These boots are very comfortable, almost like sneakers. They are not a work boot at all, they are a fashion boot and not made to hold up to any, and I mean ANY real work. I have the same problem with build that a previous review noted; the stitching is loose and weak at the instep bend and will fail in time. The dark padding around the upper heel is vinyl and look closely at the frayed stitching where that vinyl meets leather. I bought these thinking I could go lighter than the bullet proof Wolverines I'm wearing. These are so light duty as to be laughable to use the term work boot. Mine are worn when I run to the grocery store etc. Not even up to household chores.