"I was looking for something waterproof and stylish that could transition from commuting through slush and snow to walking around an office. These fit the bill! I got them in gray, and they are not a uniform color--the toes are slightly darker. I might have preferred them in plain black, because under certain lights they look almost navy or like a faded black. However, the coloration does make them stand out from your typical riding boot. My only other complaint is that the zippers (all four of them) are very jangly. But for me, the sharp look outweighs the noisiness. They are also ridiculously comfortable and warm, thanks to the furry lining."