The leather in these shoes is soft.  I have lots of foot problems so I need soft leather.  The leather looks "Italian", like I've seen on expensive Italian leather shoes.  They might run a little wide (I wear a double A and they are a little wide), but I bought them for fall/winter so they will accommodate trouser socks.  The coffee bean color is good because I can wear it with black or brown.  These will be my favorite shoe this winter!