These are great shoes for when you need something black, but don't want a plain, solid black dress shoe. The gray mottling is like a very subtle appaloosa pattern. In bright sun it's noticeable, but in normal room lighting they look almost solid. The fit is good. Expect them to loosen by 1/2 size after your first few wears, so if they feel great when you first get them, they will be too big. The strap is attached with elastic which makes me question the longevity as I have had elastic straps wear out on other shoes.

The biggest complaint that I have is that inside the shoe by the toe feels like there are two pieces of wood underneath. If you run your toe over it, you will feel a ridge. This hasn't been a problem walking in them, but it does feel very strange.