I purchased these to replace a pair that I thought were identical except that the first pair had fabric panels on the sides instead of being all leather like this new pair. But another difference was that these are about 1 1/2" taller than my previous pair - which I like.

I normally wear size 11 and these fit as if they were made specifically for me. They are just slightly tight which is exactly how new boots should be so they stretch that little bit in to give a perfect fit. You don't want new boots to be loose. But they are very comfortable right out of the box. I liked my previous pair which I had for 4 or 5 years and are still usable but the soles wore down enough that I thought I would replace them for riding. I see one reviewer here reviewed the type like my first pair - that is, with fabric panels. He included photographs so know these are not the same as the boots he reviewed. The only thing that went wrong with my original pair was one of the seams where the fabric met the leather split slightly but that was easily fixed with a little a couple drops of Super Glue to lock the threads in place.

Before I go further, I believe most people are not familiar with the fact that the term "Genuine Leather" is a rather misleading industry term. It actually describes very low quality leather. I think the leather industry probably uses gave that term to mislead customers. You can look this up on the internet and I believe there are YT videos that explain this. That said, many sellers probably say their products are genuine leather to mean it's "real" leather," and not knowing that it's an industry term that describes a specific part layer of leather. Genuine Leather is very low quality leather. It's from one of the porous, spongy and weak inner layers of the hide - almost where suede leather comes from. It's sanded and smoothed to appear like high quality leather. So just be skeptical when you see the term "Genuine Leather." Also, I'm not saying these boots are low quality leather. The term was just probably used innocently and incorrectly.

The worksmanship on these new boots is flawless. I seen no defects at all. It's also very nicely finished. The tongue flap is very well padded. Ideally, I would prefer boots with only the inside zipper because I'm an old biker and it's easiest to just swing my leg up on my knee and reach the inner zipper. Also, with only one zipper, that's one less zipper to fail. But I do like having two zippers on these boots and I like that they are on the front of the boots. But know that the zippers on these boots aren NOT metal even though they appear to be metal. They are colored to look like metal. I learned this the hard way with a motorcycle jacket when, what I thought were heavy metal zippers, one failed and I then realized it was plastic. I had to have a shoe repair place replace them (on the jacket). However, I have never had a problem with the zippers on my first pair of Xelement boots that are very similar to these. If the zippers ever fail - and I doubt they will based on my experience with my first pair - I'll just have the shoe repair guy replace them. But it's worth mentioning that the zippers are plastic - although probably good quality and robust. By the way, to confirm that they're plastic, I checked with a magnet. Without a magnet, it's very difficult to tell they aren't metal.

I see one reviewer said the uppers on these boots wore out in one month. I have no idea how that could happen. The uppers on my original pair are still in excellent shape after years of service and I'll still wear them for other activities. Some of you have probably noticed that Amazon reviews are often placed in the review section for the wrong product. I suspect that explains that review. How in the world could someone wear out boot uppers in one month? It makes no sense.

Here's something else that I think many people don't realize. With boots, you DEFINITELY want Goodyear welt construction (the sole is sewn on to the upper). I wouldn't even think of wearing motorcycle boots with glued on soles. Imagine coming to a stop, putting your feet down and having a sole ripped off. Read descriptions carefully. Many motorcycle boots don't mention the construction method and, when they don't, they are almost have glued on soles. Besides much better strength, welt construction means the soles can be replaced. In fact, I think I'll have that done with my old pair. But don't be fooled just by looking at pictures. Many motorcycle boots have fake threads where the sole meets the upper to fool people into thinking the sole is sewn on. These boots have classic Goodyear welt construction and that's super important. I'm amazed when I see video boot reviews and the reviewer never even mentions the construction method. Welt construction is the very first thing you should look for in motorcycle boots - or boots of any type for that matter. On top of welt construction, the soles on these boots are reinforced with screws. Very heavy duty!

As I mentioned these boots are about 1 1/2" taller than my previous pair of very similar boots and I really like that. Also, the part that goes over my shins is nice and flexible and very comfortable - more flexible than my previous pair.

By the way, for those who haven't owned motorcycle boots with zippers, here's what you do and don't do: Put the boots on, zip them up, snug the laces up so it feels the best, then double-tie the loops so they don't come untied while riding and don't mess with them anymore except if you untie them to clean and polish the boots or have to adjust them. Just use the zippers to take them on and off. Leave the laces alone once set.

Lastly, I see a review where the reviewer said he thinks these boots must be made for women and that no man could wear them. I don't know if he's kidding or was just in a bad mood when he wrote that but it's total nonsense. These are men's boots. Of course, women could wear them too if they fit right. I'm a man and they fit beautifully.

Of course, the only way I'll know how these boots hold up over time is to wear them over time. If these boots fail in any way (like the upper wears out in one month or I find that they only fit women!) I will update this review. But , for now, they appear to be excellent boots and a very good value.

I am SO happy with this purchase, I have worn them for a few months now. They are SO EASY to slip on and off thanks to the Zippers on both sides of each boot. I am VERY pleased with the quality and durability as well as the comfort. I can walk for miles and they are actually even better support than just a shoe. BUY THESE BOOTS!

Fit to size. Look good. break in easy.

Bought these boots for my son and he loved the look and fit. Really sharp looking boots and excellent quality.

Nice looking and durable. Only problem is the zipper on the side of the boot. The zipper is well constructed but sometimes it is hard to zip up. Suggest rubbing a little wax or Vaseline on them.