Clarks Quality

lavenderfields · ‎12-30-2011

I've noticed over the past 10 years that the quality of Clarks is diminishing with each pair I order. Does anyone remember when Clarks clogs with the "accordion heel" used to be lined with genuine suede and the "Springer bottomes" were actually springy? They were so comfortable and lasted forever. The latest pair I ordered (not from QVC), the Patty Nell, have nice leather but have absolutely no arch support compared to older models with the Patty bottom.

I used to love this style of Clarks clogs and have worn them as house shoes for years. I needed a new pair and my new ones arrived today. I tried them on and my foot rolled inward like the demonstrate in the Vionic presentations. I used to love Clarks, but it seems that lately I return more than I keep and I think I'm just about done with Clarks.

Can anyone recommend a good shoe brand with arch support, that are fairly nice looking? Are Vionics well made and comfortable? Thanks for any suggestions!

Stevie Nix · ‎03-09-2010

I highly recommend Hotters. They are based and made in England. Shipping always free. Right now they are having a 50% off sale. I have purchased several pairs of boots and sneaker-type shoes from them and have been very pleased. In fact, I am currently expecting 2 pairs of boots to be delivered any day.

PS - I used to love Clarks. I have some that are probably 15 years old and still going strong. Have not purchased in several years because of the lack of quality.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@lavenderfields,

The very words you have written are exactly why you will not find Clark’s shoes in this house again.

The accordian heel Clark’s were what originally sold me on this brand. All of my 15 pair of work shoes for the office were Clark’s, and nearly all had the accordian heel. I was very upset when the heel styles changed.

A knee replacement in 2012 sent all of my shoes out the door. Now that I’m retired, I don’t need many shoes, and my shoe rack holds Brooks athletic shoes, and Alegria clogs. Vionic shoes do not feel good on my feet.

tockerman · ‎06-13-2010

i have had clarks ashland bubble for several years and they hold up well for me. they are my favortie shoe by far. I just love them. I own several pairs wear them until they fall apart.

lavenderfields · ‎12-30-2011

LuvMyLab, I have seen this brand before and thought they looked nice, but was hesitant to order from an overseas company. Since you have recommended them, I'm even more interested. Do they have a nice arch support?

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

@tockerman. I also am still wearing my Ashland Bubble in several colors. Probably about 6-7 years old. I have not been as happy with the few recent Clark's purchases. They are not wearing as well.

My DIL had a pair of 1-2 year old pumps fall apart at work a few weeks ago. No more for her. She noticed a couple is small black pieces on her kitchen floor but could not determine what they were. As she walked from her car and down the corridors at work a heel came off in pieces. She had to wobble to her desk where thank goodness she kept an extra shoes for her lunch walks.

Now retired I no longer need as many as I have. Because of hip and knee issues some great shoes no longer work for me. I wear them and if the heel height or arch give me a problem I donate them. I need a good arch but some I have no longer work???? If and when I need knee replacement I probably won't wear heels over 2" or maybe less. Shop my closet for know. What's old is new again anyway in fashion.

Stevie Nix · ‎03-09-2010

@lavenderfields To me the arch support is perfect. However, if you are a Vionics wearer, they may not be enough for you. Personally I cannot wear Vionics.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@lavenderfields I had to quit ordering Hotter shoes because they are too wide for my "medium" width foot. They appear to be well made but have little, if any, support. My "go to" brand is Alegria. They have many on sale now at alegriashoeshop.com.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

chiclet · ‎03-19-2010

I got my sillian paz cloud steppers and I will keep them for wearing with jeans in winter but they don't feel like they have 18 mils or whatever of padding like they demonstrate. They don't feel as bouncy or cushioned as my skechers goga mat shoes.