I almost didn't even try these shoes on because I balked at the price. I put them on and was immediately impressed with the softness of the leather. I spend most of my days on my feet and these are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. They feel more like a tennis shoe than a casual dress shoe. I'm been wearing them for five months and they have held up wonderfully without a single stitch being frayed. I was a bit worried after I inadvertently stepped though a particularly nasty muddy patch. Both shoes were soaked with mud and I wondered if it would effect the soft leather. Both shoes cleaned up like new. Now I am thinking the shoes were a bargain and want to get another pair in case they are discontinued before my current pair wear out.