The color is furnished by the manufacturer. The black is most likely referring to the granular underlay appearance they have. Snapshots may also appear more brown than black.

Well, I don't own these, but I have seen them in the store. I would call them a "distressed" black finish, you know, the sort of faded-looking black finish that is so popular on boots right now, (like a lot of Corral boots have). Because it is a lighter black, in the light it appears more like a dark brown. If you want a solid black, like you might want with a Johnny Cash, black head-to-toe look, these are not the boots for that. The two advantages of the brownish-black finish that I see: 1) it goes really well with either black or brown jeans or skirts, if you're into color coordinating. 2) with the "leopard" print inlays, the subtler finish would look more more artfully conceived than the stark contrast a solid black finish would provide with any inlays of that size that were not also black. In other words, the designer might have felt that would have looked too flashy or downright gaudy, instead of strikingly attractive. My guess is they tried both, and this finish was perfect with the inlays.

The time frame would be based upon where you live and or which method of shipment you choose. The guesstimates listed within the shipping guidelines usually are correct for shipping. Guess that if you are close to the warehouse that it would come on the early side of the guesstimate and if further then expect the later half. Also note that it is the holiday season and may take additional time to arrive.

Are they on back order? If so, you will have to call toll free customer service to find out, but otherwise everything I have ever ordered from Sheplers takes 5 business days to arrive. It might take less if you are closer to wherever they ship from, KS or OK, ! forget.

Brandi,

These boots are a 'special order' item and that means that they will ship directly from the manufacturer to your door. When you choose your size on the website for this boot it will give you an estimated shipment date. If the boots were ordered today, the manufacturer's estimated shipment date is 09/19/2012. The date given today will not be the same as the date given a week from now. The sooner you order the sooner you will get them. They may have to make the boot before it can be shipped and that is why they give these lead times for shipment. Hope this helps!

From looking at the picture, I would say 2-2 1/4 inches high. Call operator to get exact dimensions.

I don't own this particular style, but Laredo boots are easy. They come in two heel heights, the "classic western heel", about 1 1/2 in. high, and the "fashion western heel" or "high heel" which is a narrower heel, about 2 1/4 in. high. That is what these boots are (and great-lookin' boots they are, too! I have seen them in the store.) I have a pair of "burgundy" Laredos in the higher heel, and it does make you just a bit taller than the classic, which are always the most comfy, but the fashion heels are not at all uncomfortable unless maybe you wore them to hike miles! Those leopard print inlays really do add interest to the overall look.