Mo, it won't be long before we are boot twins! I don't want to wear mine out yet, either, because I'm afraid I'll spill something on them before they are protected. I've been using Wilson's Leather waterproofing spray - reviews said it would not change the color of the leather, and that's important to me.
Anna, I hear what you are saying. The mix of warm and cool tones doesn't bother me, but I can surely see how it would look off to many others.
Claire, you'd look awesome in some gray lace-ups - no gap issues with lace-ups! You, too, citygirldc!