Interesting - the past 5 years or so I noticed a similar issue with skechers I had been buying (frequently for more than a decade) - used to be, I could get a couple years out of a pair and retire them to lawn mowing duty from being dingy or worn out.. but the past few years I had a couple pairs bust the seams near the toes in about only 6 months.

As much as I liked the styles, I started to try other brands... then went back when some skechers were on sale and bought the 'wide' versions to see if there was a difference. I have really been enjoying the new balance I've been wearing more than any the past couple years.