My wife had to replace an expensive pair of Naturalizer boots. She's been searching but she (and I) did not want to spend 200 bucks on a similar style. A friend showed me these when she was shopping online so I figured it was very similar to the style of the old ones but so much cheaper. So I ordered them for her as one of her Xmas gifts. For the money, they are not bad at all. Her Naturalizers were softer and more form fitting but only worn a handful of time and the outer material (not sure if bonded leather?) began to separate..how crappy you pay 3x that much for a brand name and they didn't last! This was a much better quality, thicker material so a little more stiff but she doesn't complain. Material didn't feel as flimsy or cheap but don't expect something like Coach - so she says. She said it was comfy. I did note that if you have skinnier calves (she's petite 5'2")..you may have slightly more play but since the material is stiffer, sagging is not much of an issue so far. Her cousin (5'6") is slim too but taller and it fits her perfect, like it was fitted. I bought one for her too. Can't complain for the money. Beat Naturalizer already.

Oh, the brown is pretty dark so at times it can be mistaken for black but in brighter light you can see the brown. Comparable to a darker espresso in my opinion.

update: well, the lining around the ankle and calves did crack like the Naturizers did but the soles started to. So overall, still lasted as long as the more expensive ones. Knowing this, we'd try a different brand or stay away from synthetic materials.