The DU Lounge

shoe brands have been bought and sold over the last 100 years. Wiki some known brands and follow the links. Even Florsheim has new owners.

After a buyout the new owners need to pay for the acquisition: financing, lawyers, MBAs, downsizing. SO they cheapen the brand they just bought. Could be reducing product lines. Or just plain cheaper materials.

With so many takeovers even the large independents need to reduce costs to compete. Look at Nike.

Trace Reebok, and its private equity partners.

SO yes the shoes are deteriorating. $90 for mesh and poured sole with poor if any arch support. Gimme me 1984 Nikes.

I like Rockport. THey've been cheapened, no replaceable midsoles any more, but few went that route anyway. And they've changed hands several times.