Personally I think they are fantastic, and when the time comes for replacement..I have the option to go back to leather, or any other welted sole for that matter.
Am I the only nutter on these forums? Surely not...come on, who, apart from me, like my commando DMs!?
In pebble grain, elephant, or even shell you'd have had a winner. In calf they are a bit too much for my taste. Although on those days when the weather is wretched they'll be looking pretty smart out on the street.
Aesthetically they look fine to me, kind of logical to have all that heavy style of double monk with tank soles. They look like two irons:) Nice looking shoes.