I love these boots!  Both the soles and uppers are a bit softer and more flexible than my taller Ariat cowboy boots, and even more comfortable.  I ordered a half size smaller than I usually wear, and they fit well with a normal sock but I probably can't fit a thick wool sock inside.  My other Ariat boots fit the same way, I think that they just run a bit big.  If you're between sizes I'd say go down instead of up.

The black appears to be black leather with a light layer of a white or grey polish over the top to make them more of a distressed charcoal color.  I like them looking a bit broken in but a coat of black polish would easily make them new looking and true black.