Doc Martens wearers...smooth or virginia?

[Justkoko]

I think this may be my Christmas treat. Chelsea boots though I'm not sure whether to go for Virginia leather or the usual smooth. Anyone tried both? I'm just not sure if the Virginia will have the longevity and keep as nice looking as the smooth, though the lack of breaking in is tempting! (Not sure if I prefer the more polished look of the smooth anyway though)

I love my Virginia leather Docs. They look great after two years. Also seems softer when new and need less (for me no) breaking in.

Is it these ones? IMO the smooth looks nicer, can be worn for smart or casual. I like the lack of yellow stitching too, DMs have been so ubiquitous lately I think you'll probably wear the smooth ones for longer as they're not so obviously DMs.

I like the yellow stitching @Possimpible 🙃
I have other doc chelseas but they are not obviously docs. Now I want some in black and with the detail of the stitching. I just wasn't sure about the different leathers. I may go for smooth as I like a bit of sheen.

Neither. Get a pair of these instead:NPS Solovair | Womens Boots, Shoes & Loafers | Made in England – Tagged "Dealer-Boot" – NPS Solovair UK (nps-solovair.com)
Look like DMs but far better quality

@Justkoko Okay, apologies, I own multiple pairs with yellow stitching so it wasn't meant to be rude. (I do think it's on the way out though, for what it's worth). It would be useful to link the two styles you're choosing between.