I am searching for beautifully crafted, durable women’s shoes made from leather that will last for years. I know this is a tough bill to fit so I am not limiting this search to any particular kind of shoe or price range. For boots, I typically look for strong welting (Goodyear method) but this is increasingly difficult to find. I love the look of Frye’s but most seem poor quality for the money. For example, the outsole and upper are simply glued together in most models (although the engineer boots look pretty solid). For heels/dress shoes, I am interested in full-grain leather instead of the bonded or “genuine” stuff. I’ve heard good things about Fluevog and Chie Mihara, but haven’t looked into them yet. Any experiences? What other brands might have these qualities? Are there high quality men’s shoe brands out there that also make shoes for women?
posted by turniphead
on Jan 10, 2013 -
20 answers
I'm tired of buying cheap stuff that doesn't last. Instead, I'm trying to buy better, long-lasting products, even if they cost a bit more up-front. Since it's not always obvious where to find them, I'm querying the hive. What are your favorite well-made, long-lasting products, in any category?
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posted by captainawesome
on Dec 9, 2012 -
50 answers
Where can I buy a repairable shoe in New York City? I just discovered that the reason shoes are so cheap in America is, they're apparently constructed in some way that makes them impossible to fix. I'm willing to pay extra up front if it means that I can just get new soles sewn on instead of going shoe shopping every year. In terms of style, all I want are plain black leather oxfords or derbies, no pinking or toe caps or anything else that would make it harder to polish. In terms of budget, I'm currently paying $50 a pair every six to twelve months, and I'd like not to exceed that by too much (so, e.g., I'd be happy to pay $200 for shoes that reliably last two to four years).
Bonus if anyone can explain why my cheap shoes are impossible to repair. If two piece of leather can be sewn together once, why not twice? It's not like thread holes wear out...
posted by d. z. wang
on Sep 23, 2012 -
17 answers
I finally found a pair of black, cordura cycling jeans that seem like they'll last for years. On the other hand, I've started to discover that my Levis don't last. Where else can I find indestructable pants?
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posted by tmcw
on Sep 17, 2012 -
10 answers
I need an acoustic guitar to incorporate into an art installation. It'll be played roughly (by machines!), rest at an odd angle for years in conditions of unknown temperature and humidity, and be tuned only occasionally. What guitar should I get that won't crack, warp, or otherwise disintegrate under this treatment? Durability is more important than beauty or tone quality. I'm sure an electric guitar would be tougher, but I'd like to stay acoustic if possible.
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posted by moonmilk
on Apr 28, 2012 -
19 answers
Suitcase recommendations. It needs to take a beating. It also needs to have 4 wheels.
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posted by Ookseer
on Apr 4, 2012 -
6 answers
I love wearing the boots/skirts/leggings or tights combo in the wintertime. I also am all over the place for work - sitting down, standing up, kneeling, crouching, you name it - and I'm incredibly hard on my clothes. Can you recommend a brand of leggings or tights or similar garments that will stand up to lots of abuse and not bag at the knees after 20 min?
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posted by Knicke
on Dec 6, 2011 -
18 answers
Please recommend me a smartphone that is actually durable (won't break when I drop it on the floor).
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posted by sockpim
on Oct 9, 2011 -
32 answers
I would like to find a wood cutting board that will last around 3-5 years of moderate to heavy use.
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posted by waitangi
on Sep 13, 2011 -
23 answers
Can you please recommend to me a resistant and attractive blanket I can throw on furniture so my dog can sit with me?
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posted by msali
on Jan 11, 2011 -
15 answers
I am sick of only getting one or two wears out of a pair of pantyhose before they snag and run. Can anyone recommend a brand or style they've found particularly durable?
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posted by une_heure_pleine
on Oct 11, 2010 -
16 answers
The cleaner sometimes smashes my shirt buttons. Where can I find
durable replacement buttons for dress shirts?
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posted by exogenous
on Sep 23, 2009 -
9 answers
I wash trucks and houses for my liveing, myproblem is i need a rain jacket that is waterproof and soap proof and very durable( and size 4 x or so) and preferably if possible acid proof i dont mean like hydrochloric acid.. something like you would use on a tractor trailor truck.
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posted by quseio
on Feb 26, 2009 -
12 answers
IKEA Filter: What are some cheap, yet surprisingly durable or high-quality items worth purchasing at IKEA?
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posted by cucumberfresh
on Dec 11, 2008 -
66 answers
I am a college student, and my cafe likes to charge 7 bucks for a wrap, as such, I try to scrounge food from around the campus, you know, going to events here and there to try and pass up the obscenely large food bill.
I carry everything in my bag, from a few extra pieces of clothes, to an emergency flashlight, to an emergency can of slim fast, to everyone of my notebooks and class textbooks. I also carry some of my books in my hands nowadays for space.
As you can imagine, my bag is stuffed, I've actually noticed a rip along of of the zippers, so that sections not being used so much anymore, hah, to think, I've only had it for 3 months!
I Was wondering what would be a good food that could withstand not getting mushed in my bag, and that if it exploded [happened] that it wouldn't be horrible. Any ideas?
PS - as you might be able to tell, I'm a little rough with my bag.
posted by Nighthawk3729
on Nov 17, 2008 -
77 answers
This week a lot of things I own have worn out or have broke, and many of my other belongings will probably "expire" in the next year or so. No big deal, but what I'd like to do is purchase high quality durable goods that will last 5+ years. I'm also concerned of possible hyperinflation so I don't mind spending. What realiable durable goods would you buy?
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posted by lpctstr;
on Oct 19, 2008 -
22 answers
I need a durable waterproof laptop bag for under $100, and I need to buy it in the Boston area today.
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posted by genefinder
on Aug 21, 2008 -
10 answers
Alternative to T61p? I'm looking for a laptop that is highly reliable, has a good graphics card and lots of storage.
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posted by Popcorn
on Apr 26, 2008 -
19 answers
Help me find
durable, comfortable, wear-to-the-office women's shoes in a style that won't look dated in a few years.
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posted by jujube
on Jan 29, 2008 -
11 answers
My boyfriend's portable radios keep breaking. Help me find him something more durable...
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posted by wyzewoman
on Aug 15, 2007 -
3 answers
Please help me find a digital camera repair shop in Dallas that doesn't charge up front. I also have a question about finding a DURABLE camera for a clumsy girl. More inside.
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posted by nataliecay
on Jan 20, 2007 -
9 answers
I am looking to replace my cell phone. I use T-Mobile.
The want list: camera, bluetooth headset, email & DURABLE! (broke two already)
What phone do I really want?
posted by digital-dragonfly
on Nov 11, 2006 -
15 answers
I want to find out how to get a durable glossy lacquered(?) wood finish for pseudo wooden instrument cases. I know almost nothing about varnish/lacquer. My
last attempt resulted in this, which is definitely the right look for the finish, but the problem is that it's far more prone to damage than it should be, such that I now feel I should try to keep the surface covered and protected, which makes me reluctant to actually ever take it out of the closet or use it.
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posted by -harlequin-
on Mar 12, 2005 -
11 answers
Book binding: I want to make some one-off children's books for my daughter and her friends, and I'm trying to determine the most cost-effective way to make something extra-durable. These kids are all about 2 years old; my own daughter has been known to rip pages out of favorite books as a sign of enthusiasm. My current thought is laminating two-sided color pages and spiral binding it, but to me that's only about a 6 out of 10 on cheapness and durability. Other thoughts?
posted by blueshammer
on Oct 8, 2004 -
7 answers
Please recommend models of computers which are designed to work for extended periods in tropical (a few degrees south of the equator) outdoor environments. Besides durability, power usage and price are important considerations.
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posted by rschram
on Dec 12, 2003 -
5 answers
