Dr. Martens Unisex Vegan Combat Boot (Open Box)

I’m trying to transition to vegan leather and was pretty surprised at the poor quality of these. As a long time (over 40 years) Doc Martin fan but also a long time (over 35 years) vegetarian and mostly vegan I wanted to try the vegan boots. I have plenty of other vegan shoes and boots so I didn’t expect any problems. I was seriously disappointed at how incredibly hard this material is. Also, they make a loud, weird popping sound when I walk. I did some research and read that you have to really break these in. I have not yet been able to wear them outside of the house. I am walking in house and on treadmill with thick socks on. They are improving in softness but one foot still makes the popping sound. Also, they didn’t come with the usual thick round laces. They came with thin, flat, cheap (feels like it will break with the next pull) laces. I had to buy the good ones and they are not cheap. My old leather ones actually came with two pairs of good laces- one black and one yellow/mustard to match the sticking. I really hope that these will be wearable soon. I almost wonder if I didn’t get the real Doc Martin boots but the look and all the labeling appears legit.