The Podcast - Episode 4 - How Long Do Shoes Last?

Here is my breakdown of the age-old question, 'How long will my shoes last?'
From snake oil salesmen throughout the years selling lies to simple misinformation across the web tarnishing the idea of the expected lifespan of a pair of shoes, we discuss here the realities of how you can ensure the longest life expectancy possible out of your cherished footwear.
For more information on all subjects related to high-quality footwear, please read and subscribe to my site: theshoesnobblog.com/

[@ericwalles]

maybe you forgot to mention, is how hard can be find a good cobbler

[@tonydeltablues]

Rotation is key here. Thanks Justin for your passion, advice, knowledge and willingness to make the effort to share and develop shoe awareness. I'm conscious of the folk out there may not have lots of spare cash to buy enough for a decent shoe rotation. It's a tough one... On the climate/weather: I live in the UK (Bristol) and it's wet. I try to walk about a fair bit. I'm a teacher, so on my feet in school a lot. wet weather really can impact negatively on the shoe! I often re-sole my shoes with a Dainite sole because of the weather here. Oh, the tough one you mentioned: I'm packing a bit of timber; weight matters! ;-) Appreciated x Tony

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thanks Tony! Those dainite help in the wet climate. Also for any country travel ;-) thats why brands lile Loake are great for those workhorse shoes so your investment can be distributed between 'nice' and 'practical' ;-)

[@jrooney58]

Thank you for an honest take on shoe lifespan.

[@theshoesnob_official]

My pleasure and thank you for sharing

[@thomasredmond6135]

Thanks for the video Justin, a great video. I imagine you've covered it in your blog but would like to see your take on the merits of different kinds of soles - e.g. leather, rubber, etc

[@theshoesnob_official]

My pleasure and thamk you Thomas! Will think about to make that sole one ;-)

[@bertrandpotvin]

Great answers, to all the simple questions. I have too many boots, but I should add a third pair of J.FitzPatrick.. of course. Thanks again.

[@theshoesnob_official]

Hahahaha yes sir! Thanks Bert! 🙏

[@linchuaneu9549]

Thanks for the great sharing. I just started appreciating well-made shoes 3 years ago. My first 2 pairs from Allen Edmond and Meermin still looks good, as new (minus the grease) and feel so comfortable. And now with 8-9 pairs (entry-level goodyear-welted), I am sure they will last me more than 20 years. And yes, still juggling if I need to continue to buy more shoes...😄

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thank you for sharing and enjoy the rabbit hole of good shoes ;-)

[@thewholecut]

Another great episode! Time to go buy some more shoes!

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thank you! And yes, it is always a good time to buy new shoes ;-)

[@dungnguyenviet4723]

Will you consider doing an episode about socks? It's not shoes and I know you only talk about shoes and shoe care, but I think socks is an important part of footwear and foot health too, and seem like we don't have enough of this content on the internet. I saw many man wear good quality shoes with awful socks, so I think maybe you could let us know your thought? Maybe about the color match, some brands you like, some materials that you think is comfortable and good for our feet?

[@theshoesnob_official]

For sure. While I am not an expert in socks, I think it is an important subject, as you say.

[@Chinosandbrouges]

Good stuff

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thanks

[@na4222]

Thanks for the video. One more point, my understanding is that a hand-welted shoe with a hand-welted outsole will survive more resoles than a machine stitched sole that is re-machine stitched on each resoling. Of course a handwelted shoe shoe should also probably survive one or two more resoles than a gemmed shoe regardless of the sole stitching method.

[@theshoesnob_official]

Correct. I actually talk about this exact aubject in another episode of my podcast. Check out the playlist ;-)

[@na4222]

@@theshoesnob_official yea thanks Justin I had listened to that. But just thought to mention here as it potentially could impact shoe longevity. Thanks for all your work!

[@theshoesnob_official]

@@na4222 ah okay cheers! And thanks for the support!

[@guillermoanic]

Good content as usual. I only have to disagree with synthetic materials lastjng longer than real leather. In my experience (and like most, I spent my earlier life using cheap shoes) synthetic materials degrade with time even when unused. Whereas good quality leather will last a lifetime if well taken care of.

[@theshoesnob_official]

Hey Guillermo, I wish I could say I was lying but I have seen Ecco shoes that lasted 10-15 years with guys that wore them regularly. I have also seen Vans hold up better than higher end sneakers. I wish it werent true but sometimes it can be. I dont like synthetic materials but some are built to last. Just never look good. Thanks for sharing though and glad that you enjoy the content

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

Justin, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for fine footwear. What are your thoughts on sole guard conditioners applied to leather soles? Do you believe this helps prolong the life of a leather sole, and will the use of said conditioner create or increase a risk of slipping on wet surfaces? I brush my shoes after every use and use shoe trees religiously. I have six pairs of shoes in my rotation. All have toe plates or caps on them and they get a good cleaning and polish/wax two to three times a year. I see no signs of significant wear after sixty or so wears. Should I add sole conditioner to my routine? And thanks again!

[@theshoesnob_official]

Hey Arthur, thank you for your message and kind words. I do appreciate it. I think with 6 in the rotation you will be fine. But doing that wont hurt. Thats for sure. I have never actually used the stuff but then again have never needed to. If you intend to only use those 6 for the rest of your life then use it. If you intend to buy more I think your treatment of the uppers is good enough ;-)

[@NewingtonBoy]

How often do you ware them!

[@kamilj.1907]

This is the first time I hear some good points in terms of content :) Edit to be better understood: other people talk a lot about shoes durability but you're the first to actually say something meaningful and helpful with good points. PS: Justin... how many shoes do YOU personally have actually? Thousands? :D I imagine you get your hands on (rather feet :D) quaite a lot :) :) :) I am just curious, there is nothing more in that question :)

[@theshoesnob_official]

First time you hear good points in terms of content? Was that a compliment or insult? Sounds like you are saying all of my other videos had poor content. I have around 300 pairs or so

[@kamilj.1907]

@@theshoesnob_official Oh no, no. I really love your videos. It was meant to be nice. English is not my native language. I meant that other people talk a lot about shoes durability but you're the first to actually say something meaningful and helpful with good points. Cheers :) PS: 300 - wow :) It's a lot :D I mean -> 65 more and you can wear every pair once a year. And I was thinking that I have way tooo many shoes :)

[@theshoesnob_official]

@@kamilj.1907 ah okay I see thank you very much. Yes I have too many. I will sell many this year

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

Great answer to an often asked question. Even ask it myself sometimes. Nothing is simple, the real answer is always in the details.

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@j.walker6845]

Thanks for your insight. On a related note, how often should you condition or polish your shoes? Or what would be a minimum if you are wearing them every week?

[@theshoesnob_official]

There is literally no way for me to honestly answer that question, or anyone else for that matter. Also, what does every week mean? Once, twice per week etc? So many factors play into the answer that I could just say something as vague as once a month for conditioning but doesnt actually make it true. At the end of the day only you will be able to answer that question by looking at/feeling the leather. If it is dry it needs conditioning.

[@j.walker6845]

@@theshoesnob_official I guess it's similar to the question in the video. I'll go with once a month and see from there. Thanks for your reply.

[@theshoesnob_official]

@@j.walker6845 keep me updated ;-)

[@gagecarty4290]

Funny a lot of people will not like your answer ,but they must consider that it's a honest answer and not a sales pitch.

[@theshoesnob_official]

Thank you for saying so and understanding 🙌

[@hydroaegis6658]

I've found they last as long as you take care of them.

[@theshoesnob_official]

100%

[@Theconservativeindian]

How many total resoles do you recommend on a shoe? Let’s just say normal wear and constant rotation of different shoes.

[@theshoesnob_official]

As long as the uppers are intact, it is said that you might be able to get 3-4 on goodyear welted shoes. I have never nor will ever get there so hard to speak from experience.

[@MBGLS_500]

Any experience with Carlos Santos?

[@theshoesnob_official]

Yes, most of my unboxing videos of Herring shoes were made by Carlos Santos

[@junzilla13]

Justin, I wore the tony ii (thumbnail) to my wedding!

[@theshoesnob_official]

Niceeee! So happy to have been part of your big day! 🙏

[@a.d.johnson8487]

Can you wash suede

[@theshoesnob_official]

Yes you can

[@bryanfunk4151]

I’m good for my lifetime then.

[@theshoesnob_official]

I know the feeling ;-)

[@chrisbreidenbaugh3697]

How long do you last? There is no answer. OK cya...

[@theshoesnob_official]

You would think it was that simple yet because so many people ask that very same question that has no definitive answer, someone like me has to explain for 20 minutes why there is no answer so they can get it.

[@chrisbreidenbaugh3697]

@@theshoesnob_official I understand. I just found it amusing that you first said there is no answer, and then gave a dissertation on why there is no answer. Keep up the good work!

[@theshoesnob_official]

@@chrisbreidenbaugh3697 thanks Chris! 🙏

[@___1980.]

-And there are so many variables on how far your arrogance will go on various topics.-

[@theshoesnob_official]

name one thing that was stated that was 'arrogant'?

[@wotv7732]

@@theshoesnob_official just ignore him Justin

[@theshoesnob_official]

@@wotv7732 you are right, thank you for sharing and reminding me to be smarter. I do appreciate it.

[@___1980.]

@@wotv7732 If you would’ve done business with him you would e understood, taking the high road to rise above ignorance is true, but when trust is broken, not a good and ethical practice.

[@___1980.]

@@theshoesnob_official The fact someone asks you that question is due to them seeing you as an expert above all other sources. I’m addition, when you laugh and say it’s funny is cocky, rude, & arrogant similar to your disciple Matthew. Laughing, because a customer, client, or professional doesn’t know is uncalled for. You may be the Shoe Snob (Indeed a snob for what is beyond me, don’t see you as an authoritative figure on luxury.