be hard, tough, dour....like my 3rd grade teacher, who used to wear something just like them in 1959.  Too bad she didn't have the Frye Lois on, she might have been a happier camper!  I wore these right out of the box for a wonderful family get-together and never had a break in the action.  I got an evening full of compliments on the rustic, (dare I say sultry) look which complimented my outfit like a dream.  Have worn them since with skirts, slacks, jeans - and boy, are they cute.  Still comfy, and well worth the price - they're from Frye, so they're an investment.  I want the dark brown next!  As an addendum (2014) - I've purchased the dark brown, and the smokey rum color, and finally, the black!  Yes!  With four pairs, I'm in Lois heaven, even though mere mortals take me for a fool.  I care not, I love them that much.