I have always bought Ecco shoes and boots. I have a very wide foot and I find them to be soft and comfortable to wear. I tend to buy the same style as I'm happy with them and have them in a number of colours. The pair I'm complaining about I bought in the Ecco Factory Outlet in Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth U.K. when I was visiting my partner's aunt. We both tended to buy our shoes there. I cannot remember when I bought them but probably 5/6 years ago. I no longer have the receipt. I have approx six pairs of these shoes which I alternate. A few weeks ago while wearing the red pair of these, I thought they felt a bit spongey but didn't think any more of it. A few days later I felt I was walking a bit strange and when I took off the shoes I realised that the side of the right hand shoe had collapsed and the rubber on the top of the shoe was worn away. The left hand shoe is beginning to wear as well. This pair doesn't get as much use as the other ones as I don't always have an outfit to match them to! I've just checked the other pairs and the soles are fine. My partner bought an expensive pair of Ecco walking boots about five years ago and had the exact same problem. The leather uppers were perfect. We were on holiday in Sweden during the winter when she noticed her feet were wet. When she checked the soles they had completely disintegrated and she was leaving a trail of black rubber behind her in the snow! She only had the one pair of boots with her and had to buy a new pair there. Unfortunately she put the boots in the bin and didn't make a complaint. To have the same thing happen to both of us shows sign of faulty workmanship. These shoes are not cheap (the boots were quite expensive) and have always been of high quality but something has changed in the manufacturing process. I would be grateful for your advice on the matter. Many thanks