If you want sneakers, you’re pretty much out of luck. You can pay top dollar for a handmade shoe that will last, but it won’t have sneaker aesthetics.
I’m with you though, I bought name brand sneakers, loafers etc. for $150 only to have them fall apart after one summer. I’m talking a span of time that can be expressed in weeks. Given the material cost and knowing how and where they are produced, that’s corporate greed, nothing else.
I can see how that could work. I had a few decent pairs from Japanese brands that lasted a while. But, as you said, those were running shoes with a certain, very pronounced “sporty” look that didn’t translate well to being worn as part of a casual bar or club outfit, which was definitely a consideration for me back then.
I know I’m kinda odd here because I’ve been accustomed to work boots as daily shoes. Partly because I live in a place where everywhere is muddy wet and covered in manure. Even then i don’t understand how people find sneakers comfortable. They are ridiculously tight you feel like you’re walking on carpet all the time and you have to make sure your only stepping on the dryest cleanest perfect ground you can find. The lack of durability just makes me question even further why bother.
Nah, you’re not odd - same thing happened to me. I grabbed a pair of work boots one day and kept wearing them since they didn’t fall apart, I guess. Just two days ago I was looking at a pair somewhat dumbfounded and remarked that they’re still around.
Although I have to say, my lifestyle also changed. I moved out of the city, so my style and requirements for footwear probably also changed, come to think about it.
If you want sneakers, you’re pretty much out of luck. You can pay top dollar for a handmade shoe that will last, but it won’t have sneaker aesthetics.
I’m with you though, I bought name brand sneakers, loafers etc. for $150 only to have them fall apart after one summer. I’m talking a span of time that can be expressed in weeks. Given the material cost and knowing how and where they are produced, that’s corporate greed, nothing else.
I don’t buy sneakers any more.
I buy sneakers still but I focus on well reviewed runners. They’re light, breathable and usually have treads to last.
With a foot insert they last me a few years.
I can see how that could work. I had a few decent pairs from Japanese brands that lasted a while. But, as you said, those were running shoes with a certain, very pronounced “sporty” look that didn’t translate well to being worn as part of a casual bar or club outfit, which was definitely a consideration for me back then.
I know I’m kinda odd here because I’ve been accustomed to work boots as daily shoes. Partly because I live in a place where everywhere is muddy wet and covered in manure. Even then i don’t understand how people find sneakers comfortable. They are ridiculously tight you feel like you’re walking on carpet all the time and you have to make sure your only stepping on the dryest cleanest perfect ground you can find. The lack of durability just makes me question even further why bother.
Nah, you’re not odd - same thing happened to me. I grabbed a pair of work boots one day and kept wearing them since they didn’t fall apart, I guess. Just two days ago I was looking at a pair somewhat dumbfounded and remarked that they’re still around.
Although I have to say, my lifestyle also changed. I moved out of the city, so my style and requirements for footwear probably also changed, come to think about it.