I absolutely love this brand and this purchase was my 3rd in less than one year. But when these arrived, the shoebox was pretty beat up. That's not a big deal but this pair of shoes almost felt like perhaps it had been a used pair that had gotten returned. Perhaps it's just the black color, but they were fairly scuffed up, almost immediately. I take very good care of these shows and they are worn nearly exclusively indoors. I have the KARIEGA VELDSKOEN, and they are months older but have worn so much better--they still look practically brand new. This charcoal version also had a bend in each shoe, right at the bottom of the shoelace, which also gave it that "previously worn" appearance. The leather was much softer as well and didn't have that newer, stiff feel. My other two pairs still don't have this. Don't get me wrong, I continue to love this brand and I am already dreaming about my next pair! But, I was disappointed with this particular purchase, as it just didn't seem to have that same "new" feel that all my other pairs had when I received them. I considered registering a complaint to the company, but time slipped by. When I received this email asking for my opinion, I decided to take the time to let them know. Again, I, overall, LOVE LOVE LOVE these shoes! They have given me an entirely new style which I dig and I get compliments all the time and people wanting to know where I got them...and I always share the website with them!
