But which? For example, I try to buy sneakers from brands that treat and pay their employees fairly, but am struggling to make them last more than a couple years. I’m comfortable paying 100 to 150 euro per pair. Is this too cheap to buy it for lasting??
That piece of advice doesn’t really apply to things like workboots. There are plenty of solid workboot brands that sell ~$300 boots that’ll last 3-5 years easily if properly taken care of. Some jobs are the exception, of course.
You can’t repair your quality sneakers because they’re a wear and tear part instead of your feet. Repairing your feet and legs is more expensive than buying new shoes.
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.
But which? For example, I try to buy sneakers from brands that treat and pay their employees fairly, but am struggling to make them last more than a couple years. I’m comfortable paying 100 to 150 euro per pair. Is this too cheap to buy it for lasting??
Shoes are different I recall my athletic coach in school told me to replace sneakers every 6 months due to the wear down of the interior foam.
He was right. Bo matter the brand the insides wear out. So I got arch support inserts for my footwear and I use them until the tread wears out now.
That piece of advice doesn’t really apply to things like workboots. There are plenty of solid workboot brands that sell ~$300 boots that’ll last 3-5 years easily if properly taken care of. Some jobs are the exception, of course.
Agreed on boots. But I specifically mentioned sneakers.
Work boots and hiking boots can last a decade. You can retread them at a cobbler even.
I just wish footwear was easier to repair
You can’t repair your quality sneakers because they’re a wear and tear part instead of your feet. Repairing your feet and legs is more expensive than buying new shoes.
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.