Reasonable Quality on Shoes, Advice on My Situation, and How Long Should They Last?

AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 18:06

So this is coming up for me because I have a pair of Ascent Sustain shoes ($140) that I bought 12 months ago. Some time in that 12 months, I can't remember when, I returned them because the glue from the upper to the shoe was coming apart. The Athletes Foot swapped them over, but did not record it on the computer. Now today I returned them because while doing up my shoelace, the lace ripped through the leather eyelet.

So when I returned them the girl at the store said that the shoes do not have a warranty, and they only have a 30 day fit guarantee, that is it. She then checked the Ascent policy and they only have a 6 month outsole guarantee. So apparently there is no manufacturer's warranty. I think that this is pretty crap that there is no warranty at all on these shoes, and by that I mean an express warranty, and not ACL guarantee.

Having looked at other brands website, quite a lot of other brands have no express warranty either.

Now I have left my shoes with The Athlete's Foot and they said they will send it back to Ascent to assess, but looking on forums, it doesn't look good. Now I am pretty stubborn and I will push for a remedy under ACL, but what do you all think? Do I have a leg to stand on? Do you expect shoes to last at least 12 months, especially if they have already been replaced once in that period. What would you do from here?

Fashion & Apparel Footwear

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 18:10

    My son has worn ascent shoes for school in the past. I thought they wore surprising well given the punishment they received and he always said they were comfortable. The never lasted more than one school year and not because he outgrew them.

    • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 18:26

      That's the thing, the sole has heaps of life left, I would go so far to say they look minimally worn from new. Even the upper and the rest of the shoe, plenty of life left.

      The first set I returned because where the shoe bends for the ball of your feet, the glue holding the sole on started failing, granted that is a stress point for the shoes. The store exchanged them on the spot no problems. This time, the second hold from the tongue, ripped through when I was doing my shoe laces up. I don't understand why more manufacturers don't put steel rings on the holes.

      • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 18:30
        +1

        Warranty period is usually on the original purchase date. Might be an idea to try a different brand.

        • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 18:41

          Yeah I know that one, but the thing is that neither Ascent or The Athletes Foot offer any express warranty on the shoes.

  • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 18:45

    All you can do is just try and ask nicely for an exchange or refund. Maybe a store credit for another pair of shoes. I think shoes are a difficult one, but if its not due to wear and tear then you can try as not fit for use. You can easily wear out a pair of shoes in 6mths depending on how you use them.

    • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 18:48

      I agree, and I'm happy for a store credit to get a pair of Brooks or something.

      And yeah some shoes wear out quickly, but in this case the upper and sole and in great condition, its just an eyelet tore open.

      I wear Oliver work boots for work, just bar manager, not tradie, and I get almost 3 years out of a pair before the sole wears down. And I pay the same for them as I did the Ascent's which is a bit annoying.

      • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 18:50
        +1

        Also try a pair of Dr Martens for work. 5years or more. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/429978 Buy when on sale as they are rarely on sale but worth it. Super comfortable.

        • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 19:46

          My brother gave me a pair of Docs years ago, he didn't like them, so they were pretty much new. I wore them to work as a work shoe, but forgot to waterproof them, they only lasted a few months before all the beer, alcohol, cleaning products, etc, destroyed them, I was devastated. Completely my fault for not treating them. They were so comfy.

          • Quantumcat on 09/02/2019 - 20:44

            @AdosHouse: Worth trying again, mine generally last 3-4 years with minimal care

      • Melb69 on 09/02/2019 - 18:52

        Just try and ask nicely to CS. If you don't get anywhere with just the sales person, ask to speak with manager. They really should replace. Tell them that you already had them replaced and prefer to try another brand. You might need to pay more though for difference.

        • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 19:49

          I'm happy to pay the difference for another brand.

          I'll see what Ascent say first, then if they say no, I'll speak to the manager.

          Unfortunately it seems Fair Trade doesn't particularly side with consumers on wear and tear items like clothing, and I have no proof that I returned a set already. But I will leave negative reviews on Facebook and ProductReviews if needed and see if that yields any results.

    • Diji1 on 09/02/2019 - 19:14

      All you can do is just try and ask nicely for an exchange or refund.

      And then go to Consumer Affairs when they refuse.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 19:02

    My first good shoe is a pair of Loakes 1880 from UK when the dollar was strong. $250ish delivered. Has been resoled once. 7 years old this year, approximately 100 days of full-day wear per year.

    Edit - meant to hit reply on the brand recommendation.

    Ps. Very hard to claim ACL on a heavily wear and tear dependant item.

    • AdosHouse on 09/02/2019 - 19:51

      Had a look at the Loakes Aus website, man if I wear business style shoes my feet will be killing me within an hour. Large roll-in, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs on both feet. I wear custom in-soles.

      They do look nice though.

      • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2019 - 20:06

        I just googled your shoe. Seriously sounded like office wear. Haha. My mistake.

        Good luck with your claim. I used to wear out basketball shoes in 2 months tops so I don't see how any relevant authority is going to decide fair wear.

    • ilikeradiohead on 10/02/2019 - 04:41

      I've got a pair of Loakes and they're mint but I think he wanted sneakers haha.
      EDIT: Just saw your other comment haha.

  • modgod on 09/02/2019 - 19:56

    My Adidas Ultraboost has lasted a long time maybe around 20 months or so
    Just the white boost sole get dirty

  • ilikeradiohead on 10/02/2019 - 04:43

    Not sure if this is what you're after but I always buy Adidas superstars. They last ages and when ASOS has a 20-30% off sale you can get them for like $80. Not sure if they're good for people with feet issues though.

    • AdosHouse on 10/02/2019 - 16:44

      Hmmm you and modgod say Adidas models, might be worth a shot.

      I have insoles for my feet, so as long as the shoes have removable insoles I am good.

  • voiletmay on 10/02/2019 - 09:17

    With running shoes anytime over 6 months is a bonus, no mater what you pay or what brand it is. I'm not a runner, jus someone who goes for a daily walk.

    I've learnt over the years that New Balance is best for my feet (bonus is no initial breaking in period, they are just comfortable from first wear and never hurt you) and I can get a year or or so out of them.

    Buy a different brand next time.

    • AdosHouse on 10/02/2019 - 16:46

      I will be buying a different brand. And I don't use these as runners, they are just my daily going to the shops/lunch/around shoe.

      And I find it a bit annoying that the shoes had plenty of tread left, and the leather wasn't worn at all. So one would think that they have plenty of life left in them.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2019 - 11:56

    I have a pair of Armani shoes bought in the sales 15 years ago. I had thin rubber soles glued over the leather to protect it. I have needed the heels re-capping. That's all.
    I have a pair of Canali's bought in a sale 5 years ago. I wear them at least twice a week and they still look brand new.
    I also have a pair of Zegna's bought in an outlet store on a trip to the States 5 years ago. They also still look brand new apart from a crease where the straps fasten over (Monk straps).
    Advice-buy the best you can in the sales and look after them. They will literally last forever.

    • Leatherman on 12/03/2019 - 14:45

      That is great. Investing in good quality shoes that will last.

  • DBBROS on 12/02/2019 - 03:36

    I have a Brooks Beast which is almost three years old and still has plenty of life left with everyday use. I have managed to get almost two years out of my Ascent Vision although the lining inside is coming off at the moment

    • AdosHouse on 12/02/2019 - 11:35

      I have a pair of Brooks running shoes and they still have quite a bit of life , granted I only use them for exercise, but they are holding up well.

  • Leatherman on 12/03/2019 - 14:45

    Hello AdoHouse

    You always get what you pay for. If you really want a shoe that will last you longer (i.e. more than 2years). You have to invest in a shoe which is made with full grain calfskin leather for the upper, calf leather lining and blake stitched leather outsole or Goodyear welted. The soles of these shoes can be replaced on multiple times while the upper leather still looks the same. These shoes will cost you a bit more than the $140 you bought but longevity is assured.

    It is good to always spend on high quality shoes. They will give you the peace of mine. :). Hope this helps :)

    • AdosHouse on 12/03/2019 - 17:45

      Any sort of brands you recommend for everyday walking around?

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