boots

I switch between walking, running, and bicycling. Some years I focus on just one activity and ignore the others. To do any well, you need appropriate footwear. The bicycle works best with cleated shoes. That type of shoe is of little use for any other purpose. Running is most efficient with running shoes, although I can run with boots, or even with casual shoes. Walking and hiking require stable footwear.

I typically have a couple pair of walking boots. Typically a pair last ten years or longer because I re-heel and re-sole periodically. My last great pair of hiking boots finally collapsed a couple months ago. After ten years, the leather started falling apart. My alternate hiking boots were winter weight - waterproof and insulated. They were a bit warm for spring and would have been uncomfortable in summer.

I decided it was time to buy a new pair of hiking boots. I trust some of the brands I have had great experience with in the past. I walked to one of the local boot stores and found a great looking pair made by one of the brands I love. I bought them, tossed the old pair in the trash and walked home with the new pair.

Along the way, my left leg started cramping. I rested for a bit, and things went well the rest of the way home. I tried the winter boots on my next walk, but they were just too hot. I then tried the new boots, and again, my left leg started tensing up and became irritated. I accepted that I had injured something. It happens.

I know that injuries typically take six weeks or so to heal, so I walked more slowly and tried to avoid stressing that leg. It felt better, but it was not well after six weeks. As I was cleaning my boots that night I noticed that the soles had worn through. I set those boots aside waiting for an opportunity to take them into a repair shop. After a few days it dawned on me that my leg felt much better when I wore the winter boots. I started a close examination of the two sets of boots and discovered that the new boots were not the same. The left boot was nearly one size smaller than the right boot. Both were labeled the same. But they were not made the same.

I was saddened to realize that my trust in this name brand was misplaced. I had toured their factory once when they still made some in the USA. I knew they had moved production overseas many years ago. I knew they had been bought by another company who wanted their brand, their reputation, and their customer loyalty.

But they are not the same. Materials that only last a couple months rather than a decade. Manufacturing that does not product consistency or quality. This is not the same company at all.

I cannot expect them to change. Instead, I will need to change. I will no longer buy based on brand. I will no longer buy expecting that I can repair the boots over and over to keep them going for a decade. It looks like this industry is focused on disposable goods. I guess I will need to find a new set of criteria for my next purchase.