I've been a loyal Birkenstock customer for 7+ years now. I cook for a living and, thus I feel that my foot support and comfort is extremely paramount. I don't know how people buy $40 bulls#!+ Shoes4Crews type footwear. I want the best shoes money can buy for the kitchen and the Birkenstock Professional line is exactly that. I've owned four pairs of the Birk Alpros before this, and while they are great, they are not like these Bostons. The corkbed sole is far superior to the Alpros and the leather is soft and richly scented -compared to the Alpro, which is leather also but it has a heavy duty coating that suppresses the leather. These Bostons were at my door within 48hrs of placing my order and for only $108 (size 43) it's an absolute steal, borderline robbery actually. Highly highly recommend these to anyone who spends a vast majority of the day on their feet. These Bostons perform functionally while also conforming aesthetically.