Deck Shoes - Sperry Harbormaster - Product Defect?

[mark rocco mont]

I also have had Sperry Harbormaster and the same happen. Now i wear Crocs ....love them i don't slip i can jump in the water always have the air going thru dry out fast...

[OldFrog75]

Update. Just received a new pair of shoes from Sperry - Kingfisher II - a more expensive model than the Harbormasters. I don't know if they will be any better but at least Sperry has tried to do the right thing.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

Update. Just received a new pair of shoes from Sperry - Kingfisher II - a more expensive model than the Harbormasters. I don't know if they will be any better but at least Sperry has tried to do the right thing.

Not really, since the problem has been going on for more than 6 years.

[Halifax Sailor]

I had the same issue with a pair of blk Sperry, sneaker looking, shoes. Had them 1 season, next season could not stand on them. Contacted Sperry, great success with their customer service. I took pics of the shoes with the tongues cut out and choose replacements from their on-line catalogue. Short story, 2 weeks later, new pair of shoes in the mail. Purchased 2 other pairs since, no issues and have been wearing them for 2 seasons now. I think just a pair or style that got past their quality control. I have and will be purchasing more in the future.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Halifax Sailor

I had the same issue with a pair of blk Sperry, sneaker looking, shoes. Had them 1 season, next season could not stand on them. Contacted Sperry, great success with their customer service. I took pics of the shoes with the tongues cut out and choose replacements from their on-line catalogue. Short story, 2 weeks later, new pair of shoes in the mail. Purchased 2 other pairs since, no issues and have been wearing them for 2 seasons now. I think just a pair or style that got past their quality control. I have and will be purchasing more in the future.

The problem isn't just a slip in QC or a particular style. They have been shipping with this problem for many years. If you are using them in Nova Scotia they will probably last a lot longer. Leave them on a boat in the tropics for a couple of seasons and see what the soles turn into.

[SailFastTri]

I've had the same issue with Sperry soles over the years. Last year I contacted them to complain, and they replaced two pair with new, no charge. Maybe if we all do this they would improve their quality.

This thread makes me think though, that maybe I should just give up on them.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by Scott Fuller

I like Keen Newport H2 sandals and have gotten a few years out of them. I wear them all summer, not just on the boat.

My favorite too.


SC

[OldFrog75]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

I've had the same issue with Sperry soles over the years. Last year I contacted them to complain, and they replaced two pair with new, no charge. Maybe if we all do this they would improve their quality.

This thread makes me think though, that maybe I should just give up on them.

Either that or just accept they are one season and done $80 sneakers.

[Halifax Sailor]

I usually vote with my money. I always demand service for items that dont stand up to what they suggest is typical use. If they dont respond, i vote with my money and go elsewhere. Sooner or later, with enough consumer support or non-support companies will have to change or go out of business. Sperry has been good to me and the pair i returned was quite a surprise to me with the defect. they reacted and fixed the problem, satisfied for now. Happens again, i will call again and see what they do.

[OldFrog75]

I am old and cynical so I'm always more than a little skeptical about these types of reviews since you never know who funded them but their top shoe is the first generation of what Sperry replaced my Harbormasters with. They sent me the Kingfisher 2 instead. More a waffle/siped combo sole than a straight siped one:

BoatingLAB Tests: Boat Shoes | Boating Magazine

We'll see how they hold up.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by OldFrog75

I am old and cynical so I'm always more than a little skeptical about these types of reviews since you never know who funded them but their top shoe is the first generation of what Sperry replaced my Harbormasters with. They sent me the Kingfisher 2 instead. More a waffle/siped combo sole than a straight siped one:

BoatingLAB Tests: Boat Shoes | Boating Magazine

We'll see how they hold up.

Those tests have nothing to do with longevity -- the complaints on this thread are all about the Sperry soles becoming hard and like ice-skates after a period.