i love the leather on these... it's like a buttery handbag for your feet. i don't own them but was strongly considering buying them. i have seen them show up on ebay and go for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the price. definitely try that if you feel like the $450 is too much.
i also got a pair of vintage ones on ebay that are just like these. the seller told me my pair was from the late 70's early 80's so you know that if you do plop down the $450... it willl stand the test of time!