The leather is supple and the quality appears good. However, since I must send back these boots, I cannot speak to durability. I have low-volume feet. For me, the problem usually is not length or width but filling the volume of a boot/shoe. With the boot, I inserted a thicker full insole than the one that comes with the boot, and wore a thick boot sock, but I still could not fill out the volume of the boot. For comparison, I also ordered the Ariat Heritage III Paddock. The Heritage III runs more narrow, has better arch support that the Breeze Zip, and I have no problem with filling the Heritage III boots' volume. However, the Heritage III leather is stiffer and of poorer quality, and the tongue does seem to be vinyl. Quite a few reviews do mention the poorer quality/durability of the Heritage III. My upshot: the Heritage Breeze Zip appears to be of higher quality, with nice, supple pebbled leather. If you have no problem filling out volume of a boot, then the Breeze Zip would be good. The Heritage III has poorer-quality leather, but great arch support. Can't speak to durability, since haven't worn outside. By the way, though not a paddock boot, I also bought the Kodiak Waterproof Acadia Seam-Sealed Combat Boot (women). It is comfortable, pliable, warm, truly waterproof, and appears to have excellent quality, although I've worn them only twice, but walked a lot both times, throughout Seattle. If you're trying to find a low, comfortable boot that looks fun but is highly functional at the same time, I recommend the Kodiak.
