Frye quality really rings true with these boots. I ordered the black "distressed," and they did indeed come distressed as pictured, though the black lends to more muted tones, and almost appears brown to me. I'm sure this will be remedied when I condition them with mink oil. They were comfortable and I did get a blister the first wear, breaking them in, on the back heel--but compared to breaking in other combat boots with thick leather (these are also thick but supple enough that they aren't too stiff), it was minimal pain. I'll probably wear them around the house more until fully broken in. These would be good for hiking, motorcycles, etc... as good/moderate protection, without steel toes. I dig em'.