Look good! You can never go wrong with a pair of birks, seriously. They dont appear to be leather (according to my wifes discerning eye), but time will tell how they wear and if the coating flakes away like the originals. Long lasting, comfortable and I?ll not hesitate to buy another pair in 10 years. just velcro. Water temperature should be warm (put room temperature filtered water in to top container, then fill to line with hot water, add salt pod and wait to cool. These have the largest ear pads I?ve ever seen. It work just like the one that came with my Bose head phones. They are very warm, and I would say perfect to wear as a slipper, but sturdy and comfy enough that you could wear them on a long walk in cold weather. EDIT: Finally I could cleaned it myself :) Below the pod, removed the rubber and find a screw.