I was skeptical at first, I wasn't sure I would care for the rear zipper, but the leather is soft and supple in the uppers while being just rigid enough in the foot area to give support and still remain very comfortable.  The break in period was minimal and I actually leave them on while I am relaxing at home...I liked them so much I bought a second pair in the brown brush off.  If I could come up with one criticism, its that they don't have a lot of deep tread on them (the brown brush offs actually have a bit more, not quite sure why), so you would need to be careful, they are nt electricians boots, they just look like them, but they are much more comfortable!