Keeping high-end (i.e. expensive) sneakers alive. . .

[dave]

Hello all,

A couple of years ago my girlfriend got me a pair of leather sneakers made by Donald Pliner. It is a two-tone black/dark brown sneaker with kind of a sleek look, very understated, great for casual weekends with jeans.

Now the soles are wearing down. It seems that even sneakers with great uppers are impossible to repair. Also, the model must have been discontinued because I can only find a few holdout pairs in camel/red, blue/white, leather/canvas. I had thought about finding a new pair and attempting to have a shoemaker replace the sole, but can't even find my size.

So, I ask you, shoe people,

1) What options are there for keeping nice sneakers after they start to wear? Or is the built-in obsolescence a way of preventing sneaker wearers from getting too far out of fashion?

2) Is my quest for a replacement hopeless?

3) Any similar style, or recommendations for a nice, comfortable, understated, darker color leather weekend sneaker?


Thanks!

Dave

[suitepeas]

I think the first step would be to find a good shoesmith and explain this to him or her. The idea of finding a similar shoe and using it's sole to replace your old pair is a good idea. Also, I would try contacting the manufacturer of your shoes and ask them if they offer any repair service. Good luck.