More than 50 people have contacted us about problems with their polyurethane-soled shoes.
Lucy Barthow bought a pair of Kumfs shoes (now Ziera) in mid-2009. Just over a year later, the polyurethane soles were disintegrating. Lucy thought she wouldn't be entitled to a replacement or refund. Then she read our article from November last year (Disintegrating shoes) on exactly this problem.
Lucy got in touch with the store where she bought the shoes, Ziera in Botany Town Centre, and has now been given a replacement pair.
Since we published the article, we've had more than 50 people contact us about the polyurethane soles on their shoes crumbling or cracking. The main brands we've heard about are Ecco, Hush Puppies and Kumfs. Unfortunately, not everyone's had Lucy's success when they've taken back the shoes to the retailer.
Some stores have refused to accept responsibility for fixing the problem – despite their obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). The CGA requires goods to be of an acceptable quality. Soles that disintegrate or crack within a reasonably short time or after little wear don't fit this description.
If you buy a pair of polyurethane-soled shoes and the sole starts to crumble or crack after little wear, we think you're entitled to a refund or replacement. Keep your receipt as proof of purchase and take the goods back to the shop.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Disintegrating shoes - our November 2010 news item
- Consumer Guarantees Act - a guide to your rights
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For comfort, Kumf shoes are A1. My husband and I rotate shoe wearing and so we expect them to last for a few years. Recently, my husband had to throw out 2 pairs of Kumf shoes because of the disintergrating sole problem. They were expensive! and now I too have to throw out a pair of boots which look like brand new on top and I've been told they cannot be repaired.The dilemma is now what brand can I safely buy that do have long wearing soles.
I have a pair of Clarkes show which o be honest I bought several years ago. I have hardly ever worn them probably no more that a dozen times and they have resided in my cupboard. Yesterday I did wear them because my normal pair of shoes which I prefer are in the shop getting new heels. I had no problems yesterday. Today I put them on and they felt different. I took them off again and the heels on both shoes have disintergrated and I can see right into the heel and the foot part of the shoes are all cracked. It is as thought they had a cut off date built in. I accept that they are about 10 years old, but there is no wear on them. Very strange.
Unfortunately this has happened to 2 pairs of relatively unworn Zacs in the past month but this company is no longer in business so I have no comeback. I am concerned my other pairs will go the same way now.