Is this a normal variation in leather, or is it damaged?

[ilovecherries]

New pair of boots arrived today, with this very symmetrical mark on one. It's about the size of a 5 pence piece. Not sure if it's normal variation (except it's very regular) or if it's a reason for sending them back. It's completely smooth, not indented.

Whether it's a normal variation or not, I personally still wouldn't be happy with that. I suppose you could try polishing it out if there's a good reason to try to keep them rather than get an exchange?

I don't think it's a natural mark..but if it's naturally distressed type leather (hard to tell from your pic), then we have a sofa made from this..and it gets this kind of mark if something sticks to it ..eg: if someone puts a damp cup on it..it appears to remove the surface of the leather leaving a paler patch, but if you wipe the mark lightly with a damp finger the colour comes back (it redistributes the oils in the leather or something)..not sure if you want to try that if you want to send them back though. Unhelpful, sorry.

I would send those back.

Yes, they are distressed, so there are other marks - this one is just standing out because it's so symmetrical. Annoying because I paid for express delivery because I wanted them to wear tomorrow. Oh well, suspect it all irritate me every time I look at them, so I guess they need to go back. Thanks everyone.