I want to buy some DECENT shoes

[Deactivated] on 17/12/2012 - 19:17
Last edited 20/12/2012 - 10:13 by 1 other user

I'm sick and tired of joggers from BigW, KMart, etc. that are uncomfortable - that fall apart - that are bin-worthy in a couple of weeks. Does anyone know a source of decent shoes (joggers AND casual leather shoes) where the glue doesn't separate, lace holes don't tear through or eyelets pop out, the decorative vinyl strips don't crack, the toes don't come unglued and flap around making you look like a circus clown with big floppy shoes…

I mean, when you used to buy joggers back in the 80s, you could wear them a year or more - and throw them in the washing machine a few times without them falling apart. I looked at Dunlop KT26 joggers and they're not what they once were either. They used to come apart back in the 80s, but they seem even worse now.

Is it even possible to find decent shoes anymore?

Mod: Edited part of title that does not contribute to the discussion.

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • Ughhh on 17/12/2012 - 19:52
    +19

    They're Kmart/BigW shoes….what do you expect? You get what you pay for?

      • m0nkeycheese on 18/12/2012 - 09:43
        +1

        Bhahahahaha

      • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2012 - 18:22
        +5

        Maybe Costco. You can pick up a 12 pack of runners. Even if they break after 2 weeks, you got another 22 weeks covered.

        • Givemethemoney on 05/01/2013 - 18:27

          I was told that costco once had Bally shoes

    • driew on 20/12/2012 - 16:16
      +1

      It's amusing how people buy the cheapest stuff available and are surprised when they find out it's crap. It's like buying a cheap Kogan branded TV and then complaining that it's not the same quality as a Samsung or Sony TV.

      Personally I don't buy the cheapest stuff available unless I'm planning to chuck them away in a short period of time. I generally purchase stuff in the mid-range but it really depends on the product. That is why research is so important when purchasing (especially so for expensive items).

  • Brick50 on 17/12/2012 - 19:57
    +4

    Um $400 shoes are still made in 'rotten china'

    Look into asics or the nike freerun range.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2012 - 09:50
      +1

      Thank you for the suggestion. That's the kind thing I'm after. The only "shoe stores" I ever see in shopping centres are the ones I mentioned above. All the smaller independent ones seem to have closed.

      • a1oka on 18/12/2012 - 11:06
        +1

        I would go for Nike Freerun - they are very good.

        • Oranac on 19/12/2012 - 19:20

          Agree with the nike freeruns, have had a pair of the 5.0 for 4 months and love them, no sign of major wear yet, ridiculously lightweight and flexible compared to anything I've worn before.

          One downside, the kerned soles pick up rocks like you wouldn't believe.

        • Skinnerr on 20/12/2012 - 00:47

          Ive had my lunarglide nikes since june. Best shoes comfort wise i ever owned. Bought them online from wiggle for 90 bucks delievered, retail at foot locker in aus was $239.

        • footywiz11 on 20/12/2012 - 22:53

          I personally like adidas ClimaCool ride shoes.

    • poglet on 22/12/2012 - 11:33

      I've had a pair of Asics for 8 years, although I don't wear them every day they are still excellent.

  • illusionarybreeze on 17/12/2012 - 20:39
    +16

    You throw your shoes in the washing machine. You don't deserve better shoes. =P

    • WT on 18/12/2012 - 09:27

      I have a pair of nike shox from back in 05 that has been in the washing machine atleast a dozen times mainly because I started to wear them without socks and they got stinky. I only use them for mowing now. I used to take them to the "beach"

      • illusionarybreeze on 18/12/2012 - 21:06
        +14

        Is the "beach" a euphemism for something?

      • duneknight on 19/12/2012 - 18:53
        +3

        something tells me the "beach" is a place that is not a beach.

      • Radar on 05/01/2013 - 22:58

        say no more. say no more… wink wink

  • nubzy on 17/12/2012 - 20:44

    Most shoes are made in China but there are varying levels of quality. For summer can't go wrong with some boat shoes Sperry or Sebago are good. Joggers the Nike Freeruns are amazing.

  • mr-anderson on 17/12/2012 - 20:54

    Got a pair of Saucony Progrid 5 joggers from Amazon US - $75AUD delivered a couple of months back, still going strong. I jog on the beach daily so they do get wet and muddy often.

    I don't put them in the washing machine but I wipe them down using a fairly damp cloth and all the dirt usually comes off. No cracking, flapping or ungluing so far.

    Still made in China though…;)

    For comparison, my Chinese Kmart pair lasted four weeks then started to fall apart.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2012 - 09:53
      +1

      I don't mind spending more. The trouble is I have no experience… So I didn't know if $75 would buy me the same quality just at a higher price. So thanks.

  • bobjane on 17/12/2012 - 22:37
    +23

    So many things wrong with this post.

    1. Like people said - you get what you pay for. What do you expect from $20 Kmart/BigW shoes?
    2. You throw them in the washing machine - you're stupid. Try washing your phone in there and then having a whinge when that breaks, it's made in China too.
    3. Being a 'realfamilyman' I sure hope you don't impart your racist views onto them.

    BTW I currently wear Brooks runners. They're like $150-200, made in China, and after 3 years of daily running they're still in great shape.

      • _Bruce_ on 18/12/2012 - 10:40
        +6

        Finally, there's nothing racist about me. I have friends I see every week…

        I really can't tell if you are just trolling (or perhaps trolling yourself?).

      • ferguscan on 18/12/2012 - 10:41
        +1

        Pure nonsense I'm afraid. EVERYTHING is made in China these days. Which country's manufacturing would you trust over the Chinese? I'd probably trust the Japs a bit more, but that's about it.

        • Macgyver on 18/12/2012 - 11:34
          +1

          I don't see how saying Chinese made stuff is crap is racist? I think people over use the word racist or just don't know what it truly means.

          Its true that most Chinese made stuff is rubbish.

        • bobjane on 18/12/2012 - 13:47
          +5

          OP or a mod edited and toned down his post.

          If only shoe stores were as easy to find as the edit button.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2012 - 14:25

          Well, I don't really know - which again - is why I asked in the first place.

          My wife & I went to Rivers yesterday. Their brand new $80 shoes were already coming apart at the seams, glue not holding… it's just ridiculous.

          Anyway, thanks to all those who made suggestions. Some brands I'd never heard of. That was the entire point… It seem everywhere I go there's shoes like at Rivers - and I didn't know where to start looking - or if there even were quality to be had anymore.

        • royus on 18/12/2012 - 15:39
          +3

          If only he looked for shoe stores as he did for the edit button…too

        • eve on 18/12/2012 - 16:03
          +8

          Well, the phrase used in the title was "rotten China".

          I can't speak for bobjane, but my hope would be that the OP considers how his words expressed in frustration may reflect an underlying attitude of overgeneralisation and stereotyping and how this kind of attitude can be imparted onto impressionable young children unintentionally.

          OP may not have intended to appear racist, but he certainly did give the impression that there was only one nation's products which were all bad quality. (Nb: in the original post prior to his editing)

          Clearly, OP doesn't want to be racist, and I'm glad to hear that.

          OP, it sounds like you like bricks and mortar stores - try shopping around a bit more. You've been to the "cheaper" stores like Rivers, BW, Kmart and you're not happy with their quality. (I don't believe Rivers sells shoes for $80 - are these the same as the shoes they sell for $18 at their usual flash sales?)

          Get your sports shoes from a dedicated sports shop eg Rebel, Footlocker, Nike. Get your leathers from Myers, David Jones or if you have the cash to splash, go to Bally, Ferragamo etc.

          And don't buy shoes unless they are on sale!!

        • Macgyver on 18/12/2012 - 21:28
          -2

          Rotten China? Is that all.

          People these days are far to precious.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2012 - 17:18
          +1

          Get your sports shoes from a dedicated sports shop eg Rebel, Footlocker, Nike. Get your leathers from Myers, David Jones or if you have the cash to splash, go to Bally, Ferragamo etc.

          I second this sentence.

        • chipstss on 19/12/2012 - 19:30

          Indeed.

        • sama on 21/12/2012 - 01:00
          +1

          Manufacturing in China is huge. They do everything from cheap Ikea to Apple products. Like eevee888 pointed out, there's whole scope of quality that they cater for. If you have something to say about the quality, remember that they are producing to the specified demands of international companies. If they want good quality items they certainly produce that too.

      • VW on 18/12/2012 - 13:44

        just don't purchase them, you can try LV store.

      • Ughhh on 18/12/2012 - 17:59
        +4

        It sounds like the only shoe stores you know of and have ever tried were Kmart, BigW, Rivers and possibly other similar stores that dont specialise in quality shoes… so your remarks sound a little biased and silly.

        Is it even possible to find decent shoes anymore?

        Yes, if you stop buying crap from stores selling crap. I often see Harris Scarf having sneaker sales with better known brands (eg. Puma, Reebok, Adidas), not sure how good the price is but it should be worth a look, if you dont want to spend too much $.

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2012 - 21:34
        -6

        that the majority of products coming out of China are junk.
        Yes, if you bought your items from $2 shop, sam warehouse, reject shops.
        but how about all Apple products that made in china but top- notch quality for example.
        you get what you pay for rule is still well and truly alive.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/12/2014 - 22:19
        -1

        For dress shoes buy Loakes. With trainers, it's all about the Nike Free

  • strangeloops66 on 18/12/2012 - 00:12
    +21

    Try some Dutch clogs. Wooden and handmade in the Netherlands. Decent too, because they are a closed shoe. Might be a bit noisy in the washing machine though.

  • cloudy on 18/12/2012 - 08:22
    +6

    Wheree would u like ur shoes made from? The romance of France? Or how about from the royalty of briton? Chances r they don't even know how to make shoes anymore coz they gave up the manufacturing skill decades ago to china.

    The problem isn't where it's made from, it's the material, and that's due to the price ur willing to fork out.

    • illusionarybreeze on 18/12/2012 - 21:02

      They do know how to make shoes. Controlling quality throughout the entire manufacturing process is time consuming, however, so they cost a lot more.

      Where shoes are made are part of the problem, if you consider wages in China, working conditions and manufacturing targets.

      • aec on 19/12/2012 - 12:36

        where the shoes are made is part of the problem, but it is not about which country, but which factory/company/manufacturer.

  • Vallani on 18/12/2012 - 09:04
    +4

    Go to Rebel after Christmas. Most stores usually have good brand name joggers (Nike, Asic) etc on a table at the front of store for around half price, often last year's range. They may not have all sizes but usually there is enough range there to get something decent. I do this every year and can I always find something suitable (and I'm size 12 UK / 13 US).

  • royus on 18/12/2012 - 09:10
    +9

    I could have sworn you had the word 'rotten' before China just seconds before…

    Agree with JLove. The only issue is your ignorance. Decent, as well as defective, as well as luxury shoes, are made in China.

    If you want to buy 'casual leather shoes' for $10AUD, you deserve for them to fall apart. Think, don't just complain.

      • royus on 18/12/2012 - 10:00
        +18

        1) "I'm sick and tired of joggers from BigW, KMart, etc…and throw them in the washing machine a few times without them falling apart."
        Now you also mention Rivers.

        Clarks have good shoes. So do stores at Birkenhead point. So do other brands in Myer. And DJs. I said, Think, don't just complain. You're not thinking. You're complaining.

        2) "And I'll say it again - that's why I posted the question - to give people an idea what I'm after…So next time provide a useful comment instead and mention some brands, instead of showing your own biases."

        No that's NOT why you posted the question. You said "I want to buy some DECENT shoes - not made in [Rotten - Edited out] China!"…"Is it even possible to find decent shoes anymore?"

        You posted to complain. You posted because you are frustrated. You posted because you do not think, you only want. Yes, I am showing my bias. Yes, everyone else above also is. It's because YOUR thinking is abhorrent and leaves alot to be desired.

        You did not ask for feedback and suggestions. You did not show breadth of thought, or application of any thought for that matter. You showed hostility, a whinging attitude and for the third time, ignorance of the world around you and an inability to engage with what 10 OzBargainers are already trying to tell you.

        We wouldn't comment the same way if we honestly didn't think that. I might have been able to put this message more constructively but I'm sorry, you've shown that you are stubborn.

        3) "LOL. Now it's $10. I'd happily pay $200 if I could find decent shoes."

        I've seen a whole of $200 shoes at Kmart and BigW. I'm sorry I keep missing it every time I pass those stores.

        I believe there are more problems with the way you think and approach things, than simply with your post.

        I'm open enough to be corrected on any of the above points. These are only my opinions based on what you've posted and replied to so far. Enlighten me.

        • VW on 18/12/2012 - 13:57
          +5

          couldn't agree more.

          why people keeeeep buying things they don't like to make them sick.

          I am "sick of" those "rotten" people more than those shoes.

  • m0nkeycheese on 18/12/2012 - 09:49

    From previous posts of yours you seem quite resourceful.. You could always gather up all your broken shoes and make an ULTIMATE SHOE!

    • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2012 - 10:02
      +1

      LOL. I did find a couple of books online a few years ago - how to make your own shoes. (It was mainly women's high-heel type shoes though.) I know a guy whose father made his familes "shoes" out of used car tyres. (Imagine the weight!)

      I remember there was a cobbler that made shoes from scratch - hidden away in a dark laneway in a major shopping area of Newcastle. One day I noticed a closing sign in his window, thanking his customers for allowing him to serve them. The overall quality in stores had dropped to where I considered buying a pair from him. Now I only wish I could.

      • tonka on 18/12/2012 - 18:08
        +2

        Why would this get negged, seriously people.

  • shiznt on 18/12/2012 - 12:08

    I have Nike Cortez shoes that I wear every day. Run in them, go to gym in them, do gardening in them ect and only give them a wipe with a wet cloth when they get dirty.

    Had them for 18 months and they still look like brand new.

  • kow1966 on 18/12/2012 - 12:17

    I buy a lot of my shoes at Javari.de (free shipping over 100 EUR) or Javari.co.uk.
    They have a lot of quality brand names, mostly European (even though the shoes themselves come from Asia). It helps of course if you know the brand and know how their sizing is. My favorites are Ecco, Gabor, Daniel Hechter, Peter Kaiser, Rieker, Geox, Clarks….
    They have lots of shoes ( and bags) on sale and with the exchange rate and no VAT/GST it's a real bargain!

  • spacenoodle on 18/12/2012 - 12:46

    Made in USA http://www.allenedmonds.com/ should set you back about $350

    Made in UK http://www.loake.co.uk/ should set you back about $310

  • kolorijo on 18/12/2012 - 14:01

    have you try paul's warehouse?

    http://www.paulswarehouse.com.au/

  • Yarkin on 18/12/2012 - 15:14

    For casual shoes, I've been quite impressed by Florsheim and associated brands. I've bought about 4 pairs now from various 50% off sales. Subscribe to their newsletter or keep an eye out for them on OzBargain.

  • cmafra on 18/12/2012 - 15:37

    look for shoes from Brazil, they are expensive and quite good. One good brand I recommend is ferracini http://www.ferracinishoes.com.au/

  • royus on 18/12/2012 - 15:51
    +5

    Would be effective to have a function disclosing when the OP edits.

    OP has edited the post 3-5 times, and viewers are voting and commenting on the version EDITED 3-5 times after.

    Nothing wrong with editing, but disclosing that you've done so is only fair information to the public.

    You should be responsible for what you put out there.

    • eve on 18/12/2012 - 18:30
      +3

      I agree with this. It puts into context the concern expressed by the repliers who saw the original post. The OP has edited out the offensive part of his post, but refuses to review and acknowledge why his post may have caused offense.

  • KLoNe on 18/12/2012 - 16:24

    http://www.loake.co.uk/

  • stemcell on 18/12/2012 - 17:30
    -6

    Don't criticise the Chinese as they just play the racist card & the hippies just jump on board :/

    .

  • tonka on 18/12/2012 - 18:39
    +3

    I've bought cheap and pricey shoes that have lasted brilliantly and been comfy.
    I've bought expensive brands that have fallen straight apart (including Nike).
    It would be fair to argue that a true OZbargainer would try the washing machine before chucking the ole stinkys out, I have and it's worked.

    My recommendation, for leather shoes RM Williams, cost a stack but you never need to buy new shoes again.
    The last runners I got were ASICs cost around $70 from OS and have been great.
    As for recommendations to go to Footlocker, Myers or DJs, OMG OB just got really weird, only go there to try them on, after that buy online.

  • crudman on 18/12/2012 - 19:01

    all the best stuff is made in China

  • easternculture on 18/12/2012 - 19:23

    iphone is made in china too !!

  • bighead on 18/12/2012 - 21:11

    barefootshoes are pretty decently tough

  • digitalaxon on 18/12/2012 - 21:40
    +1

    For what its worth I bought some Camper shoes (http://www.camper.com/en/eshop/productos.xhtml?type=M) which were not cheap and were NOT made in china (made in Morocco)…

    Uber comfortable, very good craftsman ship, but not cheap…

    Prior to that I used to buy Rivers made in Australia shoes but since they moved production away from Australia to make shoes cheaper (and crappier) I switched to Camper brand…

    There is a store in the CBD (Melbourne) in the event your in this part of the world.

    Hope that helps.

    • jwh on 18/12/2012 - 22:06

      The shoes look good, but the price is ridiculous.

      Same shoes are about half the price in USD.

      • digitalaxon on 18/12/2012 - 23:24
        +1

        Someone I used to work with would go into a store, check the size, make sure the style he wanted would fit, then he would go home and order it online from overseas…

        Not that I'm encouraging such behavior :) I agree the prices are high.. Maybe there are some online stores within australia who could do a better price…

  • citybargainhunter on 18/12/2012 - 23:14

    How much are you willing to spend?

    http://www.shoesnorthampton.co.uk/

    http://www.crockettandjones.com/Heritage

  • RefusdClassification on 19/12/2012 - 06:07
    +3

    Firstly, about China. Generic made Chinese goods are almost all crap and have a very short lifespan - they are made as cheaply as possible and longevity isn't a concern. Only purchase if they are only occasionally used, such as ties or scarves or cables. However, name brand goods manufactured in China for Western companies are often of very high quality. They cost more but last longer and are better made, etc than the no-name brands. I always recommend purchasing mid-priced goods rather than buying the cheapest item available. A generic mouse may last 6 months and a name brand mouse 3 years - the name brand is worth the extra money and is much better for the environment in our society that believes in replacing rather than repair. European, especially German manufactured good, tend to be very good but also expensive (except Aldi brands, which are usually cobbled together from cheap Chinese components; Aldi is great for groceries though - hooray for German thrift and efficiency) .

    In my experience, both Brooks and Minuzo sneakers are well made and usually comfortable. Trying to find places in the UK and the US that ship cheaply to Australia is the difficult part - sellers on Ebay in the US generally charge $40 shipping because they insist on shipping priority mail rather than First Class (~ $20 for a 2 pound pair of sneakers).

  • imcold on 19/12/2012 - 09:25

    Yeah easy to do.. go into the shop buy a deodorant sole in your shoe size. Then go to your local shoe repair hand over the deodrant sole ask them to repair your shoe. Of course it will be made using parts made in China. But it will be made in Australia.

  • KKraig on 19/12/2012 - 09:44

    If you are in Melbourne theres a place in Malvern called Rocco's Shoes
    http://www.dailymelbourne.com/2011/06/roccos-shoes/

    They do custom made leather shoes with a huge range of styles to choose from. You can tailor them to your own preference. They measure your foot and make it to your size.
    I had a pair made for my Wedding earlier in the year - they take about 5 weeks from ordering but only cost around $200 for custom made leather shoes made in Melbourne

  • cannedhams on 19/12/2012 - 10:39

    I am a vegan, so I tend to buy my shoes from Vegetarian Shoes in the UK.

    I usually buy the Doc Marten style combat boots. Probably not the best for jogging, or for throwing in the washing machine either.

    They cost $200 once I pay for freight, but they last about 3.5 years with daily wear, and are 100% made in old Blighty. Still, a bit bloody expensive, seeing as you can get original Docs for $120-ish.

  • chillipaste on 19/12/2012 - 12:39
    +1

    this guy must be trolling, how on earth are the only "shoe stores" he can find are kmart and bigw?

    He's on ozbargain, anyone here is smart enough to look around elsewhere and actually find a "shoe store" than call department stores kmart and bigw 'shoe stores'. even a sport store may sell running shoes - rebel sports.

  • eric927 on 19/12/2012 - 12:40

    LOL, you are looking for decent shoes from bigw and kmart? and complain your money not worth it.
    just ask yourself, how much a pair of shoes cost in kmart? 20 or 30?
    you only pay 20 dollars then you expect Chinese do quality control when they manufacture it. if they give the job to you, will you do it? of coz not
    you only get what you pay for.
    the problem is heaps people here complaining china stuff is crap. if you happy to pay more, i think they will be happy to manufacture better quality stuff

  • hellothankyou on 19/12/2012 - 13:15

    I recently purchased vintage 80s nike sneakers in new condition from eBay. You could try to recreate your 80s experience shrug

    Brands i buy my husband and have lasted well:
    leather - florshiem
    Casual - Sperry, the horse (Sydney brand)
    walking casual - Le coq sportif, Lacoste
    Exercise - asic gel
    V casual - havs, crocs, Kmart

    The Kmart ones lasted 6months so I'd say stock it's hit or miss

  • moelsa on 19/12/2012 - 16:18
    +2

    Very very stupid post.

  • gooddealmate on 19/12/2012 - 16:44
    +1

    Without shadow of a doubt, i'd go for a pair of trail running shoes. Constructed out of harder wearing materials and can handle a good beating. I'd recommend a pair of Adidas Kanadia TR4's, i'm a Tiler by trade and have worn many a different pair including $15 kmart ones which only lasted a few days. I'm still wearing my adidas from about a year ago, which take I've worn for 8 hours a day and have taken an absolute battering, they're still intact and are comfy too. If they can handle this, they should last you years.

    Plenty to choose from here http://www.startfitness.co.uk/search.asp?strKeywords=kanadia… , starting from about $40-$50 delivered depending on your size. You can use the code athleticos11 to get an extra 10% off too.

  • ostsee on 19/12/2012 - 17:00
    +1

    the $1000 dollar shoe is still made in China. Very very stupid post.

  • aerona on 19/12/2012 - 18:11
    +2

    …….a real ozbargainer doesn't even need to wear shoes.
    don't worry about made in china, worry about made in nature ;)

  • billybrown on 19/12/2012 - 18:44

    As you posted you are happy to spend $200 on decent shoes, go to some proper shoe stores. Eg, rebel sport, footlocker, altheles foot, sportsmart, addidas/nike factory outlets. Plus buy a decent brand, what did you expect from kmart/bigw shoes? Brands you could look at: asics, addidas, nike, brooks, or just talk to someone at rebel they will point you in the right direction.

  • ziyah on 19/12/2012 - 21:11
    +2

    Interesting post. I'm Chinese and I don't recommend people to buy clothes or shoes from Kmart/Target/BigW. The quality of goods there is so bad that I've never seen clothes/shoes that badly-made even in China. IMO, The price for manufacturing those products in China would be the 1/5-1/6 of the marked price, too cheap to be good.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2012 - 21:49
    -6

    Finally, there's nothing racist about me. I have friends I see every week that are Indonesian, Indo-Chinese, Japanese, African, Tongan, Italian, American…

    why you don't just ask one of your friends ( African) that how they run without wearing any runner in Africa and take some lessons from him. end of story

    • stemcell on 20/12/2012 - 06:50
      +1

      Africans running barefoot!, what decade are you from? you must be from the apartheid era with a racist comment like that.

      • Windows7forever on 20/12/2012 - 08:02

        It's in their genes, they love to run naked.

        White people prefer shoes, Preferably branded ones.

        Actually I prefer thongs.

        • sama on 21/12/2012 - 02:59
          +1

          My parents were immigrants, but I'm a born and bred Australian. I don't run except for sports or to get a beer.

  • sydflyer on 20/12/2012 - 08:51

    Wake up mate, even some luxury brands like LV is made in China.

  • BhanuL on 20/12/2012 - 09:18

    Location doesn't matter, sometimes the brand does. If you want shoes that last get brooks as mentioned above, they last and last(mostly). But always the cushioning is the first to reduce.

  • tsunamisurfer on 20/12/2012 - 13:47
    +6

    Saying Chinese made 'stuff' is crap is NOT rac!sm ffs.

    I have a Korean Car, I don't think they are very good and will not buy another one….do I hate Koreans / Asians?

    I have a Leatherman, it is very useful and sturdy and would buy more for my collection…do I then profess a love for North Americans?

    Rac!sm is a word used too easily these days.

    If the OP had said I hate Chinese because they are Asian….yes that is rac!sm.

    He did not say that.

    • strangeloops66 on 20/12/2012 - 15:08
      +2

      +1 for the bit about never buying another Korean car.

    • illusionarybreeze on 20/12/2012 - 22:37
      +3

      You seem to be overreacting. Only one person accused him of racisim. Everyone else merely countered his "rotten China" comment with explanations of why location has less to do with the quality of his shoes than the quality control of unbranded goods.

    • chiuy on 21/12/2012 - 04:28

      Having one bad experience with a Korean car and concluding that all Korean cars are bad… COULD be racism… it's definitely not a solid argument. Point remains that the place of manufacture seemingly overrides other objective qualities of the vehicle make it easy to conclude that yes, you are racist.

      On the flip side, if you had said you owned a 'north american multitool pocket knife' instead of saying you had a leatherman, then race would have entered into the discussion much more forcefully.

  • MementoMori on 20/12/2012 - 16:56
    +2

    China will make whatever quality/price the customer demands. The stuff is usually crappy because people seem to always want low low prices!

  • grapedrink on 20/12/2012 - 18:33

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/400344666204?var=670048719315&ssP…

    here you go. was that really hard?

  • Zerny on 20/12/2012 - 19:14
    +1

    Anaconda is currently selling
    Columbia Walla Walla Mens Hiker Shoes

    $49.99 pr (Save $90)

    It's in the current catalogue which Start Wed, 12 Dec. 2012 - Ends Mon, 24 Dec. 2012

    Reg $139.99.

    Some details of the shoe: Omni-Shield advanced repellency for stain and water protection. Breathable mesh with suede leather overlays. Size M.8-14.

    Fairly decent shoes and should take some punishment. Really depends on your price range.

    Last Pair of shoes I bought were from RSEA. They have so far been somewhat indestructible with only the laces breaking (so far). Although not exactly fashionable, they are a tough shoe.

  • KingstonTheNotSoWise on 20/12/2012 - 21:49
    +1

    It's hard to find decent anything now days. Only place I can recommend is EastBay http://www.eastbay.com/. But they're American based and delivery can take between 1-4 weeks and normally costs an extra $20-30. I like them because sometimes they stock things Aus doesn't and if they do sometimes it's cheaper even with delivery (you can always bulk order to). You can also try http://www.priceusa.com.au/ if it's something they don't ship outside of the US, price USA can delivery it to you but do some research on them I have yet to try them but they were the only site I could find that hasn't had anything bad said about it.

    • CrocDundee on 23/12/2012 - 23:45

      Actually delivery from Eastbay for shoes takes no more than 5 working days. I have bought shoes from them on 3 occasions now and have never waited longer than 5 days. Very fast shipping!

  • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2012 - 04:28

    Hi RFM, While i also try to avoid supporting the Chinese Communist Party, or indeed any one-party state, it's getting frightfully difficult, even down here in Oz. I used to buy the KMart CCP crap, but I've been using Globe skate shoes for a while now & they work for me, though they may be less useful for jogging if that's your thing. My favourite are the Globe Focus with Wings, cost about $100, and last forever. The ones i have are made in Indonesia, or under the oppressive regime of the CCP.

    • BhanuL on 21/12/2012 - 09:50

      Yeah I always feared the CCP too - http://www.ccp.org.au/

    • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2012 - 15:01

      Just to add to that (was on fiddly smarty pants phone before): these are very very wide, however i prefer these(but they seem to be low on stock & don't have any white left).

      Down with the CCP. Down with oppression.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/12/2012 - 12:53

    I actually bought cheap dress shoes from Payless and they‘re the most comfortable I ever had. And the most comfortable runners for my large and wide feet are in fact the 12 dollar K-mart shoes, but they could only handle being used indoors :)
    While we‘re on the topic, Nike discriminates against wide-footed folk. And of course people that don‘t wish to “do it“, whatever “it“ may be.

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