"I purchased these boots in black after Christmas last year (January 2012). I wore them once a week for a few months in the winter, put them away for the warm weather, and got them back out in September of this year. I wore them once, and I noticed that one of the boots had turned a gray color and both boots were cracking along the back seam. I love DSW and will continue to shop here. I have never had an issue like this before. I blame Nine West. Buyer beware!!"