This is my second pair of Deer Stag shoes. The first pair I bought was from a department store and it lasted around 1 1/2 years with heavy use. I checked my old shoes to cross reference the model and Great Offer Stock was the cheapest by far. On the website these shoes are stitched and look exactly the same as my original Deer Stags. Unfortunately when I received this new pair it was not the 'smooth' soft leather like I had previously. These are a hard leather on top instead. I was disappointed, but needed them. Maybe the manufacturer changed the design? These are comfortable I might add, good for the price, but not exactly what I wanted.