Ecco Shoes fall apart
Theses are some pictures of Ecco shoes with rotten soles. When I wrote a blog post to vent about poorly made Ecco shoes, I found out that a lot of other people had the same problem. They would look perfect and feel great until one unlucky day when the soles would literally disintegrate without warning into mushy chunks.
Here are pictures that readers have sent in of their own rotten Ecco shoes. These shoes suck and should never be counted on for important occasions. Mowing the lawn? Sure. Job interview? Only if you're comfortable showing up barefoot.
If you want me to publish your own pictures, send them to me with a note stating that I have your permission to display them here, and whether or not I should put your name on the pictures.
Comments
ECCO boots: FUBAR
I had a pair of ECCO --Track BOOTS from 1997-2001. Wore them ALMOST EVERYDAY. The MOST COMFORTABLE,WATERPROOF, DURABLE boots I EVER owned. I used to work at Walmart pushing shopping carts. Through all sorts of weather, snow through110 degrees(on the parking lot). GREAT boots, but as foot wear does, they wore out. So, I bought another pair. Had a different job. Didn't need to wear them everyday (FEAR of them being tore up). After all my ECCOS weren't CHEAP. Costing me A LOT with tax. But I figured my previous pair lasted so well with HEAVY USE. That these I could wear in rain and snow and justify spending over $200 .00 for a pair of boots that would last me a very long time. UNTIL the S. O.B.'s started to come apart in chunks. Under light use. As so many of you have already stated. I was ONCE a believer of ECCO brand shoes comfort & durability. How WRONG was I. With so many OTHER shoe brands OUT THERE, ECCO has LOST ANOTHER CUSTOMER.
read this
Your first pair of tracks lasted because you wore them all the time. After reading most of these stories, I realized that MOST of your problems are the same. Someone else stated that heat was needed and thats not entirely true. These shoes needs to be worn!! You can't stick them in your closet for a year and then wear them. The polyurethane in the sole will harden or stiffen if it isn't used on a semi-regular basis.They crack apart because the sole gets too stiff. The more you wear them,the longer they will last and the sole won't lose it's elasticity. If you do, you will most likely have them upwards of five years:) Take my advice and give em' another chance. They really are great shoes.
That's crazy, though. I had a
That's crazy, though. I had a pair of Doc Martens boots sitting in my garage for more than 8 years. I found them last week and tried them on again, and other than the leather being stiff at first, they were still in great shape.
I like my Doc shoes and wear them every day, but my (much) more expensive Eccos should better made than the Docs I picked up at a mall store.
2 Pairs of ECCO shoes with soles coming apart! DON'T BUY ECCO!
Several years ago I bought a pair of ECCO shoes on the recommendation of a friend. They were well made and comfortable and fairly expensive, around $125. Since I have many pairs of shoes I do not wear the same pair very often. After about 2 years the soles of my like new ECCO shoes began to come apart in large chunks. I contacted them and sent them in for inspection and a few weeks later they told me to order a new pair of shoes free of charge.
Well that pair is now about 3 years old and worn very little, and AGAIN the soles started breaking apart. This time when I sent them in for inspection I was told that they were " out of warranty" and would not be replaced! I will be buying many more shoes for myself and my family in the coming years but rest assured that they will not be ECCOs!!
P.S. I have many pairs of shoes that are much older and a lot less expensive than the ECCOs in question and not one of them are coming apart! SCREW ECCO.
Well, I am not the only unlucky one
I had my ECCO for at least five years. I liked it very much. My shoe repairman told me that he could not replace the sole like my Cole Hahn. However, the ECCO sole seemed to wear very slow so I never worried about its lifetime.
Last week, I wore it to the office and the tip of the sole start to strip off. I stumbled a couple times, looking silly all the while. In just a few days, the entire sole start to fall apart just like the pictures on this website.
I wonder if ECCO has anything to say about this.
Allen
I asked around
Apparently Ecco sole, being made from polyurethane, need heat to stay in good condition, which basically means you have to wear them often
If you leave your shoes in the closet for a while the sole comes apart quicker- which is what happened to my old ones
However there are some that people have been wearing on an everyday basis that the sole has come apart of and these are normally the gortex boots - or anything made with a dual density sole- i know there were a few call backs and this should have been solved
Also Ecco does warranty their shoes (1 yr warranty) and even after one year if the sole came apart, they would normally give you a new pair or compensate you the price:)
Ecco Still Rocks:) iTS JUST SOOOOO comfy
Ecco Shoes
Since 1999, I have worn nothing but ecco shoes, sans sneakers which are new balance; I have to say, that I have bought over 30 pair or more, and wouldn't buy anything else.
Well, they clearly hold
Well, they clearly hold together for *most* people or they'd never get a repeat customer. The problem is that you can't tell whether you have a good or bad shoe until the moment that they decompose.
Clark's shoes too
Last night I was wearing Clark's wingtips to the Robert Burns Scottish dinner (kilt formal). The shoes are probably twenty years old but only worn about 50 times. The soles crumbled as I was sitting down to a haggis dinner. It was a bizarre and comical experience.
Wow, I'm a little surprised
Wow, I'm a little surprised by all these bad reviews. I must have gotten lucky and gotten a good pair of Ecco shoes. I've worn them on close to a daily basis for the past two years, and they haven't shown any evidence of crumbling.
Yep. You were lucky. The
Yep. You were lucky. The worst part (in my opinion) is that the failures occur without any warning. Wear the shoes one time and they're perfect. The very next time, they may completely disintegrate over the course of minutes. It really is that sudden, at least for me and a few of the other posters here.
I see repeated claims that the soles are more stable if the shoes are worn often. I'm not a chemist, but I can't really see how that would matter unless there's some weird, exotic reaction that's delayed or reversed by intermittently applying pressure. That seems pretty unlikely.
ecco address
What is the mailing address for ecco?
ecco crumbling
I was not whining today as I left between teaching classes, hobbling out to find the boots in my car as my expensive eccos crumbled beneath my feet. The greens have made good soviets of all of us who used to laugh at the shabby inferior products of Muscovy. It does not ocurr to green pinheads that when the soles fall apart, the rest of the shoe can only go into the landfill. I maintain a good sense of humor, though. When I tell my friends about the expensive ECCOs that fall apart for no reason, they laugh, and congratulate themselves that they did not- and will not- waste money on eccos, or other EU products tainted by stupid greenery. Neither will I, again. Is Ecco Danish slanf for shit?
Michael D. Holmes
Dothan, Alabama
.
Ecco coming apart
Bought mine via EBAY. Black Oxford city shoes. $18 plus shipping. What a steal from this seller with 100% satisfaction rating.
I plan on sending them back pronto, but will likely be out shipping for the return postage,
Same thing for me ... the soles on my two expensive Cross Shoes
Me Too...
I just was looking in my closet to inspect my little used ECCO Men's Cross Oxfords ( one in dark brown, one in tan color. I noticed that both soles felt "sticky". So, I tried to wash the soles ( seemed quite strange to me) ... and, upon inspecting ... both of these pairs of $200 shoes ... the soles were self-destructing. Upon flexing, I notices cracks across the width of each shoe sole ... and if one tried to rub off the "sticky surface" ... the soles easily fell apart.
I loved the shoes for international travel. I used them probably less than 30 days total. I always had felt the Cros/Cross quality was impeccable !
I looked here on the web to find out if other users had a similar problem ... and, of course ... expecting the Manufacturer to offer a replacement solution.
So, sad to read that this company is never to be used by me again !
Merry Christmas Cross/Clark
Pete Cleland
Bellingham, WA
you all are a bunch of
you all are a bunch of whiners!
Never buy Clark's
Clark's shoes used to be my favorite. I have bought several pairs, some from the UK and some from outside the UK. Unfortunately, all of the shoe soles disintegrated, the brand-new and the used ones. Calling Clark's international in the USA, they informed they do not warranty their shoes even the unused models. Only, they can offer a 30% coupon. Calling Clark's international in UK they asked to send them the shoes for inspection and then they will decide. However, it is unrealistic to send it back, it will be only academic to send it back since it will be very expensive since Clark's is not willing to pay for shipping. Sorry, to hear that this is how business has evolved over time specially for quality products!
I guess just absorb the cost and NEVER BUY Clark's again.
Clark Shoes cheap labor
I feel the same way. I loved Clarks because of their comfortable fit. A previous pair sole wore poorly on one shoe only. After replacing that pair with two new pair I can barely stand to ware them due to how uncomfortable the are. They are now all made in China with the shoe tongue so thin that it folds when I try to put them on. I agree that I will never buy another pair.
My sole searching is over..ecco no more
Maybe the problem is a new factory: Slovakia??? My ecco shoe soles have just disintegrated in 3 days...what a crappy end to a very expensive shoe..I mean rip off. Everything else about the shoes is wonderful..hard wearing, attractive and comfortable. But if your sole disappears so does all the latter. I just found this site and was looking to replace the shoes with new ones..but not any more. Can anybody suggest a source to resole my soul?
Ecco Boots
Hi, We had the same problem. I emailed pictures to Ecco. They sent me a prepaid envelope to mail boots to them. I sent them in. After reading blogs on honeypot, I figured I'd get a call or email saying they were too old or the warranty had expired, although we had just bought them. Surprise. They called me and sent me a brand new pair. I was so thrilled.
Norman Clark
dismayed ECCO repeat customer
I have worn various ECCO shoes for probably 20 years. I bought the Shaker T-strap for my daughter perhaps 18 mos. ago, thinking they'd be identical to a pair I had worn plenty and happily. She never wore them, so I took them as hand-me-downs (ups?). I noticed the heel peeling after the first wearing. I wore them yesterday for the second or third time and thought I had a wad of gum on my foot as it caught. When I looked at the sole, I was shocked to see HOLES!!!! Had to almost tip-toe home as they were seriously dangerous to walk in. Problem is, I can't remember which online shoe vendor I bought them from. Has anyone had luck with ECCO itself???
Shaker T-Strap
I'm sorry about your experience with your Eccos! I think I have the reason though. The Shaker T-Strap has not been made by Ecco for over 5 years, probably 7 years. So the pairs that are sitting out there on sale for great prices have been aging in storage over that time. As mentioned earlier, Ecco soles become brittle when they are in storage. So yours dried out and cracked upon first wearing. I would not recommend buying old style Eccos that are a good deal. Aging is great for fine wine, but not great for shoes!
Any update on Ecco shoe quality?
I owned several pairs of Ecco shoes--dress and casual (Cross)--and confess I ran into the same problems described here: soles disintegrate even if the shoes haven't been worn for a while, etc. I turned them in at Nordstrom's where I bought them and they sent it in to Ecco who offered to send me other pairs of new shoes. They claimed the ones whose soles disintegrated had latex and the new shoes, without latex and based solely on polyurethane, were far more durable, prone to regular wear and tear as any other shoe, and unlikely to disintegrate while just on the shoe shelf.
Can someone comment on whether they are noticing an improvement in Ecco shoe quality? are the new models disintegrating just as quickly, suddenly as the old ones? If so I'd rather demand Ecco or Nordstrom replace my Ecco pairs with another brand (Mephisto has served me well in the past).
Thanks!
ecco shoes
the reason the soles come apart and disintigrate is when they are left in storage and not used too often you have to wear them not store them
Nope, definitely not accepting that
That doesn't explain the pictures just sent in by CaY, where her husband's brand new shoes fell apart while he was sitting at his desk.
Phooey
Hard to believe!
I'd accept that if any other
I'd accept that if any other pair of shoes I'd ever owned had the same problem. I pulled a pair of Doc Martens out of the closet where they'd been resting for about 7 years, and they were still in excellent shape. I have sneakers much older that show no sign of rotting.
No, I don't think I buy that explanation.
Any alternatives, that are exactly as comfortable as Ecco Boots?
Does anyone have any recommendations for a replacement brand that is as comfortable as Ecco (and god they are comfortable) but that don't disintegrate.
I wear the boots with the shock absorbent soles.. any help on a boot alternative would be great. Suggestions for only boots for me please.
Snedman
Good Boots
After my fourth pair of ECCO soles fell apart I got a pair of LOWA hiking boots and they are even more comfortable than the ECCOS I kept trying to stay with. New Balance also makes a comfortable shoe.
I've never owned a pair of
I've never owned a pair of shoes or boots more comfortable than my above-the-ankle Doc Marten boots. You either love or hate the styling, but they're perfect for me.
My Ecco Shoes crumbled into a gooey tar - Gross!
Unbelievable! They had little wear and were well taken care of - shoe trees and regularly polished. Then they just crumbled on my girlfriend's car mat while taking her and her mother to dinner. They left a nasty stain. Ecco needs to change their ways and reimburse us.
I just set up a Facebook Group (Ecco Shoes Suck!) to increase awareness and inform fellow shoppers not to buy Ecco. Please share your photos and experience there.
http://www.facebook.com/wowofnow#/group.php?gid=102429213718
happy ecco customer
My experience with ecco has been awesome.
They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. They have lasted quite well (I switch off pairs ) and the gore tex ones are totally waterproof. My feet which sweat in all other brands stay cool and unsmelly in my eccos. I don't know how they do it. but i luv em.
I'm glad you enjoy your Ecco
I'm glad you enjoy your Ecco shoes. I loved mine and would have given them rave reviews up until the hour they failed.
ECCO mens sandals
Has anyone found success in returning these shoes, with or without a receipt? Mine were made in Taiwan. I am seeking advice, but only positive comments, please.
returning ecco shoes
If you are unhappy with your shoes (or any other product) you should return them to the shop you purchased them from. The "contract" made when you purchased them is between you and the shop, not the manufacturer. It is the duty of the shop to deal with your complaint. This is true in the UK, but I'm not sure about anywhere else.
It might be an idea to phone ahead to the shop and explain your problem - so they know to expect you. The shop will probably ask to see a receipt or an alternative proof of purchase (such as a bank statement). This is to establish how much you paid for them (as items get reduced during sale time) and how long you have had them. If you no longer have your receipt or bank statement it's still worth going - some shops may still be able to do something for you. (This all depends on the individual retailer, though)
Usually the amount of compensation you'll be offered depends on how much you've worn your shoes and/or how long you've had them. This may take the form of a replacement pair of shoes, store credit, or full or part refund. (the last one only applies if you still have the receipt). It is helpful to state what your expectations were from the shoes (i.e how long you were hoping for them to last had the fault not occured) and what action you would like the shop to take. They may not be able to do what you've asked of them but it's easier for the shop to work towards.
If you've had your shoes for some time the most likely option is that you would be offered part credit in the form of store credit based on wear and the age of the product.
Please note that this is based on my experience in retail only and not to be considered as an official response by any company. The contract between you and the shop who sold you the goods is written in law, though. Hope this helps
Contacting ECCO
I spoke with an ECCO representative and they were less than concerned about my experience with their product. The shoes in question by that time were a few years old even though hardly worn. ECCO stated they would replace the shoes with a similar type if I could provide the ORIGINAL sales receipt (from an authorized dealer) AND provided the shoes were less than a year old. Unfortunately I didn't have the receipt and if I did have it, it would have been dated too old.
Once that was established, the ECCO representative was curt, unsympathetic and not interested in hearing my story again. Not interested in providing an explanation or progressing with an investigation. Bottom line, ECCO simply did NOT care! I tried to explain that the shoes were a gift, that the lack of a paper receipt should not invalidate the shoes or the issue. The fact is the fact and the fact was, the soles of these shoes (and three others) had disintegrated. Well, I guess according to their "warranty", they don't expect you to expect their shoes to last more than a year. And as most people don't save their receipts, they know they don't even have to make them last that long.
I'm completely unsurprised.
I'm completely unsurprised. 9,700 people have read my blog as of today, and 5,400 have looked at the photos. After all that, I still can't get them to reply to my letters. Did you think they'd care about their customers?
I'm sorry for the tone, but their whole mishandling of this defect has my blood boiling.
Ecco boot heels disintegrate
Brand new Ecco boots I bought ( from an ebay seller ) and the heels peeled back/ disintegrated after 2 days use on a light construction site. First I thought I might have been sold fakes but now I'm not so sure after reading these posts, looks like a crappy design issue which is a shame because my last ecco's lasted 2yrs on the jobsite with the uppers giving way first, the soles were still perfect.
We had the same issue
Check out our photos. The nice brown shoes worn twice, then the heels simply fell apart. Hubby was sitting at his desk when the pieces just fell away.
Fake Eccos would probably
Fake Eccos would probably have better soles.
Fool Me Twice...
Probably 10 years ago, I bought the most wonderful ecco shoes. They were called New City Walkers. They lasted for years and were sooo comfortable. They don't make them anymore, but you can still get them on EBay occasionally, which I've been doing (since I love these shoes). But, funny thing -- I've had the worst luck with these things -- the rubber soles crack and crumble just as described by all the other posts on this site. And I (stupid stupid stupid) just keep on buying more, hoping that what I experienced was an aberation, and that the next pair won't be like the last.
Well, I guess I won't be doing any more wishful thinking. It's pretty clear that something serious is really wrong with the whole ecco rubber sole thing. The post that mentioned biodegradable sounds like that might really true.
So, anyway, thanks people for helping me get my head straight!
The pictures keep rolling
The pictures keep rolling in. Thanks to everyone who's been kind (and angry) enough to send pictures of their rotten shoes!
ECCO - good and bad
I can't believe all the comments about the crappy construction used in many of the ECCO shoes. Add me to the list with one exception. On the bad side, I bought a pair of ECCO Cross (?), a casual tie shoe. The part of the sole with the ECCO name on it fell off both shoes after wearing them four times. I went to a local shoe repair shop and the guy showed me four other pairs of ECCOs in for repair - all with deteriorating bottoms. He showed me the material that the sole is glued to and it is a really cheap, flaky, rubber-like material that falls apart if you touch it.
On the good side, I do have one pair of ECCOs that is holding up really well - the TRACK II Low.
BTW, I sent a previous pair of ECCO TRACK shoes to NuShoe for repair. The material they used for the new soles added about 1-2 pounds per shoe making them too heavy to be comfortable.
Never again, I have had
Never again, I have had several really bad experiences with ECCO shoes
Never again, I have had
Never again, I have had several really bad experiences with ECCO shoes
ecco soles
took mine into a shoe repairer after the soles fell apart after a walk (they were walking shoes).. he said the EU had specified shoes had to have biodegradable soles..in the last 4 years.. and obviously.. they biodegraded.. i couldn't believe what i was hearing?? how stupid is that?? he said they biodegrade after you buy them whether wor or not.. but are worst if left unworn for a spell then worn.. like walking shoes!! he said they were unrepairable.. i threw them in the bin.. but he also said, its not just ecco!!
At least now this makes some sense
Ty for your inform about the EU and bio-degradeable shoes.
While this doesn't make me happy, it still fills in the blanks about why my soles disintegrated so quickly.
Ecco shoes suck
My 1st pair of Eccos I had for less than a few weeks and the sole cracked in half. I took them back and was refunded my money and I like a fool bought another pair(different model). The second pair I bought I wore maybe 10 times over 2 years and the "sole eating bacteria" totally destroyed my heals. One day they were fine the next time I put them on they were crumbling to nothing as I walked. I called Ecco to report the problem and they are sending me a prepaid mailer to "have them evaluated". Whats to evaluate?? the soles are junk and these shoes obviously have a history of problems just looking at this blog.
Pictures still coming
I just added another picture from a visitor. It seems that Ecco is still making junk shoes at top dollar.
Really Good Pictures Here
Well, glad to have found this expose on ECCO shoes.. The photos accurately show what I've experienced as well. It's almost as if the materials themselves contain a fungus that awakes out of sleep and begins eating away because this damage certainly isn't due to excessive wear.
Could someone get ECCO to make a statement regarding this problem?
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