I was in the market for new boots and not into this season's buckle thing at all. These boots were just what I wanted: simple, clean lines with a comfortable heel (I usually go for flats but will make an exception for good boots). I wanted a boot to wear with dresses to work so wasn't concerned about being able to tuck pants into them, which is good because there is NO room for that kind of thing with these boots. Getting them zipped up the first time was quite a challenge, so I walked around in them at home for an hour or two at a time over three days before wearing them to work. There's some wrinkling at the ankle, but I expected that with a form-fitting boot like this. These boots are pricey but I don't expect to have to replace them for several years, so to me they're worth the investment.