Let's be honest, we're all willing to put up with bit of discomfort if the shoe is cute enough, but luckily you don't need to make that sacrifice with this boot.  I'm not saying I would wear them to a job where I had to be on my feet all day (although they'd be fine for a day at a desk job), but I wore them out the other night and didn't feel like I had to yank them off as soon as I got home.  The sole is very thin (if you step on a rock or something in the street you can feel it through the sole), so I put an insole in and they feel much better.  The material on the shaft is soft and flexible, and I didn't have any problem with the lack of zipper, but my calves are pretty slim.  The black do appear more gray than black.  I haven't had a problem with the heel yet, but the manufacturer must be aware of this problem, since the box comes with replacement heel parts.  I'm not sure why they don't just do something to fix the heel so you don't need the spare parts.  Over all a cute, reasonably priced boot that is comfy enough.