Soles N Heels Of Shoes Disintegration

[malagabob]

Dug out a pair of shoes I’d had for a while, but hadn’t worn since buying, as I was looking for something to wear in the rain rather than my usual canvas trainers.
Had them on for about 15 minutes and was aware something was wrong with one. On inspection the heel was disintegrating. Almost to a powder in places. Looked at the other and soles of both. They were going too. Cheap when bought I know. But what are they made of.

[alavahalf]

Polyurethane .. more than likely. It perishes and turns to powder after some time.

[bhg481]

I had that sort of problem with some Clarke's shoes; I bought them in their outlet store in Street and didn't wear them for some time; when I did the sole disintegrated. I took them back to our local Clarke's shop who said that because they'd been bought in an outlet store they weren't interested. I complained directly to Clarke's who said that shoes need to be worn regularly to keep the soles flexible and offered me a £10 voucher against the next pair of their shoes. I told them such shoes were no use to me so they could keep their voucher as they'd just lost a customer of over 50 years.

[pastafreak]

That happened to me with s pair of ecco boots. Wore them a bit then put them away. Took them out a few weeks ago to give to charity....one heel was shattered. Very disappointed.

[ladybirder]

I've never heard of this happening to shoes before. I've got at least 6 pairs of loafers going back from 26 years ago almost as good as the day I bought them. They weren't cheap but worth every penny.

[malagabob]

I was astounded. They looked like what happens to wood when termites get at it. At first glance it looks like structure till you grip it. Just falls apart.

[ladybirder]

Yes I bet you were astounded, who wouldn't be.
Got a picture;-)?