topic Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed? in Shoes

Has Vionic Quality Changed?

hotbuyer — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:19:00 GMT

Ok I have too many pairs of Vionics to count from their sandals to hiking boots to sneakers to slippers etc. Is it just me or have the quality/comfort changed in the last year? I ordered the recent TSV sandal and got them today and they will probably be going back. The footbed is different then other Vionic sandals I have and is is uncomfortable so far and hurts. This happen to me with the TSV leather sneaker they had at the end of last summer. I ended giving them away. I have been buying Vionics for the last 4 years now and it's just been this past year that I am finding their footbeds are becoming harder and more uncomfortable. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with Vionic? I think it might be time to move on to another primary brand for my foot issues.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Cindipup — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:28:22 GMT

I, too, have noticed that although there is an orthotic, there is absolutely no padding or comfort in these shoes anymore. Very sad.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

jpie — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 23:33:07 GMT

@hotbuyer

I think that the type of foot bed is the most important thing when deciding whether to buy Vionics or not.

I too have at least two, maybe three pairs that are not as supportive as they should have been. The two footbeds that work best for me from this company are the tide foot bed and the closed-slipper foot bed. Any of their athletic shoes are a gamble. They are just of average quality and support and I know there are better/more supportive choices for my foot. Saucony works great for me (supportive in the arches and very long-lasting).

The Vionic styles that I am always cautious of are their athletic shoes, wedges, or suede foot beds. They do not feel the same and the arch support hits me very differently than the tide or slipper foot bed.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

sallybusky — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:16:39 GMT

I bought a pair of driving mocs "made with genuine leather." The only genuine leather was on the soles. The upper part - the part that showed - was manmade. I was so disppointed! I'll continue to buy their sandals, manmade or not, because they're comfy. However, I will not buy any more Vionic closed-toe shoes, for fear of this happening again. Manmade is fine for sandals, but my tootsies really need real leather if they're going to trapped inside all day.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Tadaki — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:37:19 GMT

I have the closed toe slippers (love!), 2 pair of ballet flats, and a pair of loafers. I got all of them from Zappo's where I can read the reviews for sizing and comfort, and return so easily. I can wear any of those all day long with no discomfort. I agree there are much better athletic type shoes out there and I'm never tempted by the wedges or anything made for QVC only.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

hotbuyer — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 02:17:31 GMT

Whew ok glad it is just not me that has noticed the difference in the footbeds/support lately. I didn't buy the last TSV in Vionics before the sandals in fear they would be similar to the TSV shoes from the summer. Thanks all for the replies.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Shiloh09 — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 03:13:15 GMT

I tried on two of the thong-type sandals at a large nation-wide shoe warehouse. I wanted so much to like them. One had a little black tied bow...really cute. Unfortunately I felt like my foot was sliding down the arch support. It was weird...I tried a size smaller but it just didn't work for me. Bummer.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

LindaSal — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 13:22:53 GMT

I like the flip flops. I have a couple of pairs of shoes by them, a dressy pair of espadrilles and a pair of Mary Janes. While I like them the flip flops are what I wear most. I found the same situation with Clarks. I used to love those shoes but IMO the quality has gone way down but not the price! And forget about sizing!!!!!

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Tadaki — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:01:18 GMT

I did wonder about this because Carolyn said on Carolyn's Closet the other day that Vionic had reorganized, hired designers, etc. She also said they were still focused on good support so maybe that's not a factor. But it makes you stop and think.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

SFGIANTSGIRL — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 14:27:58 GMT

I just got my new TSVs and they seem to fit like my old ones. This is my first pair of man made but I didn't feel the quality went down and the price reflected the non-leather material, but no issues on this end.

Deb

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Squirrel Lover — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 16:37:35 GMT

Clarks quality has plunged too.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Kissn — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 16:09:29 GMT

WOW ! I had no idea that so many of you felt the same way as I did... nice to know that I am not losing it ~

After many, many pairs of Vionics, i.e. athletic shoes, boots and sandals, I was totally depressed when two of my last purchases had to be returned... who stole the arch support ?!!

I have a theory... it is a sad one, too ~

Too many times in the past the Q will present a 'winner' product, be it cosmetics, skincare and even footwear so over the top popular, can't keep them in stock, etc... then the company is SOLD to a bigger name who probably manufactures in China and bingo!... goodbye quality control, hello more profits ... too bad consumer, they'll be another company coming round very soon !

And the beat goes on ! ~

Jill*

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

BinkyBinky — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 00:38:41 GMT

I am so glad you took the time to post this so that I, too, can reply.

Yes - the quality of Vionic shoes has definitely gone DOWN DOWN DOWN. I no longer jump in quickly to buy a Vionic TSV ... actually, I do not purchase at all, usually. Those cute sneakers that were supposed to be the rage == well, I did something stupid and bought two -white and black. Back they went -- NO ARCH SUPPORT. LIAM - are you listening. What's happened.

Now - my best Vionic sneaker is the Alliance -- I think I actually bought 5-6 pairs and have not gone through all of them yet. The different reinforcemets at the front of the shoe; great arch support. Thick support at the back of the shoe and many layers. I think most would agree - we would pay more for a great shoe. I'm glad I have spares of this shoe until something good comes along again. All told, I have at least a dozen pairs of Vionic. No more ... will have to look for something better because newer styles have no support whatsoever - I don't care what Liam pulls out of those shoes on air ... garbage! Maybe some of you have my problem ... falling arches, arthritis, RA. Liam can attest to this ... the Alliance sold, sold, sold tons of sneakers it was so good.

Good luck ladies.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

BARBIE100 — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 02:37:02 GMT

I have been buying my Vionics at Dillards or Nordstroms. Sadly I am convinced that they are a lesser quality at QVC. They just don't fit the same, for me.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

lmt — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 13:06:58 GMT

I love Vionic. I have several pairs of sandals that I purchased over the years. I can't speak to the quality of the brand because I haven't purchased from them in over a year, but I can speak about the price.

I had my eye on A303890. I really love the metallic option but no way will I pay $99 for a pair of flip flops. Especially since there are mostly bad reviews for them.

Why is this brand so expensive anymore? They'll be pricing themselves out of business pretty soon.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

maximillian — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 20:47:19 GMT

I have also tried some Vionics. I do still wear and like the closed toe slippers. It seems like they do offer more support than most other brands of slippers. Any other styles of Vionics have been a disappointment as far as fit goes. I believe their shoe line is WAY over-priced. They have a certain "schict" and they repeat and repeat and repeat it. We could probably draw that line on someone's ankle and leg just like Liam does.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

Sunny Days — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 21:06:47 GMT

I thought perhaps my feet had changed as each pair of new Vionic shoes became more and more uncomfortable. I just counted and I actually have 24 pair of Vionics in my closet. It wasn't until I slipped on an old pair of Tide sandals and discovered that old level of support and comfort. It isn't me that has changed . . . . . . it's Vionic. Is there anything that can be done to bring back the old quality of these wonderful shoes? It can't be that they are being made in a cheaper facility as the prices have continued to rise and rise. Liam, HELP!!!! We love the old Vionics that let us skip down the street in comfort.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

TY — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 22:55:54 GMT

Vionics was sold last October to Caleres, the parent company of Naturalizer, Ryka, Life Stride, and other shoe brands. Caleres also owns the Famous Footwear shoe stores too.

It would not surprise me to see corners cut in a shoe brand after it's been acquired by another company. I notice that a lot of Naturalizer shoes in stores now are cutting corners on the quality of the leather and the shoe linings, it's noticeable in sandals.

I also think that tariffs on shoes made in China will also have a negative effect on shoe quality as manufacturers and retailers look to mitigate, absorb, or pass along those extra taxes to the customers.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

SurferWife — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:18:40 GMT

I’ve been in denial because I ❤️ my Vionics, but yes, it does seem that they have changed. The arch support seems to be less supportive. I, too, used to jump all over Vionic TSVs, buying multiple pair, but I haven’t bought a new pair since last summer’s TSV. I purchased a pair of soft-bed Birkenstocks while out shopping on Wednesday & they are on my feet right now. I had forgotten how great they feel because I’ve been wearing Vionics exclusively the past few years.

Re: Has Vionic Quality Changed?

catlover — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:23:02 GMT

Not just me then..........it is hit and miss with this brand.

There is a way to have a contoured foot bed and cush too.

EARTH shoes have found that sweet spot........Vionics have not.