text: The leather is not as soft as I would have liked it, it is stiffer and takes some time to work them in. I soaked them in an oily skin softener which seemed to help some. I have had better quality leather from Dansko. The inside leather also is hard, no real padding for abosobing the shock of walking all day on your feet. I purchased gel-soul inserts and that helped a little but made the fit tighter and more uncomfortable accross the top band of the shoe.