In August, 2019, I bought a pair of VANS shoes(SK8-HI Pro-Blackout 000VHG10J120m). The price was$100+ tax of$13(Canadian currency). The shoes seemed to be quite sturdy and comfortable, although not as flexible as similar shoes that I had worn previously(Reebok, Adidas or Converse).
I wore the shoes mainly during my 6-week long vacation from mid-August to early October, 2019 and then I started wearing them in early March, 2020. Unfortunately, very quickly the shoes started to deteriorate. The eyelets began pulling apart and each shoe had a big hole. Although I tried not to tighten the laces, the rips(in both shoes) kept getting bigger.
In May, 2020 I contacted(via e-mail) Vans Customer Service and described my problem. I was quite surprised by the reply:
“Our warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or products damaged by uncontrollable factors(misuse, accident, unauthorized modification or modification). This same warranty is also limited to one season following the date of purchase and proof of purchase is always required in all applicable cases. After strongly evaluating your inquiry, I’m afraid it falls under the statements mentioned above and would not be covered by our warranty.”
I didn’t agree with the reply—after all, over the past 30+ years I had had about 15 pairs of similar shoes made by Adidas, Reebok, Converse and other companies and they lasted at least several years—and cost from$45 to$75, less than the VANS. Besides, I actually used the shoes for 2 months outdoors and for another 2 months indoors while working—since my work is sedentary & at home, there should not be much impact on them. So, I wanted to know how “one season" was defined. I also attached several photos of my shoes.
I found the reply quite preposterous:
“One season is 3-4 months. Your purchase being made 10 months ago is unfortunately out of that warranty coverage and can’t be replaced.”
Had I known that the shoes were to last for just one season, defined as 3-4 months, I would have NEVER purchased them in the first place! I do not remember EVER having shoes(including slippers, clogs or even flip-flops) that lasted for 4 months! So BEWARE before you shell out your money, as your purchase may have a very short lifespan!
Nevertheless, I had the shoes mended by a shoemaker and wore them occasionally for another 3 months. Believe or not, a big rip appeared on one of the shoes(at a different spot than the previous ones) and it’s getting bigger!
To say the least, I am VERY disappointed with the quality of the shoes—yet I am even more dissatisfied with reply I got from the Vans Customer Service department. Obviously, I will NEVER AGAIN buy VANS shoes—after all, dollar-store clogs have lasted longer than VANS shoes!