We managed to snag a lightning deal on these($19) so even though the color is not on my top &#34;cool&#34; list we went for it anyway. They are a bit stiff from the leather and my son does not seem fond of that feeling. I'm guessing leather will loosen and conform after a few wearings, I just don't think my son will even try to do that (and yes, smell of real leather kind of an unpleasant leather smell for me) My son's foot is wide so I was a bit skeptical that these would work for him. The visual out the box make these look to be deceivingly narrow but the inner footbed is actually ok but I think for us we need something bit looser/wider fitting. The foot bed is also very cushy spongy soft-I wish I could stick my foot in to try it out!  I wouldn't tell you not to purchase these as they are very well made shoes my boy just cannot get past the stiff break in. I'm kinda bummed these didn't work for us. For the price I paid these are certainly worth it especially considering companies like Stride Rite rob you for a pair of non-leather shoes that fall apart easily.