Like all other Freda shoes, these are incredibly well made - and you can tell immediately! The woven leather, like, flexes around my foot as I walk - it basically feels like supportive leather that will break in beautifully (soft, without feeling 'thin'). That said, these are ballet flats I will have to break in (once the snow melts gahhh) - just by putting moleskin on the heel. These shoes have a really comfortable sole, and the quick break-in period is 100% worth it.