• My complaint is the lining rolled up at my toes and started rubbing blisters. I contacted customer support and sent them in for a repair to have the torn lining removed and mole skin put in its place. Once returned to me 2 weeks later the mole skin on the first wear rolled up worse then the original lining and so I pulled it off. That left a sticky residue behind that feels like it’s ripping off my toe nails. They still want to continue making repairs instead of replacing. They have had my shoes more than I have since I bought the Tieks!! I won’t be a returning customer!

• Vibrobarefoot all the way
  They last
  Are simple.
  And- a great minimalist shoe

• I love my Soft Star shoes too! Bought my first pair of Tieks and there was definitely a break in period. They are finally comfortable, but my Soft Stars have been comfortable out of the bag. Plus, they are made in the USA (specifically, Philomath, Oregon). The receipt is signed “the Elves.” How cute is that?

• I have to disagree. I own three pair and they are the only shoes I wear, everyday for several years now.

• As someone who works in the comfort shoe industry and is a Certified Pedorthist, and former shoe sales rep, the problem is not with the quality so much as the fact that these are flats. A durable shoe will have a thick sole and firm leather. Flats are not meant to be worn day in and day out doing very active and or strenuous activity. If you are going on a hike, wear hiking boots, if you are going on a long walk, wear walking shoes, if you are going to be on your feet all day, then wear something with a thicker sole and quality arch support. These flats may last a long time if proper taken care of. Leather requires conditioning and cleaning and also time to dry out in between wears. But sadly yes, a lot of shoe companies have gone the cheap route in recent years and start riding on their brand name of quality that they built up to start with. It’s always good to go to a shoe store that has an educated staff if you can find one!

• I have owned several pair of ME TOO flats that have lasted several years. I have one particular style that I refuse to give up because they don’t make them anymore. They are brown suede and they have been worn many many many times. I would say I’ve had them at least 5 years?? I agree with the Dansko. I live in Europe and these are the best shoes for walking. I also own a pair of Timberland waterproof high boots. They are casual enough and dressy enough to go with just about anything. They are a must in rainy Europe. I don’t mind spending $$$ on shoes but I want them to LAST!!!

• I agree, I expected to be walking on clouds, considering the price. So disappointed

• If you simply look at how most ballet flats are constructed, they’re not made to last long. They have flat soles and sides that are in constant contact with the pavement.

• Pingback: Finally! Soft Star Shoes Review | the minimalist mom

• This was super helpful. I need solid, comfortable flats that will last a long time. I hate buying shoes mostly because I hate shopping period. (Yes, I am weird too). But I like to buy quality that will last and it’s good to know that these shoes – which are never apparently on sale, are not necessarily worth the price of admission.

  It’s all about simpler. Thanks for posting this.

  Diana

• There’s a reason they’re called ballet flats… they are meant to be worn and thrown out like a ballerina would actual toe shoes.

  As someone who sold shoes at Nordstrom for over 5 years and has met with shoe designers, makers as well as foot doctors….I’m confused by anyone having the expectation that a ballet flat is supposed to last for more than 2 years. NO ballet flat is ever designed to last that long and not become worn looking or lose parts of the sole. Think about it….anywhere from 90 to 300lbs of weight pushing down and then twisting and scrapping against concrete?

  The difference with ballet flats vs. all other shoes is that they are specifically not designed to be resoled. How long do your pumps last before you have to take them to the cobbler and reheel and resole them? No more than 9 mos with heavy wear, on average. So, you’re essentially taking care of fixing your shoes every 9 mos. for a shoe that can be fixed vs. a shoe that was not designed to be fixed once worn down.

  It’s unrealistic for anyone to think that a ballet flat or for that matter ANY SHOE that isn’t a reinforced by a steel-toe or supported frame like a hiking, riding or working boot would last this long. The only way your soles don’t wear down is if you buy polyurethane shoes which are typically used only in walking shoes, nurses shoes, Dansko clogs and Ecco-type brands – aka, not cute and functional.

  I”ve owned now a total of 6 pairs of Tieks since they first came out in 2010, all of them have held up for 3+ years just fine. That to me is of huge quality and value when the average ballet flat from Steve Madden, Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan (not the Nike line since that’s polyurethane), Vince Camuto or Dolce Vita that costs 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a pair of Tieks doesn’t wear longer than a year. Hmmm….let’s do the math….2 pairs of $80 shoes in 2 years vs. 1 pair of $180 shoes in 3 years? Clearly, Tieks wins.

  Hint: don’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday. You shouldn’t anyway, it’s bad for your feet and back, can cause bunions. You’re supposed to rotate your shoes between at least 3-5 pairs each week. And you certainly shouldn’t wear them for long walks or in the rain when they are not designed to do so!

  • I read this blog, and many others, looking for multiple reviews on Tieks before biting the bullet. The initial review was good feedback, shoes aren’t perfect, the customer service was responsive; the followup, I feel, is very poor. The replacement shoe obviously did what it was designed to do, yet the review is still VERY negative and uninformative. For instance, how have you been caring for the shoes??? I think people who do want quality products are still often times looking for things to last and last and last but with minimal effort on their part, including these (and other) shoes. This is the case with any item, whether it was made now or 100 years ago. Take care of your things, people. Walks in the rain? With leather ballet flats? Seriously.

• I am so sorry to say but my danskos only lasted 16 years. And due to company change their lasts changed. The heel literally wore down to the point of crumbling in. Leather still in perfect shape.
  I am fairly particular about the last. Patagonia had an amazing womens last but stopped making shoes!
  I have a pair of all leather tall boots from timberland. 10 years and they look almost new. It took a bit to break the leather in and i do oil regularily but they are solid.
  Not that this helps with everything but a shoe that is goodyear welted can more easily be repaired by your local cobbler. Atleast that is what my guy told me.

  And none of that solves my need for something comfortable but work appropriate for the summer. 🙁

• Thank you, I have been very frustrated with the lack of quality and craftsmanship today as well, especially shoes. Bought a pair of New Balance sneakers about 3-4 months ago and they are already falling apart. Really disappointed and angry. Searching online for good reviews on a brand and found this article. I will next check out your recommendations, thanks again!

• I bought my first-and only pair if Tieks in June for my daughter’s wedding. I thought the investment in flats would be well worth it so as not to be pained by heels, 2hile still looking classy. They were the most painful shoes I ever wore. First I thought I ordered a size too small and got an exchange to try. Those were so big they fell off. So I went back to the smaller size hoping they would conform to my feet as advertised. No such luck. By the end of the evening my feet were completely swollen with edema and it took days to go down. Now I have to throw a $200 pair of shoes in the garbage. I think everyone who writes these reviews works for Turks and gets paid off for them

  • Sell them. People pay good money for used Tieks on EBay and Poshmark.

• Just curious…did you have to send your old pair back? I’ve had mine only a few months and the sole came apart and I threw them out last week…then I came across your page while looking up information about ballet flats and saw that they replaced yours! I’m blown away!

  • I did have to send them back and it wasn’t cheap (I was living the UK at the time). My second pair of Tieks are still in okay shape but I wouldn’t recommend them to people that actually walk a lot.

• I have worn my Wolky shoes 25 years off and on. I think they are made in Holland and Mexico. A youtube video explains the manufacturing process. The shoe bed can be replaced as they wear. They are the most comfortable shoe I have found. I have purchased dozens of shoes since that time and the Wolkeys are still the best. If you decide to purchase a pair, go to the Wolky website and enter the shoe name to be sure they are not fakes. They are expensive and not the best looking but feel great and last forever. Wolky.com

• I started reading labels. Anything that states: Man-Made equates to durability is questionable. Happens on purses also. If you read the labels, some companies are cutting corners. So I steer clear of faux leather trims.

• I have to say DUH. What designer flats would put up with daily wear for a couple of miles walk and in the rain???

• I can relate. I have a pair of Madewell jeans that just ripped open at the butt area after 12 months. Its a $100 pair of jeans, mind you! I’d expect it to last beyond 12 months! I too sent photos in to the company and complained. And after all the back and forth emails and phone calls, the only response I’m getting is that I’d have to mail those jeans back and “they” will be the judge of whether its a defect. If so, they will refund me. If not, they will send me back my pair of “torn at the butt” jeans! WOW – awesome product management and customer service.
  Sounds like plain BS.
  Sadly yes – I bought into a BS pair of $100 Madewell jeans that is just packaged to look good but doesnt live up to any standards of a normal pair of jeans. I think I’ve learned my lesson!

• I am glad you seem to have had more luck with the Tieks customer service than I did! My beautiful bright pink pair lasted 3 wears before I had almost wore through the big toe area, the color is completely rubbed off. I called/emailed customer service and their best advice was try to stick mole skin on the inside of the shoe and just deal with the missing color…they also suggested I buy a pair of the patent leather version because other customers that had the same problem as me had better luck in those!!! So they basically told me they have had complaints before about the same issue…but refuse to warn people in advance…and also won’t refund money or replace for the problem. I wanted to love my Tieks…but now it makes me angry just seeing a pair!

  • Thank you for sharing your experience here, Shannon. It’s great to have some feedback – I get a lot of Tiek question traffic to this page.

• Yes, the stuff they make today is crap.
  I have to say that i have proof that the old stuff was made with pride and care.
  I bought a blouse at ll bean 27 year ago when most of there stuff was made in america. I still have this blouse and the colors are still brilliant. Not the same today. I wish it still fit me. Gotta lose 10 pounds first.

• thank you for posting this. my first pair of Tieks i bought for a trip to Italy. they started ripping off (seeing white parts of leadther at the toe and heel after three weeks. they let me exchange it once. But now after normal wear, it’s happening again. Never again will i spend over $150 on one pair of shoes!

• I have a couple pair of Eric Michael boots that I have worn nonstop the past few winters and I LOVE them. I use a shoe polish sponge thing I got at the shoe store to clean them up and good as new. It helps to also spray them with protectant. They are all leather though. I find leather lasts a lot longer and breathes a lot better than anything made from plant materials. I figure if I am going to eat the cow I might as well use the other parts too 🙂

• This is the first negative review of Tieks I have seen, and I appreciate it. The one part of me saying it’s okay to make the investment is that they would last long. I’m normally a Tshirt and tennis shoes kind of girl but I’m trying to dress nicer. I’m going to Europe next month and want to look cute. I thought Tieks would work well for the cobblestone streets. But I also don’t want to spend my life savings on fashion.

  • Emily, I will have a post up in the next two weeks reviewing Soft Star shoes. They make a ballerina style flat similar to Tieks but a bit less expensive and man made in the USA. So far I’m quite impressed. Rachel

• i have three pairs… i told them i was going to write a blog about them and they weren’t interested in giving me a discount… so now i have three pairs of EXPENSIVE CRAP LEATHER SHOES that fell apart in 2.5 months each. the lace on the nuce lace pair ripped within weeks. the stitching came undone on another pair $265 for stitching to come undone within weeks… you can tell they were made poorly straight out of the box… and ALL OF THEM WORE DOWN ON THE BOTTOM EDGES WITHIN WEEKS… wow. i regret my purchases. they refused exchanges without lying nasty remarks and refunds.

• I’ve been researching Tieks–as they have become all the freaking rage–and yours is the only review I’ve found to be negative (I actually really appreciated it, too, since everyone seems to say the same things). As it is, I’ve combed your blog and skimmed through to the most recent comments here to find out how the replacements have faired. Obviously I found my answer but yes, please update this post or perhaps create a new one detailing your experience as I know other people would like to know with this being a booming trend and all.

• I’ve just come across your blog post about these shoes having watched a youtube video raving about them, I dont wear high heels, I’m 5 foot 8 inches tall and I cant walk in heels either, I have 3 pairs of boots made by a company called Pikolinos they do flat shoes also, this is a Spanish brand that uses quality leathers etc, I first bought a pair of their boots about 20 years ago, they have had to be re-heeled several times and re-soled once but because they are have an all leather sole this was possible, last year they came out with what I call the perfect boot, knee high in a beautiful tan colour and also in black, I got both colours, beautifully made boots that I know will last a long time. My aunt always buys this brand of shoe now.

• Did you ever find a more durable alternative? I need comfortable shoes. My Keen’s are expensive and don’t last real long, but I continue to buy because I need comfortable shoes.

  • My second pair of Tieks have last longer and are in significantly better shape. I think there may be some truth to just getting a bad pair. But I have to be really careful not to wear them in inclement weather or anywhere with sand. I’m still searching for durable shoes and clothes and have a few wins – merino wool clothing! – I’ll be sharing on the blog.

• One of my favorite flats are Regina by Frye Company. And you can send back to Frye to get it re-soled.

• I am totally of the same mindset, and have been determined to buy only quality products. Failing that I suppose the only option is to buy from companies that have lifetime return policies. That being said, I wanted to point out that even top quality leather shoes cannot be worn daily. You have to let them dry out each day from the perspiration of your feet. After wearing in the rain they have to be polished. Even good quality products need to be maintained and looked after.

  • Le-Enz: thanks for weighing in. I should update this post. I did get a replacement pair and they have lasted through the same conditions and look much better after a few years of use than those shoes did after six months. Perhaps it was low quality leather?

• I am on my 3rd pair of Tieks and they have been SO durable! My first pair are the classic matte and I wore them day in day out for 8+ hrs a day and they held up great until about a year and a month of wear. They got a hole on the side of the foot (I have wide feet). My matte burgandy ones are on their 10th month of daily, 8+ hours wear and they’re doing GREAT. There is some fading on the toe of the shoe and the back but all the seams and leather are doing well. I seriously wear these shoes for everything – work, shopping, running to the mailbox, walking around the house… you must have got a funky pair because these things are DURABLE.

  • Kris – this is good to hear. And I should update this post because my replacement pair from Tieks has lasted a lot longer. They are still in good shape and I’ve been wearing them maybe 4 months of the year for the last two years.

• So true. This is a trend I’ve been noticing in outdoor gear. It used to be that you could buy quality boots that would last for years, maybe even a decade. I don’t know where those boots are sold now. I used to think it was about choosing the right brand, but all of the brands are using the same cost cutting strategies it seems. Anyhow, the boots I buy now are pretty much destroyed within a year. I don’t have the budget to spend $100 on shoes every year so I usually keep wearing them for another year before repeating the cycle. By this time there are literally holes in the soles of the shoe and I’m getting poked in the foot by tiny little rocks. Vibram soles, I’m looking at you! So I’m at a loss. I once owned a pair of Keens that lasted a good 4 years of intense use (several years as my kayak shoes). I replaced them with the same model twice, both disintegrated within a year. Next I tried Ahnu – a very comfortable shoe for sure, but just as durable as the Keens. I’ve got Vasque on right now – this is a brand with a great reputation – its been about a month and I just noticed one of the lugs on the sole is in the process of breaking off – I just glued it with some rubber cement – awesome. When I examine the rest of the boot, it does appear to be great quality, at least I hope so – if the leather parts of the boot outlast the rubber sole I might try getting them resoled, but common this is ridiculous. It should be possible to get hundreds of miles out of a good pair of boots. Where do I buy good boots?!!!

• I am going through same with tieks. Did your replacement pair do any better? if so which did you order and what did you do differently?

  • I got a replacement pair in the same colour and material (matt black leather). They have faired a little better. I have been wearing them less and making sure to avoid rain them getting wet or any sand on them. I really wish these shoes had been amazing as they fit nicely and carry my size (an 11) and have an array of styles. Perhaps other materials wear better?

• Well, everyone, I’m jumping into this conversation years late! I’m 62 yrs old and have seen this Made in China stamp all too much and on everything. After having been hit by a train in 1978 and had both my legs and feet broken in multiple places, you know I’m looking on the inside of every pair of shoes I buy. So many good shoe companies have abandoned their European and Brazilian factories for China. But, I will not give in!!! I don’t care how much a pair of my shoes cost, I WILL NOT buy shoes from China. Not one pair in my closet comes from China. I highly recommend shoes from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Poland, Slovakia, Israel, and Brazil. Brands I like for comfort or dress are Paul Green, Stuart Weitzman, Mephisto, El Naturalista, Aquatalia, Sesto Meucci, Arche, Anyi Lu, Gabor, Helle Comfort, La Canadienne for water-proof winter boots, Naot, and Sanita. I buy these shoes regularly, and as far as I know, none of them have switched to Made in China. I’ve had good success with comfort and durability with these brands….as long as I don’t buy any stilettos 😉 Many quality shoes like Dansko, Donald Pliner, Josef Seibel, and Pikolinos have all moved production to China. I also noticed a few years back someone posted here about how junky panties are made and don’t last. Again, I agree. Best panties I ever bought were at Target and were made in Israel. That was 9 yrs ago, and those babies are still going strong….hot water washing and all. Don’t bother to look for them now…..Made in China. Good luck one and all on your quest for the perfect shoes and boots.

  • OMG, how could I forget, my favorite walking shoes are made by Thierry Rabotin. They’re sold at Hanigs and Beren Shoes. If you don’t like the styles they’re showing, contact someone at Beren’s who’s the Thierry Rabotin buyer. They’ll actually make you the style you want in whatever colors are available!!! These are my absolute go to walking shoes, especially when my ankles and knees are hurting.

• I bought a friends’ daughter a 500.00 pair DuBarry boots. After one and a half years they are falling apart. This girl is in college and is very appreciative of everything so I know she took good care of them. I called Smartpak where I purchased them. They offered 35% off a new pair. The DuBarry company was notified and they could care less. I am so mad that I would like to impact their sales some way. Anyone have any suggestions what to do next?
  Thanks

• I’m have Classic matte black tieks and started polishing then with black leather polish weekly and they are beautiful. It really helps protect the leather. I actually think they were very kind to replace them after 5 months of wear.

  I also am in the look out for quality shoes. I LOVE Ariat boots. I wore mine daily for years and walked everywhere. The wooden heals wore down a bit in the back but I felt I got good use out of them and they are still wearable (just not on nice wood floors!). I also live my Birkenstock as well but they are not super flattering in all situations and the backless heal doesn’t make long walks very comfortable.

• I just recently replaced my Blundstone boots that I had been wearing for 12 years. They survived 2 pregnancies and the “growth” of my feet during that time. I also used them for hiking etc. as they were more comfortable than my hiking boots. The top of the boots was still fine and I had been wearing them with cracks across the balls of the feet for a year but the soles finally just disintegrated. The cobbler said that he could not replace “cheep soles like that” and they were not made to last. He had to eat crow when I told him how old they were. I would highly recommend and they now have waterproof and more tailored versions. My converse also last very well and so do my Havingas flip flops. Ballet flats all just seem to be disposable.

• As you live in the EU have you considered basing your purchases on “Made in Europe”? This has been my strategy for the past few years and I have been well served by it – my Birkenstocks (Germany) are still going strong after 3 years, my every day shoes are from Camper (Spain) and I amd just now replacing them after 4 years of heavy wear. I could probably have gotten another season’s wear out of them but I unfortunately forgot them somewhere on my travels. I’m trying out El Naturalista(Spain) this time. I’ve heard good things about Greenshoes (UK) but unfortunately they are not in my price range at the moment. I considered Hotter Shoes (UK) and Dubarry of Ireland – but have since learned that Dubarry moved their production to China and the quality has gone down considerably.

• Have you checked out Aurora Shoe Company? They aren’t as fashion-conscious, but they’re incredibly sturdy!

• Tieks are made in China predominantly but out of lovely Italian leather. They do have a wonderful return policy. Our daughter so badly wanted a pair of Tieks but our family is trying very hard to not buy anything made in China due to their human rights violations, abhorrence for democracy and the fact they do not like our country. Not to mention typically poor quality. I am bothered also by the evasiveness of Tieks in disclosing the origin of manufacture. There is nothing on their website and you have to call them or email them to get the information and then they will be very indirect – “oh, our shoes are made in parts of Asia….sometimes Brazil….”

• I came here after a search for “are tieks worth the money” Methinks no. I am also thinking to get myself to eBay and Goodwill for my next few pairs of shoes.

• I have shoes (not Tieks) that I have worn nearly every day for years, and they do not look nearly as beaten up as the pair you pictured here. That said, I live in a city, I walk on pavement and in buildings. Those shoes look like they have been out on dirt and trails. I think we as consumers need to take into consideration what shoes are designed for. Ballet flats are not for farm country. They are probably not ideal for rainy weather either, that will ruin any pair of leather shoes. I just received my first pair of Tieks and I sincerely hope that my experience is not as yours turned out to be. $165 is a lot to pay for a pair of ballet flats!

  On a side note, while yes shoes are meant to be worn outside, how can anyone expect a full refund after wearing a pair nearly every day for 5 months? My mom thinks like this too, and I don’t understand that mentality. Perhaps you don’t feel like you got your money’s worth, but how can that justify a full refund. I would be thrilled to have a brand new pair cost free if they were my favorite pair of go to shoes. Then I would wear the old ones for more dirty jobs and keep the newer ones for going out. That might be just me though.

  I hope your new pair works out, and wish me luck with my first pair.

• How disappointing. I’ve heard a lot about them lately but I am suspicious that they’re giving away the flats for free to bloggers and others just to get a good review.

  I don’t want shoes that will die after 5 months of heavy wear. This really sucks. Back on the hunt again.

• Another dissatisfied Tieks customer here. Tried out my first pair of Tieks for two days and the elastic was making my toes numb. What did customer service say? “Sorry, if you wore your Tieks outside, you can’t return them. You can take them to a shoe store and have them stretched though.”

  First of all, their website states that if for ANY reason you’re dissatisfied with the shoes, you can return them — provided that they’re unworn. Now what kind of satisfaction guarantee is that? That’s like saying they’ll put their money where their mouth is….only if you haven’t actually tried the shoes. Once you’ve tried them and find out that they cause any kind of pain, you’re stuck with them. For the prices they charge, they should stand behind their product but they don’t. I told the representative the shoes are too uncomfortable to even keep on for more than a few minutes because of the elastic and she tells me to go put on some thick socks then the shoes. What is she trying to do? Cut off the circulation to my toes? TERRIBLE SERVICE!

  Second of all, why should I have to take an expensive pair of shoes whose major feature is supposely comfort and go through the trouble of asking a shoe store to stretch out a pair of shoes they didn’t even sell me? Buyer beware of this company. If you’re lucky and have no problems, then good. If you have any issues, be prepared to swallow a $200+ loss.

• I have had a pair of Timberland “Altamont Fisherman” sandals since about 2003. They have been as comfortable from the day they were purchased until now, the sole finally wore through and split, and I still wear them on dry days. The leather on top has a great distressed look, but they have never lost a single stitch, and the leather has never split. I am extremely satisfied with them, and even tromped all over Peru in them, including the Machu Picchu ruins. I also have another pair of Timberland casual dress shoes, that have lasted just about as long. The tread has worn off of the sole, but it was never that deep to begin with really. Yes, I have changed the insoles a time or two, but they’re extremely comfortable, and have held up through lack of care, never being polished, etc etc. I am a 230 pound man, and do not always give my shoes the best of care, but thes two pairs have held up through thick and thin. Maybe try some timberland shoes next time?

• Hi. I am intrigued by and agree totally with the sentiments expressed in this blog. I am intrigued because I realised some time ago that so few of the so called quality brands are anything like they used to be.
  My answer is to hunt out the originals in charity (thrift) shops or vintage outlets, some on line. The secret is to research the true aristocratic brands which many establishments will not recognise. The results are astounding. I have picked up so many truly heirloom quality items, many of them cherished and hardly used, for a fraction of their original cost. Generally, real top end attire does not suffer from the trends of fashion as they are classics. The thrill is researching and then finding those gems.

• Hmmmm, I love my tieks. I have an atypical gait due to slight CP and am very active, and finding pretty, feminine shoes is difficult (the big clunky industrial looking shoes that are meant to last aren’t my style). I’m 5’1, 100 pounds, and just prefer a more delicate look. I guess I figured that any ballet flat needs to still be treated as a dress, not walking shoe. Yes, you can “wear them all day, every day” but I took that to mean they are comfortable and not as flimsy as cheap shoes, that you can use them for a walking shoe in a pinch if you’re traveling or your other shoes are hurting you, not that I could swap out my running shoes or sports sandals for them…I doubt you’ll find a delicate, pretty shoe that you can treat like a sneaker. If you do, let me know 🙂

• Hello there – just stumbled across your blog and absolutely LOVE it – especially this article. As an environmentalist and a lover of quality nothing irritates me more than low quality c##p that doesn’t last and just ends up in landfill.
  Many thanks for such a great blog, Alison (Australia)

  • Thanks, Alison. We have found it more work than we thought it would be to source quality goods that will last. The nice thing is that blogging about it has helped – lots of people have chimed in with reviews and ideas for us.

• Hi, the minimalistmom. I just looked at my black tieks that I’ve been wearing for over a year and they don’t look ANYTHING like yours as far as wear. I have absolutely NO scuffing in the front and very slight scuffing on the back of the heels, but nothing significant. The brown leather sole on mine is in PERFECT condition still, not a single peel or scuff. I just wanted to throw that out there because I really think your situation is NOT normal wear for these shoes because I’ve had mine way longer, and I wear them often.

  • Thanks, Adrienne. It actually makes me feel better to hear this. I had heard such great things about the shoes so it was really disappointing when they fell apart so quickly. The blue rubber pieces actually split in half! A shame because they were very comfortable and I loved how they folded up. Cheers, Rachel

• Sadly, the Frye company was bought by a Chinese company in 2011. My recent Frye purchases, all made in China, have been defective, cheaply made, and were returned. There is no quality control. They are made to look nice when they are brand new, but they fall apart when worn. My old Frye bags and shoes, made in USA, Mexico, and Brazil are all great quality, built to last for a few decades. I notice this season’s new Madison Disc Thong sandal has a hefty $198 price tag on it. They are cute but they are the same as last-year’s garbage with a new look. My recent Frye experiences include: receiving mismarked shoes (wrong size), not enough holes punched in straps to buckle and wear the sandals, T-strap upper so long, couldn’t hold sandal on foot when walking, ballet flats are total trash, black shoes have plastic/wood heels when listed as leather. The Frye website no longer boasts being American, no longer mentions a guarantee, and does no lists buyer reviews of products. Surprise, surprise! Lesson learned: buy local, buy quality, take the time to find artisans who really do take pride in their product. Frye is history for me.

  • Good to know. Thanks for posting this here, Rita. My boots are still in great shape but I think they were made in 2010. I won’t be buying another pair (hope to not have to) per your comments. Now… if you do find a great company making great, long lasting, and stylish footwear, come back and tell me!

• I strongly recommend LL Bean. I worked for them. Their policy is a lifetime satisfaction guaranteed, no questions asked. I once returned a coat I had for 10yrs that had started to lose it’s down and they replaced it with another. Their prices are reasonable, their products are classic quality, and their shipping is FREE!

  • Thanks, Kate. This is good to know.

• I also bought shoes which lost their heels (almost flat heels) within 3 months. When I bought them I had said I needed shoes for everyday use: to work and go for walks, so they needed to be comfortable and sturdy. I thought I bought a brown leather shoe with wooden heel, but when the heel came off, it looked like some composite wood imitation or cardboard! When I took them back to the shop I was told my feet were hard using and that I should have known better than to wear the shoes in wet conditions! I was baffled.When you buy a pair of leather shoes in the autumn you expect them to stand up to some moisture, no? Apparently not… after a lot of moaning they agreed to fix one heel at their cost, one at mine…

  I have a Singer sewing machine which is about 100 years old, it works like a charm, and luckily I have a service man nearby who can keep it in good shape (the leather strap from the wheel to the machine had worn recently).

  I too wish there was some way of finding decent materials and product and get really annoyed by stuff that is basically designed and produced to last only just past the guarantee date…

• I think you’ve just discovered a sad fact of modern life: people don’t walk any more. So shoes aren’t made for walking. They’re made for 10m treks in and out of the house/car and that’s about it. I’m sure your shoes would have lasted if you had only used them for that.

• If your “leather” shoes start “peeling” or fraying then take back to the store immediately – this is not real leather & you should be refunded for false advertising claims that the shoes are real leather.
  This material that peels is either synthetic / plastic carefully made to look like leather & heat bonded onto the back of thicker material man made material.
  OR it is a tiny millimeter thin piece of very crappy leather that is stretched within an inch of its life & then heat bonded as above.
  The same process is used to make “leather” lounge suites, “leather” bags & belts.
  It’s such an annoying marketing ploy & we are all now dubbed into thinking that leather peals or frays because its the norm in the leather goods industry.
  Real leather does not warp, peel , fray or do anything except age beautifully & last many many years.

  • You’ve got it! Buy full grain first, top grain as a second. “Genuine leather” is just (barely) a step above pleather. Bonded leather is basically pleather. It pays to understand what the terms mean and can help you to separate out the few quality shoes/couches/bags from all the other junk that masquerades as leather.

• I’m wondering if there is any reason you wouldn’t get Frye flatts? I actually ordered a pair of Tieks but ended up returning them (they just didn’t feel quite right and I was scared of spending that kind of cash only to be disappointed- unfortunately I live in canada so I still had to cover all shipping costs). Needless to say I’m still on the search for a good pair and thought if you had such a great experience with your Frye boots maybe their flats would be a gr choice.

  • I can wear a size 11 in the more generous sized Frye boots (Harness style) but I am really more like an 11.5. Tricky to find shoes that fit.
    Appreciate the suggestion though and will go check out Frye flats. My sister (also a size 11+) just had a good experience with a pair of Doc Marten flats after reading about them here.

    • I invite you to try my family’s Aurora Shoes (aurorashoeco.com). We have been making them by hand in upstate NY for more than 20 years. We use American materials including full grain leather (this above all else, is the key to a high quality, high comfort shoe) and Vibram soles. We fit based on foot tracings and have a very loyal following. We offer re-soling at a low fee and love to keep our shoes on the same feet for decades. Give us a shot!

      • Love this – start making minimalist ballet flats for me! 😀

• Honestly, it looks like Tieks is playing dirty adverts.
  Their shoes are obviously designed for heel wearers needing a break. The split sole gives that away, as does the mention of trouser hem clips.
  They might have all day walking comfort, but they are not meant to be worn day in day out.

  If one was a dedicated heel wearer and needed a pair of “relief” shoes, and wanted them to last, this might be the brand.

  I have a pair of the aforementioned Chacos. Actually, I have three, and one has been worn less than two months and is backstock for when my super pair, my daily wear, must be retired.
  Why would I do that? Because all three pair were made in Colorado prior to the change to Chinese factories and the sale to a different company in Minnesota.

  Pair one is from 1998. Daily wear with the exception of deep snow, so let’s call that a year out of that time.
  Pair two is worn a couple times a month, and was purchased when I needed to have Pair one resoled. I literally didn’t own another pair of shoes.
  Three was a well-meaning gift.
  Pair one has been resoled three times with new straps last time. Same footbed.
  Total investment for pair one: $215, plus shipping. Maybe another $21, iirc.
  Pair two was on sale at $77. No repairs yet.

  Pair three is , as I said a gift, but will equate to a replacement value for pair one. Right now, that is $109, plus shipping.

  I do use cheaper snow boots, as I was urban Colorado. I added Yak Trax for trails. Worked.
  I killed one pair, replaced it, used it for a season and moved to the San Francisco area. Far less call for snow boots, but they are ducky rain boots as well.
  I have a cheap pair of flats for getting into work. I am shoeless while I work.

• I know exactly which shoes you bought, and I’m so glad you mentioned your experience. They have targeted ads on Facebook, and with all the walking I do, and the price they charged, I thought they might be worth it. In retrospect, the targeted ads, the slick website, the branded turquoise sole all show a lot more investment in marketing than making. I will be warier next time.

  (Not a bad mantra for shopping come to think of it! Marketing over making . . . no thank you!)

• This post reminded me of something. I bought a pair of “investment shoes” from Wolky. I’m on my third season with them and I’ve been really pleased with how they’ve held up. However, the shoe leather is closer to the soft side rather than rugged and they have some pretty significant toe scuffing at this point. It made me realize I don’t really know how to care for leather shoes. I guess in our current throw-it-away culture, it isn’t something that’s passed down anymore. Looking on the kiwi website, I see that they recommend polishing and weatherproofing before you wear them at all to protect them (which I definitely didn’t do). A friend of mine from Eastern Europe said it was her childhood job to polish shoes regularly (I forget if it was daily or weekly. Something like that.) I instead waited until they looked really bad and then started covering over scratches with polish. So I thought I’d throw it out there. How does everyone care for their nice shoes? Polish? How often? Do you weatherproof?

• I have Merrill sandals that just broke on the front flap. They must be at least 9 years old. I had a shoe maker repair the flap and they should be good to go for another long stretch. I also have a pair of Blundstones that are about 7 years old. I wear them every day as well as at the barn and for horseback riding. If I wear a bit better about their upkeep, they might look a tad better, but they are so comfortable and nothing is broken yet. I hate having to replace things, but some many things don’t have parts made for them anymore. I tried to get a toaster oven repaired and waited for over a month to be told that they couldn’t find the part that I needed. sigh. What is this society teaching our kids about consumerism and taking care of the earth?

• I feel exactly the same way. I’m so irritated that it seem like nothing is quality these days, and everything is disposable and falling apart. My family and I are going to start thirfting instead of shopping at chain stores, in the hopes that a) we will find older clothes that are of decent quality, and b) if they fall apart, at least we didn’t harm the environment by buying new. At least we are reusing something that someone else already purchased. At least the fabrics will have had the chance to off-gas harmful chemicals, and at least we will be supporting a local business. But boy, does it irk me that expensive items fall apart just as easily as cheap ones.

  I’m dying to have a classic wardrobe that will last years and years, but it’s proving to be quite a challenge.

• You probably ran across this in your research, but perhaps repetto flats could be a worthwhile investment?

• I actually have barefoot running shoes. Really like them and at one point was up to running 5km a few times a week in them. Found any longer and I got foot pain. I use them for weight lifting and they are great for technique.
  Not sure complete barefoot running is for me or suitable for where I live. I’ve read up on the benefits and agree, it’s something runners should try.
  The flats that I bought are very minimalist in design, no heel, no arch support. They actually felt similar to my barefoot running shoes and I did a lot of walking in them.
  Thanks for the links – Rachel

• I still haven’t read through all of the comments yet, but I’m with you. I’m trying to buy fewer pieces, but of higher quality. I just purchased a pair of doc marten flats in raspberry. Since I still have my black lace-up docs from 1995, I expect these to last me a long time. I didn’t even know they made flats and they’re super cute. Based on one of the other comments, I’m also going to check out the Aurora Shoe Company. (Have already sent an email with a list of questions.)

  Perhaps when you find products that you are satisfied with, that last and are of great quality, you could add another page with your recommendations? Just a thought.

• I didn’t read all the comments but would suggest the aurora shoe company. You send in a tracing of your foot and they make your shoes to fit you. There is a neat video on their website showing how they make them. They are open about the sources of materials. Shoes are suppose to last for years and can be sent in for repairs if need be. I just bought a pair and am happy thus far!

• sooooooo happy i returned mine recently. they hurt my toes, so i exchanged for the next size up and they fell off. my new shoes are ahnu karma. i’m not sure how long they’ll last, but they were $90us and i have worn them a few times a week for 4 months. they are very comfy.
  i hate all of this cheap garbage too. my icebreaker tee (as well as my hubs) have holes after a couple of months. we thought they would last forever. my gap tees last longer than that for 1/4 or less the price.
  we have had the same problem with our furniture in our home. we spent $4k 2 months ago on a leather sofa and have already had the repair guy out to fix stitching and replace the cushions. we are so disappointed. why can’t it be like my grandparents sofa. it was purchased when they were married and loved until they passed on. now my cousin has it.
  good luck finding good shoes. i’m curious to hear what you choose and how long they last. 8/

  • (i returned my tieks)

• Your flats are the image I have in my head about what my 2 week old *rave review* flats are going to look like in a few months. I shopped forever to find comfy flats, they are soft, buttery, flexible and since I work on a university campus, they are walkable w/no break in period. PERFECT! Nearly $100…err…um…ok. Because everyone says they’re worth it…including the sales associates at the store who all have them on.

  So, today I look at the toe, and I see some scuffing. Scuffing as is my pretty butter soft leather is peeling in the most random place! I’m second guessing my purchase of uber-comfy shoes and wondering if maybe I should have paid MORE for the XX brand instead. I must be sick! These are flats, not fancy *red-bottoms*. They dont even have any glitz on them. Luckily, I purchased at Nordstroms, which I hear has an AWESOME return policy, so I’m going to wear them for another month or so & keep watch. If they get much worse, they’re heading back to their homeland, so to speak, and I’m putting the $$ down on something durable!

  • Chiming back in to second what others have said – my Chacos are 4 years old this summer & still look like new. They are my every-day casual shoe (too bad they don’t work for the office). My Danskos are 5yrs old and don’t look worn at all. I just purchased my first pair of Fryes, which I hope will last me a good long time. Maybe I should look into some full grain, no holds barred leather flats that will hurt to break in but be worth it long term.

    The flats I have on now are Sam Edleman flats. They are butter soft & have some cush on the inside too. I’m sad that they scrape SO easily though. Going to try some of the other brands people have listed.

    I hate rebuying the same shoe yearly as if I am a toddler. My feet are the same size and my shoes should last until I’m sick of them!

• I hate this about the times we are living in!! I still have toys from when I was a child that I’ve given to my 5 kids to play with, when the new toys I bought them are broken in 3 weeks. And DVD cases too, you can tell they are so cheaply made just in the past 10 years.

• Give ECCO a try. I bought a pair of their casual flats 6 months ago and have been so pleased with them. Quality leather, stylish design, sturdy construction, and extremely comfortable. They are my about-town shoes; I wear them daily and frequently put 3+ kms on them in one wear without any discomfort, blistering, aching etc. Based on how well they’ve worn to date, I’m expecting to get 4+ more long summers out of them (currently living in Calgary where flats usually can be worn about 6 months a year). Well worth the investment in my estimation and I will definitely be purchasing my next pair of heels from them! http://www.eccocanada.com/who-we-are.html

• “How Luxury Lost It’s Luster” a book on high end fashion going down in quality. The $2,000 Chanel bag that’s says “made in Italy” likely made by a teen in China. What’s the point? I look for high end vintage pieces and handmade. I’ve had good luck on Etsy and like that i am helping a “mom and pop’ style store instead of big retail stores.

• Dansko/Sanita are my vote for longest-lasting shoes. I forget the whole story, but Sanita is made by the original group that used to make Danskos. Dansko got sold, or started being made in China, or something like that, and are possibly now inferior to Sanitas. Sorry I don’t have the story straight. In any case, both brands are very, very long-lasting shoes.

• This drives me crazy as well. When you find shoes that last and fit well please share! I’ve started taking some of my shoes to a cobbler to be resoled, and find doing so sooner rather than later helps but the leather still tends to wear through rather quickly.

• I haven’t the time to look through all the comments, but I’m right there with you. I’m at the point in my life where I want to spend more to get a quality product.

  We just bought our son his first pair of shoes and we got Soft Star shoes. They are GREAT! I’m saving up for my own pair. I think they are really made to last. I’d check those out, too. They are hand made in the USA.

• This reminds me of our recent electric lawnmower debacle. We very carefully chose a plug-in lawnmower to avoid gasoline guzzling. (We rent a house right now–when we have our own house, we just won’t have a lawn that needs to be mowed.) They keep malfunctioning (battery burns out while charging), and the company won’t replace the part we need and won’t refund our money. We’re on our third lawnmower now, and I’m kind of sick about what to do. I want take a fourth lawnmower, so I guess I’m going to have to throw a tremendous fit. I will. If they won’t relent, though, I’ll be out about $500. Ugh.

• Chacco’s are the best shoes for summer wear. Made in Colorado and so sturdy for all types of feet. Mine always last at least 5 years before the sole needs replaced, and I literally wear a pair everyday all summer (Ohio summer=3 months a year).

  • chacco’s are made in china now 8(
    i was so bummed when i found out

• A good resource is the “Buy It For Life” subreddit that can be found at:

  http://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/

  The focus there is on “practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last”, and you can do a search for the item for which you are looking.

  My “It’s all crap” question is – “When did panties become such crap?” After a few wearings they are ready for the garbage. My friend Linda is not impressed, and she is wondering if anyone makes quality, comfortable, non-disposable ‘pants’ anymore.

• About that piece of farm equipment, I bet it was made by John Deere. John Deere World Headquaters is located in the next town over from mine. In Moline, Illinois. Everyone wants to work for Deere. It’s hard to get a job there and if you do, you stay there forever. No one quits Deere. They are pay exceptionally well and have fabulous benefits and they turn out products of perfection. Farmers livelihood depend on their equipment and they all know that “Nothing Runs like a Deere”.
  Yeah, quality products have to be made by people who really care and who are compensated well for their hard work. I agree that this has become a throw-away, who cares society where quantity rules over quality. Most of the time we just pay for a label that stands for nothing except the hype.

• A neighbor and I were just talking about how brand new appliances (that cost a fortune) start breaking after a few years!
  I have to say that I’ve had great luck buying at our local consignment shops. Even though the items are used, the owners pick really great quality clothes/shoes to supply their stores. I’ve gotten long lasting clothing (jeans especially) from consignment stores for a fraction of the price.

• That’s exactly why I stopped buying clothes, and started making my own. It doesn’t matter how expensive a piece of clothing is… it just doesn’t last. I’ve decided that if it’s not made by me, I don’t want it. All my family is aware of my decision too. At least I’m sure I’m making quality clothes that last (The secret is in how the clothes are finished on the inside).

  • If you want something done right, do it yourself… if possible. That means things like making your own clothes, baking your own bread, cooking all your own meals, repairs, even home schooling your kids (if you are that dedicated).

    You get better quality, more control, money savings, and the satisfaction of being self-reliant.

• Bummed to see that the Tieks look that shabby after 5 months, because I just bought and have been wearing the exact same pair. In fact, I just ordered another pair (they’re comfy and I am on my feet ALL DAY) but perhaps I should reconsider…

  My Danskos have worn like steel for YEARS. Maybe not the style you crave, but they simply don’t die.

• your writing style has me giggling. it’s great. it is crap we’re buying these days.
  anyway i just caught a special “at home with venitia in kyoto” and she picked up these marvelous flats that were made especially for her by a local cobbler. she intended to bring them by maybe once a year or more to have the heels and souls checked, to have them conditioned for weather and wear, but fully expected to wear these shoes indefinitely. fantastic! i wish i could find out how -that- went.
  sorry about your pricey flats. as my husband says most reviews on site are from people who had problems or were already excited about the product before they’ve experienced it. the average satisfied skeptic rarely replies. i like to ask strangers on the street. they’re usually caught off-guard and very honest because. =D
  of course it may make you look nuts. but who’s to care- you’ll get great shoes!

• Similar to something that was observed about Japanese motorcycles and top-end electrical products a few years ago: built-in obsolescence! Capitalism can only work if the market expands every year, but how, when everyone’s got a DVD-player, iPad, top-of-the-range pair of shoes and family saloon car, can the market continue to expand?
  By constantly recreating the need to buy, and this is most easily done if the products works brilliantly for a limited amount of time and then ceases to be! If it’s functioned just about long enough to be acceptable and to impress us with whatever it does, we will buy another one of the same brand.

• Just adding my voice to the choir here – planned obsolescence is apparently not just for electronics anymore. But I think the “average” consumer never notices these things because most people have SO many pairs of shoes that they seldom wear one more than a few times before it “goes out of fashion” and they replace it.

  One time, back when I was still working, a group of us were sitting around waiting for a meeting to start. It was early winter and everyone had just broken out the boots. One woman was admiring another’s boots and said something like “I HAVE to go get new boots, I’m so embarrassed wearing these because they’re last year’s style.” I didn’t say anything, mostly because my jaw was on the ground. This was a single mother with 2 kids, a deadbeat ex who never paid her any child support, who was eeking by on a tiny salary and public assistance. Yet somehow, in her world, boots should be replaced every year because they’re no longer in fashion?!?

  I think the vast majority of the public has really swallowed the Kool-Aid on our role as consumers.

• It’s called “planned obsolescence” and was put into practice in the 60’s by many companys 🙁

  I have shoes issues and need ones that support my hips. I’ve been very happy with my Birkenstocks as folks above have discussed as well as my De Wolky shoes. Very frustrating!

  • Planned obsolescence – that’s what I was going to say, too. If any of you understand German, check out this brilliant documentary: Geplanter Verschleiss – Kaufen fuer die Muellhalde: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIsqGxWW4Ys

    http://www.tibs.at/content/planned-obsolescence-geplanter-verschlei%C3%9F-kaufen-f%C3%BCr-die-m%C3%BCllhalde

    The second link also gives you English websites and further links.

• I totally agree, I had the same experience just a few months ago. Can you believe that I have a cheap pair that I have been giving to the cobbler a couple times that I still wear 10 years on, but my new expensive pair of flats is also falling apart 6 months on???
  I am so mad that I want to either make stuff myself or order it tailor-made at the cobbler’s!!! GRRRR

  • PS: I have sometimes gotten more out of a 30 euro pair than I have out of a 200 euro one! So that proves that quality and price are worlds apart. I always look at the stitching, glue work and so on and I can usually tell if it’ll last or not! Good luck finding new durable shoes!!

• You’re right. It’s all crap. That’s why I’m not particularly a fan of the “quality over quantity” adage. While I wholeheartedly support the concept of living with less, I don’t find myself getting too excited over spending top dollar on an item when I can find a comparable item for much, much less. Case in point: shopping for running shoes for the first time in years, I am finding that most quality brands are priced over $125 CDN. I bought my last pair at Costco for 40 bucks – they are a great brand and they have lasted several years already. So I guess in my mind it’s not always necessary to spend any extra money in order to get the best quality, it just takes patience and the willingness to not buy something the very second one thinks you (proverbial you) need it. That being said, there is a ton of crap out there in the stores. I don’t have any recommendations for adult shoes, but we have had great luck with Geox shoes for the boys. I’m pretty sure they’re made of galvanized steel in disguise because most of their shoes we are able to get through two kids (believe it or not) and they are still not falling apart! Definitely worth the price tag, but they do go on sale periodically too. Good luck with your search!

  PS. Have just realized you are expecting #2 – many congratulations! (I am just now catching up on all the blog reading I didn’t do this summer 🙂 )

  • Geox: got a pair 2nd hand when we were in Vancouver. You are right: indestructible.

    Thanks and no blog reading must mean you had a great summer! Heard about the heat waves. Jealous. 🙂

• This link was posted by Rachel on Eco Cat Lady’s blog: http://ruthemilydavey.co.uk/shoes.html
  These look like they’d be expensive, but designed to last, fit well, and I am sure it says that they are designed to be repaired.

  I think one of the problems is that things are now ‘not worth repairing’ as the repair is more expensive than the original object…which means that we are losing the skills to repair anything!
  I bought a pait of riding boots in Mongolia, and when they needed to be re-soled, the cobbler (we still have a proper cobbler where I live!) said they were very good quality- not bad for 15 dollars. I guess when I was in Mongolia 9 years ago the consumer, throw-away culture had not arrived there…

• I know what you mean! We just moved and had to leave our 10 y/o washer and dryer behind. They’ve worked perfectly for us over the years and in my researching the latest and greatest washers, I read so many reviews about the new water-saving top (agitator-less) /front loaders where people kept stating that it didn’t wash well, it kept breaking down. I decided to stay old school and buy a cheaper and more reliable top loading washer WITH an agitator. Things are definitely not made the way they used to be.

• Try Doc Martens. They make really cute flats and these babies are made to last. Check out their website!

• How bloody annoying! I hate it when you think you’ve made a quality purchase only to be let down by shoddy craftsmanship and materials. Shoes, bags and Winter coats are somethings that I’m happy to pay more for in the hope they’ll last for years. I feel really peed off if they don’t.

• YES, YES, YES!!! Thank you! I am weird, too. So sick and tired of crappy crap! I am on the hunt for some great shoes; I am eagerly reading over all your comments to see what other people like, because frankly, I have no clue when it comes to good quality shoes. I will say that I got a pristine pair of LL Bean Wicked Good slippers at Goodwill for a whopping 5 dollars about 4 years ago (maybe longer?) and they have held up beautifully despite wearing the shearling down to the leather sole. I cannot imagine NOT having them in the winter. I would be absolutely fascinated to see a post of reader recommendations for shoes. In regard to the ‘older is better’ theme going on, my husband and I collect antique/vintage appliances for farm and home use. I have a 118 year old sewing machine that makes a stitch like you would not believe. I also have many models from 1900 up to the 60s and they were built to LAST. You can still get parts for them! Now, everything is made with cheap ass plastic. Lastly, we own a repair business, and some of the new tractors/equipment we see are absolute CRAP. Now, we’re talking thousands upon thousands of dollars for JUNK. How terrible is that! Keep up your weirdness. You’re my favorite ‘blogess’. lol

• Rock on, minimialist mom! I just invested in two pairs of fall shoes, leather clog type things. Not very sleek and fashionable, but at 41, I’ve decided my very high heel days are behind me (ballet flats and thin flip flogs do me no favors either) and need to baby my poor, aching feet as much as possible. One pair is Dansko and the other Josef Siegel. Hope they last!

  • That would be “flip flops” not “flogs” obviously!!! Hate spelling errors!!! haha

    • LOL! “Flip Flogs” does provide a very interesting mental image though… sort of a cross between a beach bum and an ascetic monk!

• So sorry about the shoes. That really stinks!

  I swear by Danskos. They may not be the style you are looking for (although they make many cute styles), but every pair I have owned has lasted 7+ years beautifully. Want even more proof? I live in Alaska and I wear my Danskos all winter long. I only have two pairs, but I have one pair I wear most of the winter. If they get a little scuffed I just apply some shoe polish and they are as good as new. These $120 shoes are cute (perfect with my straight leg or boot-cut jeans) and hand-stitched (because of this every pair tends to fit a bit differently) and built to last.

  Just my 2 cents worth of advise. 🙂

• Sorry to hear about your flats, especially after all your research and efforts to buy quality.
  I have trouble finding shoes that fit well, due to wide feet and long toes, and don’t mind paying for real quality. My experience with Tod’s loafers – I will never ever buy them again. Having been a customer for twenty years, when they were still known as “J. P. Tod’s” – these were my top choice for loafers and they lasted for years. I think they quality has gone down hill fast since they became really popular. The last pair I bought – identical in style to a treasured pair from ten years ago – fell apart after two wearings. They were falling apart while walking, the sole and the body of the shoe were bonded by a mid section and that crumbled while walking. Defective or just poorly made? I called the company and then sent them photos, when I bought the shoes, how much I paid, and how long I’ve been a customer (having ordered shoes from their New York store to be shipped to me out of the country). They will not repair, replace, or guarantee any shoes that are more than a few months old, and only if they have the exact item in stock. Huh? I was shocked. So no more Tod’s for me. Now I’m going even higher end, and expect these to really last! (They may be two to four times the price of the Tod’s, but let’s see how long they last! Shall let you know about them.)

  There are “designer” brands and then there are DESIGNER brands. Just because something is silk or cashmere doesn’t mean it’s the higher end longer lasting version.

  There’s a book called “Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Lustre” by Dana Thomas. Eye opening, even on many of the so-called high end designer brands, counterfeit goods, fakes, cheap vs. quality, child-labour and such so we can have “cheap” bulk items – even with a brand name label plastered on the front. And goes into detail on some very high end items that are crafted rather than machine made. Fascinating. Eye opening, and gutting in parts.

  I cannot afford to buy cheap. I’d rather have tailored pieces that I wear for years and fit me than items that fall apart before I’ve even tossed out the receipt. Let’s hope these new brands I’m trying will last….

• I love Birkenstocks, and my husband has had great luck with his trusty pair of Rockport loafers.

  • Me too. I’m about to get my sandals re-soled for the second time – my leather uppers are still holding strong since 2001. No other pair of shoes has come close to my Birks, and these have traveled the earth…if only everything else were made this well!

    Keep the recommendations coming, friends! What about jeans, sweaters, etc?

    • Try duluthtrading.com and click on the womens tab at the top. They have great clothes. Mostly work/play clothes, not business attire or dress clothes.

• Amen sister! I’m tired of it too! It’s just not right. In some ways, I feel like it’s stealing. We give our hard earned money, but then don’t our money’s worth in return. I’m willing to buy less so I can spend more on quality items. But those items haven’t always measured up. Makes me sad.

• I had a pair of Chaco sandals last me 10 years, and I passed them on to someone else just so I could get an updated style. They would have kept on going! That’s what I’m talkin’ about! I agree, things should be made to last. I am known to get leather boots re-soled too. I’m sick of all the cheap crap! I must be weird, too!

  • Amen to Chacos! My husband used to go through a pair of sandals every summer (due to the rough nature of his job) and his Chacos have now lasted 3 years! He now has to get new straps, but it is just a few dollars. This is the best any shoe has lasted for him! Even his Birks didn’t hold up like the Chacos!

• I have been feeling exactly the same way. When I find a product I love, I want it to last forever. I hate having to replace things after a few months. Shoes are a particular problem for me, too.

  I have a neighbor in his 70’s who invited my husband and me over to look over his old clothes and take what we would like. I didn’t know what to expect and was prepared for some garish 60’s or 70’s stuff, but it turned out he had a very nice collection of very expensive clothes that were not out of fashion and could be used for many more years to come. He had tailored suits, custom made shirts, wonderful leather shoes and boots, etc. Not a lot of it fit my husband, but he took a few nice items that worked. It makes me sad and angry that it is so hard to find the same quality today. People took pride in making and owning products back then. They also had the sense to save up for good quality basics rather than purchasing entire new wardrobes every season.

  I don’t see our throw-away mentality ending anytime soon. There are too many people who just don’t care, and those of us who do care often can’t afford the higher prices of truly quality products. I do what I can, though. I exhaustively research just about everything I need to buy, and if the best product is too expensive for my budget I see if I can find it used or on clearance.

  p.s. I’m not sure if the shoes would work for you or if you could even get them in the UK, but I recently discovered Vintage Shoe Company and have heard their products are great. I don’t have any personal experience with them yet.

• I think this is why I’m so brand loyal! I’ve found certain brands (especially for men’s/boy’s clothes/shoes) that last forever and stick with them. One brand that comes to mind is Van’s. I, along with family members, have had their shoes for years with daily wear. I often find that the “skate brands” outlast anything else on the market, especially when it comes to boy’s/men’s wear! I know a lot of people look at us like we are just walking billboards, but really, these clothes last forever! And as for designer stuff, I’ve seen my mom and sister fall into that trap far too often to try it out myself.

• Oh thank you for your post and everyone for your recommendation. A few years ago I took some trousers back to a uk fashion shop , they were 3 months old and and fallen to pieces. I was told by the sales assistant. “Clothes aren’t designed to be worn for more that 3 months” WHAT. She begrudgingly gave me a credit not and I have not shopped there since. I have also bought expensive boots. Which haven’t last but I will let that go because I can wear out DMs in a year, I’m that bad on my shoes.

• My husband recently bought a pair of shoes for work. He walks or bikes 3.5 miles to work, works primarily on his feet and walks back. Shoes were $70. 20 work days later (just 20) they had a hole in the heel.., they’ve sent us a new pair since they’re warrantied for a year. I still can’t get over how fast they fell apart. We have three pair of shoes each. 1 running, 1 flip flops (our flip flops are 5 years old and look new, they’re Rainbows we got as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts from my sister in law) and one casual/work shoe. My pair has holes, they’re 2 years old. I’m definitely taking in these recommendations. I’d love a pair of shoes that lasts.

  • We’ve had the same issue with my husband’s shoes. He walks to work in often inclement weather. We wanted something that was worked for formal office wear and that could be resoled/repaired when needed and was waterproof. Think we found it but it was five times what we would normally spend on shoes that only lasted 8 months. These ones should last 5-7 years with care and upkeep. Fingers crossed.

• I have been feeling like this SO MUCH lately. Everything from expensive (and supposedly good quality) shoes to appliances. In a world where consumers have been green-washed, I have come to understand that even refriderators, washers, etc. are made to break and not easily be fixed so that we will throw them away and buy a new one. WHAT??? What is so green about $165 shoes that (even if they replace) go into the landfill after 5 months or my beloved washer (okay, so right now that’s my thing) that only gave us 5 years of service. How much energy does it cost to replace these things that used to last SO MUCH longer?

  Anyway, the shoe thing is a bother. I’ve done well with our local shoe repair and a bunch of my friends are suggesting Aurora Shoe Co. out of New York. Apparently, they are glorious. Although, like you, I’m skeptical…feeling like everything is crap, even though their reputation is wonderful. Thanks for sharing this one. It was timely for me!

• It is very annoying, and I think it is quite deliberate that stuff is not made to last anymore. It keeps the economy growing (and while we are at it, it messes up our earth)

  Maybe you know this website (and the movies on it). It has me thinking for weeks now. http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-stuff/

• I’m constantly on the hunt for shoes that are genuinely good quality. It’s difficult to tell which cost a lot because they’re well made, and which are expensive because you’re paying for the name. My husband and I both walk at least a few miles a day. Most of my husband’s trainers have lasted around three or four months on average. I just don’t think that shoes are designed to actually walk in any more – they’re designed for you to walk to your car, do a little bit of walking around a shopping centre and that’s about it. I’ve found that Converse are fairly durable, as are Birkenstocks. Comfort is also important to me as I get a lot of foot pain and heels are completely out!

• I’ve found the same thing. I wear the same jeans two pairs of jeans for months straight, until they finally rip out somewhere beyond repair. Jeans were invented for cowboys riding horses and wrestling with bulls and sleeping in the desert. Mine last a few months. The more I pay, I find, the less they last.

  Glad to see you calling this out, the company should be held somehow accountable.

  This particularly irks me with gadgets. I bought a brand new MacBook Pro in 2007. It still runs like a champion. In that time though, I’ve gone through maybe five iPhones, which seem almost prebuilt to break a week after the new version comes out…

• Sticking with tried and true classics, or handcrafted, traditional items help a lot 🙂 Most new inventions just don’t live up to the hype. Marketers have to come up with new designs and materials, and most of the time there is no way of knowing whether they will last at all, unfortunately.

• I agree. I also live in Europe & walk, bike & train everywhere. I have had great luck with Tory Burch flats & Camper shoes. Do you know Campers?

• THANK YOU. I get so irritated with the lack of quality I see when I go shopping. My mother-in-law, who is an extremely generous person, tends to over-shop for my kids at local department stores when we visit them. All the kids’ clothes start wearing through within a month or two–even before they can grow out of them. They receive piles of clothes as gifts and I still have to go get good quality stuff later. (I hate spending that much on kids’ clothing or clothing for myself, but I’m tired of stitching coming apart after a few wears.) Luckily I’ve found a couple of brands of children’s clothing that last well enough for our kids’ wear and at least one round of hand-me-downs to friends.

  Are you looking for flats or something sturdier? I actually wear my black Dansko clogs almost everywhere except in hot weather. I’ve had the same pair for about 10 years now and they still look good. (A couple of small blemishes, but nothing a little shoe polish won’t take care of.) I like walking in them and find them to be fairly versatile. Not the world’s most fashionable, but they work for my style. (Note: I own very few pairs of shoes: 1 pair heels, 1 pair Merrell ‘barefoot’ ballet flats, Danskos, and a pair of running shoes.)

  I noticed you already mentioned Frye boots. Do you like them? I’m saving up for a pair when I move back to a slightly cooler climate next year. I’ve heard great things about them.

  • I had a pair of Dansko peep-toe flats that I regularly wore for about 7 years. They were super comfortable, and I lived in a big city, so I know I put a lot of mileage on them. I sadly gave them to my mom because I went up a size after my 2nd pregnancy; she loves them! and they still look great

  • Dansko as moved manufacturing to China and I have heard that the quality has significantly decreased since this happened. The company previously responsible for making Dansko still operates and makes clogs under the Sanita name.

• Buy portuguese shoes. You can’t get any better. Love your blog, great inspiration!!

• EXACTLY! That is exactly why my husband and I have our own businesses. Living Tree on facebook and http://www.southpawleatherworks.com
  We want to bring a quality product to our customers. We usually buy “old” items because we KNOW they last and last and last. Everything we buy now tears up quickly.

• Are these the Tieks? How disappointing! 🙁
  Unfortunately, sometimes even the “Made in USA” products are made in sweat-shops by illegal immigrants. I prefer to buy local, but for things that should last a long time (shoes, clothes, electrical items), I primarily take experience/recommendations.

• Just read your last comment: I’m disappointed they didn’t give you a refund on the basis that it sounds like their product claims misrepresent the shoes.

  And clearly you were not unrealistic. Let’s hope you were unlucky and the replacement pair are good!

  I buy Karrimor’s at Sports Direct, for about £25. They have an online shop if you don’t have one on the island.

• I’ve been thinking about this some more. I think you’ve either been unlucky or unrealistic with that one pair of shoes, since I actually think footwear is one area where quality might have improved over the years. Electronics, household appliances and furniture definitely haven’t, but beyond that I’ve normally got what I paid for.

  If you really want something to last, consider Doc Martins; you’ll probably be sick of them before they wear out. And size 9 won’t be an issue at all!

  I also have some Tods loafers: much more hard wearing than any flats I’ve had, which I basically just wear on evenings out.

  • Unlucky on these ones I think. My Frye boots have been a great investment: well made, comfortable after breaking in and still look great. I know the right fashionable/comfortable/hearty walking shoes are out there – just need to find them.

  • Actually I have to disagree about the Doc Martins, sadly. A handful of years ago they changed how they made them and moved manufacturing to China. The new Docs are paper thin and fall apart within 5 months. They received so many complaints they brought back a very limited line of durable shoes under the vintage line. You can get the most basic 2-4 styles in good quality, but the rest are now garbage.

    • I’m tardy to the party on this post, but found it very interesting as I was doing some research on the Tieks hype. Sadly, I have to confirm what Onezumi has to say about Doc Martens. My husband had a pair of Doc Martens when we got married 13 years ago that were 5 years old at the time. After 5 more years of walking to work in them everyday in NYC, they finally began to break down. In about 2012, he decided to splurge and get another pair of Doc Martens to last him another 8-10 years. Unfortunately, we could tell right away they were not at all the same quality and they didn’t last but two years before they began to fall apart and hurt his feet. We did a bit of research and found that they had moved production to China. Incredibly disappointing.

      I am glad to find this post. I will be looking into some of the recommendations mentioned in the comments. I have reached a point in my life where I only want a few exceptional pieces of clothing that will last for years. Thank you for the post.

      • I’m pretty late to this party also, but now that Tieks are getting more popular and my daughter wants a pair, I’ve been searching for comments on these overpriced, unattractive shoes. Sure, the colors are wonderful, and I do love the turquoise soles just because I love turquoise, but seriously, how many of the pictures out there show these shoes that conform to your foot, ON a foot after they have molded around toes? How many perfect little feet are there that really actually look good in a shoe like this? I haven’t seen anyone wearing a tiek yet, but I have seen plenty of scuffed up, broken down flats on the street, looking sloppy and unkempt. The picture posted on this site pretty much convinces me that it’s just another trend that comes in a really cute box.

• I agree that we don’t make things to last like we used to. Obviously I can’t see how sturdy and robust your shoes really are (they look like light weight flats), although I agree they look worn. What mileage have they done? I doubt any true flats withstand heavy use (like walking 5kms/day), but I’d expect them to last longer if you’ve basically worn them indoors as ‘slippers’.

  If it gives you hope, my husband and I are still wearing Timberland boots (£85) that are at least 10 years old. I also have a couple of pairs of boots from Russell & Bromley that are still in very good shape and years old. Karrimor walking shoes last me about 4-5 years, with daily wear. Expensive ballet flats, like those you pictured, would last me a several years, but I wouldn’t do a lot of walking in them since they’re really not intended for that purpose. It might also explain why they’re a relatively modern design.

  • I do wear them a lot and probably average 5km/day in them. But they are advertised as being built to wear daily and for a walking city lifestyle.
    Thanks for the recommends on Timberland and Karrimor.

• This is timely. I needed to get some new clothes for work, in a “transition” size, since I have an 11 week old and am one of the unlucky few who actually keep weight on while breastfeeding. Thinking back on the conversation, it’s absurd that I was willing to waste $100 at a store (H&M) for the clothes, KNOWING that they are cheap and will not last, but I justified it because of the price and the quantity of clothing. As for shoes, the shoes that have lasted me for years are Birkenstocks (one pair I’ve had for over 20 years, and have them resoled a few times) and my Doc Martens from the same year. My next shoe purchase will be from Aurora Shoe Company – shoes custom made for YOU (you send them a trace of your foot), hand sewn, and MADE IN THE USA. And the price is slightly cheaper than what you’ve paid. I’ve read amazing reviews on them.

  • Birkenstocks really do last. My sister gave me a pair she wasn’t wearing and they have sadly gone MIA (think left in a hotel room in Montreal).
    Transition clothes: I found myself not wanting to part with a lot of $ post-partum as well last time around. I bought a few cheap things from American Eagle and it was all in pieces by the 10 month mark when I was back to pre-pregnancy weight.

    • Another vote for Birkenstocks here. Aside from men’s tennis shoes (why is it that shoe manufacturers think women’s toes curve inwards?) they are the ONLY shoes that don’t hurt my feet. I have sandals for summer, and clogs for winter, and I’ve had them forever.

  • I still have the DocMartens boots I bought back in 1995 🙂

• Same thing happened to me. I spent £130 on a pair of leather boots I expected to last for years. After 6 months they had to be resoled. Almost immediately after that, a hole developed in the leather in more than one place. The zipper broke on one side. And now the sole I had fixed is coming unstuck, because it had to be glued on because it was made of rubber, not leather. I’m hesitant to spend so much again on something that’s lasted less than a year.

  • So frustrating. Boots are on my list for winter and I’m hoping to have a better experience this time around.

    • I’ve had good experiences with Cole Haan boots. They are pricier – but I’ve worn mine to bits… and they have held up well. I did finally have to resole last year, but was happy to do it.

      Good luck!

      • I have four years on a pair of men’s Sebago deck shoes. Not I stitch broken .. almost like new except for the left heel insert. Highly recommended!!!!

• Wait…did I read that right. You couldn’t get a refund because you wore them OUTSIDE? They’re shoes! Where else would you spend the majority of the time wearing them?!?

  • That’s right. I was hoping they would refund my purchase and I could put the dollars towards a hopefully longer lasting shoe. Nope. 🙁

  • I had the same experience. I called and asked how to clean the heavy scuff marks on the toe and was told “Gee, I don’t know. If you find something that works let us know.” So I now have a pair of 165.00 lavender Tieks that I use for painting and dog walking.

    • How to clean Tieks.

      I’ve read on Pinterest a baby wipe takes care of alot of scuff marks etc .

• Back in the late 90’s I was an au pair in Italy and my host mom gave me a fab recommendation for everyday loafers that last for years. She had an old pair of Tod’s loafers that she had worn nearly everyday for 10 years. Yes, I said 10 years. When I finally got a bit of money of my own I bought a pair. I wore them non-stop for at least a couple of years and they still look nearly perfect. Two years ago I bought a pair of Ferragamo loafers as an alternative. I have walked km’s in them and they still look practically brand new and fit like a glove. Don’t give up on designers all together. I agree that it is frustrating when expensive items don’t last, but some of them are well worth the money.

  • Thanks for the recommendations, Lynn. I may be disappointed but I haven’t given up. I know there are shoes out there built to last. Just have to find them.

  • Walking is how I generally get around, and I am tired of my shoes wearing out in a single season too. I appreciate the recommendations from Lynn Morrison, but can only find leather shoes in that brand. I would love to find some high-quality nonleather (synthetic or natural materials) shoes that will last for years. Any advice, anyone?

    • Jessica – I am struggling with the same thing! I need something comfortable but office savvy. Vegetarian Shoes (the brand) seem like they would be great, but I have yet to try them. What I have tried and would NOT recommend: Terra Plana last year (they were pricey, they sucked and they aren’t making shoes any longer!) , Oka B. flats: (I loved their sandals) they were not too expensive and I was excited they were made in the U.S. but they really didn’t cut it, Novacas: I ordered them online in my normal size and they were WAY too big, a local store carries them but rarely in a size smaller than a 6.5 and those were still too big for me. Good luck.

  • I agree, here in Calgary, I used to buy shoes from a local store called “Arnold Churgin” who carried quality made in Italy shoes. Now they carry all this crap made in China. My shoes from Arnold’s that I bought 10-15 years ago are now back in style and have lasted this long. It’s unfortunate that our society values owning tons of cheap quality shoes rather than 1 pair of a good quality shoe. If people would realize these cheap made in China shoes are not doing their feet any favors causing ugly bunions and plantar fascitis for their feet.

    A sales person at Arnold did say to me that times have changed and people don’t want to pay for a good quality Italian shoe anymore, its all about sales and sales mean people want cheap price points and with cheap price points you get cheap quality shoes.

• Have you read this book? I read an excerpt and want to check it out of my local library when they get a copy. Based on what you’ve written here, it seems like it would interest you. http://www.amazon.com/Overdressed-Shockingly-High-Cheap-Fashion/dp/1591844614

  • Read an excerpt of it on Slate (I think) and linked back to it here.
    I was researching how long shoes used to last and people used to wear the same pair every day for years. Cobblers would make them by hand from molds of your feet. I’m sure they were expensive and a big investment. But they lasted. They had to. No chance of picking up some cheap slides while you were grocery shopping.

    • I second the book. I just finished reading the book a few weeks ago and happened to be in a store that had locally made, eco-friendly (and handmade, I think?) clothes and I was impressed by how much thicker the material was versus clothes from a mall. I was sold. I’m currently working on reducing the number of poorly-made, low-quality clothes in my wardrobe and am not going to be buying any new clothes for a while. I figure that the next item of clothing I buy will be locally-made and of good quality (and out of my current price range, but I’ve learnt that you get what you pay for, of course).

    • I had a friend travel to the Hungary for a two week stint to learn shoe making. Maybe you should be purchasing from the Eastern Bloc!

    • I think I showed you the pair I had made for me by a proper cobbler. He measured my feet, noted where I needed extra support and made me THE most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever owned. Wore them with no socks on thier very first wear and they didn’t rub anywhere. I did have to taken them back in for a small repair but was also given my own pot of glue so I can sort any other smaller issues (as I live several hundred miles from the shop!!). Yes, they cost more than I would normally pay for a pair of shoes as most of mine come from cheap high street shops or charity shops (£86) but I would say that they are worth every penny!!

      • I know this is incredibly delayed, but I would like to know where your cobbler was, as well as how long it took to make the shoes. Thank you.

    • Have you tried Repettos? I wear them everyday day and they do not fall apart. They are stitched by hand in France. They do stretch a little (if u get the soft leather) but overall it’s the only comfortable flat I will ever wear! Cheers!

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