I liked the look of this boot from the photos and returned the Sam Edelman Park boot and purchased this one.  The SE was gorgeous but a bit edgy with spikes on the ankle strap which I thought might make to too edgy for some situations.  The two tone coloring on this boot looks great and the styling is elegant. The leather is beautiful and the embossed logo is a nice detail.  The problem was I could not get my foot past the ankle even though the boot has a partial zipper. I have never had this problem with a boot.  I thought about keeping them despite this problem, thinking that breaking them in would solve it.  In addition, were not super comfortable and felt very hard against the bottom of my foot with no support. I would have needed to add an insert for added cushioning.  These two issues combined led me to send these boots back. A friend recently told me she will not purchase a shoe that is not comfortable immediately.  I have bought or kept shoes on many occasions thinking they would get better with wearing, (particularly boots). Many of those shoes are still waiting in my closet for a good time to be broken in!  I am no longer willing to fight with a pair of shoes. Life is too short.  The search for the perfect riding boot continues!