Tom Ford shoes: Need Opinions on Construction/Quality - Pics Included

Hey guys,

Based on the pics below (sorry, had to use iphone), can you give me thoughts on construction and quality?

Thanks!

Are you guys referring to the last pic?

The last pic makes it look like the shoe is falling apart, but it might have something to do with the flash on the camera I used. I took another look at the inside and there is nothing like the deterioration as seen in the pic. Odd.

Paid $500 (marked down 50% from $1000). They had a few left at the Madison Ave store (also some boots).

These are my first oxfords with such an elongated last; how much space should there typically be in the toe box? I ask because feet obviously don't become narrow as they hit the end of the shoe (i.e. an elongated last doesn't mimic the shape of the foot).

As I mentioned before, there is no fraying visible to the naked eye (the inside has a suede like texture, so there is some 'shlubiness', but not deterioration). I think the flash did something with the contrast.

On a side note, the boutique isn't bad but the SAs are hit and miss. One was very distant (I guess he didn't think I would buy anything) wheras another one was friendly.

Shirts are half off as well ($260) but only a few sale suits and SCs left.

They fit fine actually; they don't feel loose when I walk in them. But there is some space at the end of the toe. The outsole length is the same as my 9D AE Fifth Aves, but which has a rounded last).