Q: does anyone have experience with the julius 7 erganomic in-heel boots? should I try again??

i ordered the [julius 7 ergonomic in-heel boots from ssense](https://www.ssense.com/en-us/men/product/julius/black-ergonomics-in-heel-boots/17483661?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21334700339&gbraid=0AAAAAD9ouUsNDq8CHXtNSqlMQhWMHbv-1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnJfEBhCzARIsAIMtfKKO_dtFeSNrRssve9nVs8Oq89xPnwJxnBS8Fi7DBb3ThRk-71HCAKUaAs-IEALw_wcB) recently. when I got them, I was astonished at the absolute lack of quality. the leather didn't feel or smell like leather, it felt and smelled plastic, there was glue all over the sole and inside the boot, they had been crushed clearly and the "heel" was really banged up, but the box they came in was in great shape. the shadiest of all was the inside of box, then subsequently my hands, were covered in black (ink? paint? dye?) after handling the boots.

I returned them with no problem, but I don't know if I should order another pair? i was thinking maybe someone found some knock-offs and swapped them in a return? whoever sent them out again at ssense wasn't paying attention? i have only heard good things about ssense. they retail for $1,100 and are on sale for $680... this is the reason for the quality??

i have been looking for boots for months for my wedding and these are all I have found.. should I order another pair? this is a lot of money for me and the first time I shopped from ssense. I worry about not getting a return for some random reason, or boots getting lost in the mail etc.. would love your experience with the boots please and thanks!! i really love the design and want to order, but I hesitate

Julius 7 boots / ssense experience advice please