Regatta Shoes

geoffeales
geoffeales Forum Participant Posts: 322
edited April 2017 in General Chat #1

A couple of years ago CC magazine trialed various walking shoes and one they recommended was a pair of lightweight canvas shoes by Regatta. I found a pair in a Hawkshead shop whilst on holiday in the Lake District and bought them on the strength of CC's recommendation. I'd only worn them a couple of times when I noticed some of the threads coming away on the top. On a recent holiday a 20mm split appeared in the canvas. I've spent the last couple of weeks since going around in every decreasing circles with Regatta and with Hawkshead and to be frank, neither of them are remotely interested, despite me sending photos which make it very clear how little they've been worn. I just wondered if any of you have had a similar problem, either with the product or the after-sales?  Anyway, I thought the club should know as they recommended these shoes in the first place!

Comments

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,192 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #2

    That's not impressive.  I've wondered about their recommendations as there doesn't ever seem to be a 'score' or rating against anything. I like tested reviews myself but I don't think the club actually does that.  I think it looks at a range of items let's say a torch, compares prices and possibly the spec and then puts them forward. A bit like reviews of new vans, doesn't seem to be wear and tear tests on fabrics,  colours, actual mpg compared to manufacturers quotes etc etc. I hope you've emailed the club as it's unlikely to get picked up here unless your post is reported.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,859 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #3

    The problem with magazine reviews of items of clothing, including shoes, is that unless they have been physically been put through their paces out and about the review will be based on an assessment of their look and feel. Its possible that you have just been unlucky with the pair you have. Obviously you have statutory consumer rights and perhaps a chat with your local Trading Standards department to see what opportunities there are for taking it further. 

    David

  • tombar
    tombar Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited April 2017 #4

    Very rarely buy anything advertised in papers/magazines.  The only things I buy are plants.  The latest are giant strawberries a few weeks ago, but never clothes.  The main place for my shoes are Sketchers.  Very lightweight with memory foam inside.  Really, really comfortable.  They can also be washed in the washing machine, which I've done a few times.  They used to only sell trainers, but last year, I bought a lovely pair of ladies shoes with a slight heel.  Gorgeous.  I barely go anywhere else now

  • MaggieR
    MaggieR Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited April 2017 #5

    I don't think you can expect to return shoes after two years. I wonder why you didn't wear them more in the early days? Then it would have been more reasonable to take them back if there was a problem.

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,601 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #6

    You won't get anywhere as the canvas could have split when caught on a rock etc. No way of proving after a couple of years that you haven't been a cause of the problem. You have my sympathy though as I had a problem with the canvas splitting on a fairly new (9 months old) pair of boots. Didn't try to get anything back, just bought a new pair.

  • JayEss
    JayEss Forum Participant Posts: 1,663
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    edited April 2017 #7

    Regatta aren't known for quality. 

    I don't think the fact they appear in the club mag says much. 

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,044 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #8

    They are not known for quality, and reviews do tend to reflect this. Definitely a budget product in terms of walking, compared with a lot of other brands. Not sure which type you purchased of course.

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
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    edited April 2017 #9

    I thought Regatta was a cheap and chearful brand.

    That said, they should last a reasonable length of time. Stick with it.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,044 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #10

    They have a professional workwear section which is a lot better quality. Water sports and sailing stuff used to be ok. 

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
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    edited April 2017 #11

    +1 Jay. I tried a couple of their shirt fleeces, within 3+ months they were like Dog blankets, in fact that is how they ended up. Craghopper are better, Mamut are good, plus most of the big names in outdoor clothing. Regatta are what they arefrown

  • JayEss
    JayEss Forum Participant Posts: 1,663
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    edited April 2017 #12

    I don't speak from experience as I don't have anything made by regatta. 

    If I had a pair of their walking shoes I can guarantee they'd be pristine after two years. Or twenty

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,044 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #13

    Just realised the Regatta I know is not the one that makes outdoor shoes and clothing, but the sailing one!

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
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    edited April 2017 #14

    You mean you would clean them after every walk, along with your fleece and your trekking trousers? wink

  • Spriddler
    Spriddler Forum Participant Posts: 646
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    edited April 2017 #15

    Very rarely buy anything advertised in papers/magazines.  The only things I buy are plants.  The latest are giant strawberries a few weeks ago, .....

    Tried them, but they don't give much grip on steep slopes.

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited April 2017 #16

    I buy the occasional item of clothing on line { Thank  you  Merve  wink }

    but  feet being  what they are  I never ever  buy  shoes  that way !!

  • JD6620
    JD6620 Forum Participant Posts: 202
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    edited April 2017 #17

    I purchased a pair of Regatta walking shoes a few years ago from Go Outdoors.  I'm not a serious walker, mostly dog walking and general use.  They fell apart within a couple of months. Replaced by Go Outdoors, second pair done the same.  Replaced the next time by a pair of Berghaus which are still going strong.  I will never by Regatta footwear again.  My first pair of Berghaus walking boots lasted me nearly ten years so I stick with them now.