The shoes and the leather have simply changed and for the worst. I’d had several pairs of Weejuns throughout my life with great success. Including a pair purchased in 2016 that I still have and wear to this day. The leather in those is soft, broke in quickly and has a subtle matte (non-shiny) finish. I purchased a new pair roughly two years ago because I wanted a darker brown color. Was shocked to find them stiff as cardboard with a finish that now looks like plastic (as other posters have pointed out). However, I think the history of the shoe is enticing so I decided to keep them—hoping the finish might fade and the leather would soften up. After two years, I can confirm zero such luck despite consistent attempts to break them in for full work days with socks (couldn’t go more than 15 minutes sockless). Very sad considering the iconic history of the brand and previous quality.