ROBERT W.

I am writing the following as a warning to others.

A few years ago I purchased a pair of Timberland Boat Shoes (******* style) and since they were not cheap, I intended to wear them only on special occasions. To that end, I have always stored them in their original box in a cupboard at home. I reckon they have not been worn more than twenty times altogether. They still look like new as you will see from the attached photos. Recently my daughter bought me a new pair of Timberland BS's and so I decided to wear my "old ones" more often. Fast forward to a week ago whereupon on walking out of the house, I realised something felt wrong and could see that the left shoe sole has almost completely de-laminated and it looks like the bond between two layers of the sole has failed. On examination, the other shoe is also showing signs of failing the same way. Needless to say I am very disappointed/annoyed since I have always kept them in such good condition. They were were purchased from a reputable store, Jones Bootmaker, The Oracle Centre, Reading, Berks.
They are obviously outside their normal warranty period however I don't think its reasonable for expensive shoes to fail in this way.
I have tried four times to contact Timberland but have not received a reply!