How long should a pair of shoes last?

Mr_B_13

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Savvy_Sue

I would expect shoes to last longer than this - mine do. BUT if you are buying shoes with thin soles that would affect it. I buy chunky shoes, last pair were men's trainers from Clarks and they are doing me fine. But I know someone who had a battle with Clarks, she bought some adult shoes for her son (big feet) because they were cheaper than the kid's range in his size, they didn't last long, she complained and they said they weren't "school shoes". She won: they were not flimsy and he's not 'hard' on shoes.

I know the advice is NOT to wear the same pair every day, shoes are supposed to last longer if you let them 'breathe' in between.

I would email Clarks and ask them. Looking at their website, they differentiate between 'smart' and 'formal' shoes, so maybe you're buying the wrong kind of shoe for everyday wear?

Of course my Dad always fitted stick on soles and heels to his shoes to make them last longer, then got them resoled as required! Got a good cobbler nearby?

Quackers

It may sound a strange question, as it depends on how often you wear them and how far you walk in them!  However, how long is reasonable when considering fit for purpose?

The soles on the last three pairs of shoes I have bought from Clarks have worn through after 4/5 months of daily wear to work (the tops are still immaculate) - would this seem to be reasonable?  Clarks are not cheap and therefore I was surprised at how quickly they wear out.

It really does depend on how heavy you are on shoes. Everybody is very different. I need a new pair of work shoes every 2 - 3 months - yep, they are always Clarks ones. I work there so have to wear their shoes. Not that I'd choose anything else of course ;D

If you are not happy then you should return the shoes and the receipt to prove how long you've had them to the store. This is what Head Office will recommend if you contact them first. The store Manager will take into consideration how long you've had them and how much wear is on the shoes. It does sound like it is wear and not a fault as it has happened to more than 1 or 2 pairs.
As a goodwill gesture most store Managers will offer you some credit towards your next pair if you were not happy with the pair you are returning. If they dont offer - ask! And if you are still not happy then contact head office as they will always follow up any complaints.

If you know the name of the style of the shoes you bought post it and I'll try and recommend something similar but more hardwearing if you want me to?

You sound like a genuine guy so I'm sure the store Manager will realise that - give it a try, you've got nothing to lose. Most of us can spot the con artist a mile off

Hope that helps

Poppy9

Mr P has shoes that are positively antique and immaculate. He moans when I try and give his shoes away as they ae like new but 15 years old

He gave a pair recently to an elderly tramp as he had noticed that the soles on his shoes were flapping. The tramp inspected them closely and after declaring them a fine piece of leather he kept them. The shoes were like new (MS leather tops and soles worn about 12 times).

I find my boots - usually Next and shoes (next or M&S) soles wear out in about 3 months. Next used to give you spare heels with their boots which were handy. I rarely buy Clarks shoes as I think they are expensive unless you pick a pair up in the sale for £5 (I bought 2 pairs the same).

dougk_2

My Dad has had his work shoes fro 28 years!

He gets them re-soled every so often - You don't need to throw the shoes away when the soles wear out, and the replacements last longer - there are plenty of places to get your shoes "fixed" and it doesn't cost that much £5 to £10 (often) or you can buy these and DIY!

(the site is after all about money saving!)

Poppy9

I was quoted £12 to resole my shoes and £7 to reheel them. They are just a pair of black court shoes. Not worth payin that much.

Quackers

I  Next used to give you spare heels with their boots which were handy.

Clarks do this now. They also do it with most court shoes too as they are all tiny and pointy now. I think they call it fashion. I call it painfull ;D

Mr_B_13

Interesting comments so far - I particularly like the comments about how long the shoes have lasted ... (with replacement soles  :D).

That is similar to the comments by Trigger in Only Fools and Horses about his sweeping brush having lasted for 20 years .... he'd only had to give it 17 new heads and 14 new handles during that time  ::).

Mr B