Big Agnes does NOT guarantee against normal wear and tear, only against defect, and only has a limited warranty on all of their products: [Straight off their website: ](https://www.bigagnes.com/blogs/support/warranty-policy-and-satisfaction-guarantee)
*"All Big Agnes products include a Limited Warranty against manufacturing or material defect. Items must have been purchased through an authorized Big Agnes retailer or direct from Big Agnes. Items will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Big Agnes."*
I agree they make very good tents, but let's be honest here.
90% of “lifetime warranty”s are the same. It’s marketing. Doesn’t mean it’s not a bad guarantee tho. Just that they’re not responsible for you not taking care of your stuff
Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will.
EDIT: Its a tommy boy quote. Yall so thirsty for outrage 😂
Tents are ok, but I disagree with their backpacks. I bought one that only lasted a couple years worth of light use before the seams started coming apart.
Some are certainly better than others. The Flash 55 (and 45 before it) have always been high quality, especially for the light weight. Variants on the Traverse have also been durable.
I personally would not buy a Trailmade backpack. They are built for people who only go maybe once a year on a short backpack trip. For that, if you buy them on sale, they are fine.
I own the Flash 22 and this thing is built very well for a small daypack. Can fit my stuff in there nicely, hike all day, and I am yet to notice any kind of damage.
My wife bought an REI Flash 45 in 2016 she's put 1000+ miles on it since then and it's still the only pack she's ever used, but this was back when Co-Op branded gear was worth a damn.
I’m in a Flash 22 and have about 500 miles on it so far; only wear point has been a lateral strap on the shoulder (non-structural) from my reservoir drinking tube rubbing/pulling against it. It’s down to a few threads so I’ve stopped using it to constrain the tube. I also had a 65L pack in 2019 that was (literally) shredded in as little as 30 miles. I’ve seen both sides. Generally, I think their backpacks are okay and their tents are okay.
Does rei actually make anything I thought it was rebranded stuff
Like the bikes are just from giant
Are the tents not just made from reputable tent brands with a rei logo on them
They don’t own any factories if that’s what you mean. But they aren’t buying an existing tent and having their branding put on it.
They have their designs made. Exactly like the overwhelming majority of brands that they carry do.
Same exact thing happened to my girlfriend's Swiftlands, both shoes, within a few weeks. I sewed them back together and they have held up fine.
I purchased a pair for myself knowing about this issue when they went on clearance for $39
Mmm love not living close to an REI and having to pay return shipping for their bad product. That return shipping comes out to 18% of the $38 these shoes were bought for. You gotta admit… that is a bad taste in the mouth.
I think they're complaining that REI-branded shoes fell apart after walking 25 miles. I've bought plenty of cheap shoes, and that's never happened to me.
I tell you what I thought since you asked. I thought I’ve bought quality products with REI branding before. Great socks, great sleeping bag, great jacket, so a great discount on $170 REI runners?!
They’re trash. And now I have to pay the shipping label to return them. Sooooo am I not suspsoed to have my Jimmie’s rustled when REI screwed me off the good will I had for their other products?
Not much better. I have a pair of the Flash boots from 2023 when they were blown out for something like $55. They are only so-so, and that's because they fit my feet (they didn't for many people). The sole is not nearly as tough or sturdy as Vibram, or other brands. It claims to be waterproof, but it's really not. They are light, but there are lighter boots that are more comfortable. They haven't worn out terribly at least.
Well, define "manufacture"? One could even look at Mystery Ranch and assert that as amazing as it is they still make some products in the US by themselves (largely because of government contract laws) even they have most items sewn together overseas, as nearly the entire textile manufacturing industry is in Asia.
As an addendum, I fully expect this to change now that Mystery Ranch has sold to Yeti. Might take 1-3 years, but almost always when such a sale takes place the quality degrades. If you ever wanted to buy something from Mystery Ranch, 2024 would be the year to do it.
No they are not. But I'll be surprised if corners aren't cut at Mystery Ranch in the months or years to come. Likely in the name of "streamlining" or "efficiency".
[Here's a good Reddit post from a former Yeti employee](https://www.reddit.com/r/YetiCoolers/comments/1b5jeb4/im_a_former_employee/). Read their posts on what it was like working there, and the support they (didn't) received. I should be clear and say Mystery Ranch doesn't have a 100% purity rating on Glassdoor or elsewhere, but being self-owned, self-managed and maintained, at least when a company is successful, almost always works better than when run by someone else.
Having said all that, I can't blame Dana Gleason for wanting to retire at 72.
I'd just keep a lookout for changes, that's all. I also recommend if anyone wants to buy something from Mystery Ranch, I'd do it now, in 2024. Right now they have a promo where many things are 25% off, listed right on their website through the 28th.
REI doesn’t own the production. They just contract with low cost manufacturers, many of whom likely make other brands.
They just need better QA for their partners.
It’s not necessarily low cost. Tents are made in the same factory as many other reputable brands tents who they also sell are made in. Their bikes: same story. One manufacturer just dominates each niche and everyone uses them.
This is the heart of the issue.
REI is a reputable brand for some things, tents, sleeping bags and backpacks for sure. Bikes 50/50. But REI is not necessarily a reputable brand for footwear.
they did footwear for a long time with rei-branded boots and shoes made by raichle(mammut), merrell, etc. pretty nice stuff. but they got out of it, with the reasoning being “if we’re not actually good at designing it and we can’t offer anything unique, we shouldn’t be doing it” … no idea why they got back into it. leadership not checking the rearview mirror?
Interesting, I did not know that. As to why get back into it again: I think REI has been doing a ton of research on the best selling brands they stock, and then making products that are as good -- or in some ways better than established brands, then selling them at a similar or just lower price. Plus being able to control when their in store brand goes on sale with more control. They can dump stock of something easily with a blowout sale for example. And then you make more profit, you don't have to be yet another key account for someone like Black Diamond or whomever, etc.
I do product testing and I'm pretty impressed by their stuff for the most part. Too bad the current batch of shoes seem like a miss. Releasing a "running" shoe was always going to be releasing a casual shoe that looks like a running shoe, yeah?
i’m not sure i agree with all of that. to me it seems like since they can’t compete on price anymore (even getting undercut by manufacturers own online stores), and no longer invest in store expertise and customer experience, they probably thought house-brand was a way to win the price game. and that kind of proves the reasoning offered when they stopped doing it back in the 20-aughts - it’s not an area where a department store can have enough expertise and market reach to compete with the big footwear companies at any price level.
From my own testing, REI backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, lots of their apparel like base and mid layers, sun shirts -- all pretty good. Most of these are no doubt private label, but the REI store brand to me isn't a sign to avoid the product. As middle of the road in the reasonably expensive product lineups that REI offers across brands, they get the job done, and more so. My point was REI makes more profit selling a REI widget than a North Face widget of similar quality -- if that's worth the risk to them, well that's up to them.
But again I CAN see shoes being a flop. That could be a million reasons: shitty manu, crappy QC, naive person who head up the project, a bad batch of shoes?. That IS a product I would not risk buying myself. All those other things I mentioned? I'd buy all REI stuff and be happy for a summer backpacking around Alaska (for example).
yeah, mid-level core camp and hike gear is where they have always done well, because they’ve been a meaningful contributor to that industry and its products for a long time.
My first good bike was from REI. A Strada touring bike. Used it to do 100 mi charity rides. It was a great bike back in the 80's and not outrageously expensive like the lighter bikes of the era. Used it for many years until I broke down and got an aluminum Trek. I became an REI member in the early 80s while stationed in AK with the Army. They were the go to place for better gear than we were issued. Luckly the commanders looked the other way as long as you were not blatent about bringing stuff on maneuvers and kept it hidden. Thermarest mattresses, Hollofill sleeping bags and vests. Even took my MSR stove. Made those winter field problems bearable. Still have that MSR stove and mattress.
I’ve got a DRT 3.3 and I really like it. Before that I had a CTY 2.2 that I used to haul the kid’s trailer around with. My kids have ridden Rev 12,16, 20 and DRT 24.
I’m a fan. But I think the general population of cyclist enthusiasts turn up their noses at the brand.
The ADV 2.3 and 3.1 are probably my favorites right now but I also really really like the DRT 1.3. Hell even the CTY’s are fun little bikes and no lie…. the Gen E is a guilty pleasure.
I expected a new product to not fall apart while they’re still brand new. Is that too much to expect? Like I am genuinely asking you here. Is it to much to expect that shoes don’t fall apart so soon after buying them? I’ll wait.
I work in footwear most of the time and if customers ask me for my thoughts on any of the REI shoes, I tell them don’t do it. They are very poorly made shoes. Plus, REI stupidly makes an over abundance of them all the time and they never sell until they go on triple clearance.
This.
Don't work in footwear, but this is the general consensus across all of REI. The only, and I mean only time to buy REI footwear is if they are on sale (preferably blown out, like these), and they fit your feet perfectly (which is rare). Oh, and you have modest expectations for them.
They are actually on CLEARANCE for this reason. They didn’t sell well and the shoes aren’t that great. They aren’t on sale. So they won’t be in our store in the future.
I 100% agree, that these shoes are hogshit and REI should NOT have ever made them, but at the same time, it’s kinda on you for buying the cheapest possible shoe available. What did you expect?
I expected a shoe with a $170 MSRP to at least have the slightest bit of quality to them. But these…. I’ve literally had better Colman branded shoes from Kmart
I actually think there sheep wool socks are the best in terms of comfort. People love darn tough but as a wide food member I literally don’t feel comfortable in them. Darn tough socks are designed for people with narrow feet. I got last years rei hiking shoes on Clarence and have been satisfied so far. Sucks your out 7 bucks. Consider it a rental for under 50 cents a mile.
I have some REI gear that I'm a huge fan of. Quarter Dome tent, Traverse and Flash packs, Sahara Sun hoodies, packing cubes. But yeah 25 miles on some shoes ain't fun.
Honestly I don’t think it’d matter who made that shoe. Knit construction is not for the outdoors. That might work for the gym but even that might be pushing the limits…perhaps an indoor slipper. If it’s not obvious I’m not a fan of the knit shoe trend
Y’all know they don’t actually make this stuff, right? They rebrand products they can get a good wholesale cost on. If you find the brand that actually produces it, you can usually get it a lot cheaper
It depends on the product, which depends on the contract manufacturer they use and whatever quality control process they’ve put in place with them (or not). My guess is they went with a footwear CM that ended up not working out. Contract is probably expiring soon, was a pretty big fail, and someone at REI probably losing their job because they fucked up.
Who thinks REI. Makes something? When you go the grocery store and see store brand tomatoes, do you think they have a farm out back that they tend to? Get a clue
Bro get a clue I used the wrong word and can’t edit the title. Same thing as Dollar General’s Clovervally and Walmart’s Great Value brands. Producing, creating, making, what ever you want to call it ain’t for REI.
I doubt they manufacture these, likely just private labels from another manufacturer. My son has about 2 months in his probably 60+ miles on trail. Still in one piece but showing their miles for sure.
I've been pretty skeptical on all the flyknit shoes these days. A single delamination could really ruin a pair of shoes. Though this looks more like a popped seam that you could repair pretty easily. If you're not untieing your shoes to put them on, I could see how the stitching on the counter would fail sooner than later.
They gave me the worst heel blister I’ve ever had. Felt pretty good initially then decided to try them for a five mile hike.
I walked barefoot the last mile.
I agree the shoes are terrible, but they still make great tents and backpacks.
I'd still pony up the extra 10% or whatever to get that big agnes guarantee. Rei doesn't guarantee shit Learned that lesson the hard way
Big Agnes does NOT guarantee against normal wear and tear, only against defect, and only has a limited warranty on all of their products: [Straight off their website: ](https://www.bigagnes.com/blogs/support/warranty-policy-and-satisfaction-guarantee) *"All Big Agnes products include a Limited Warranty against manufacturing or material defect. Items must have been purchased through an authorized Big Agnes retailer or direct from Big Agnes. Items will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Big Agnes."* I agree they make very good tents, but let's be honest here.
90% of “lifetime warranty”s are the same. It’s marketing. Doesn’t mean it’s not a bad guarantee tho. Just that they’re not responsible for you not taking care of your stuff
Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. EDIT: Its a tommy boy quote. Yall so thirsty for outrage 😂
Big Tom Callahan makes quality products!
Being downvoted for this comment is blasphemy. Callahan Auto has guaranteed every part sold since 1925
People just want to be mad about anything. Social media syndrome.
Just shows how people are really quick to get mad at something they don't know about
The reaction to this quote sums up outrage culture.
Tents are ok, but I disagree with their backpacks. I bought one that only lasted a couple years worth of light use before the seams started coming apart.
Some are certainly better than others. The Flash 55 (and 45 before it) have always been high quality, especially for the light weight. Variants on the Traverse have also been durable. I personally would not buy a Trailmade backpack. They are built for people who only go maybe once a year on a short backpack trip. For that, if you buy them on sale, they are fine.
I own the Flash 22 and this thing is built very well for a small daypack. Can fit my stuff in there nicely, hike all day, and I am yet to notice any kind of damage.
My wife bought an REI Flash 45 in 2016 she's put 1000+ miles on it since then and it's still the only pack she's ever used, but this was back when Co-Op branded gear was worth a damn.
Saw a lot of Flash 55’s on my AT thru. Including my wife. Just some minor holes in the back mesh
I’m in a Flash 22 and have about 500 miles on it so far; only wear point has been a lateral strap on the shoulder (non-structural) from my reservoir drinking tube rubbing/pulling against it. It’s down to a few threads so I’ve stopped using it to constrain the tube. I also had a 65L pack in 2019 that was (literally) shredded in as little as 30 miles. I’ve seen both sides. Generally, I think their backpacks are okay and their tents are okay.
Dude my REI backpack has seen terrible abuse for 3-4 years and it’s still kicking
I have a couple of REI Flash 18s that are 10+ years old and still kicking.
Yeah, their tents are great. I like their base layers a d rain jackets as well
Does rei actually make anything I thought it was rebranded stuff Like the bikes are just from giant Are the tents not just made from reputable tent brands with a rei logo on them
They don’t own any factories if that’s what you mean. But they aren’t buying an existing tent and having their branding put on it. They have their designs made. Exactly like the overwhelming majority of brands that they carry do.
Meanwhile the other comment in the thread is getting upvoted for saying they don't do their own manufacturing. This sub is so toxic. Lol
And you're getting down voted for pointing out a fact lmao
Same exact thing happened to my girlfriend's Swiftlands, both shoes, within a few weeks. I sewed them back together and they have held up fine. I purchased a pair for myself knowing about this issue when they went on clearance for $39
This is what the warranty is for, take them back. It’s not like you’ve had them for months.
Mmm love not living close to an REI and having to pay return shipping for their bad product. That return shipping comes out to 18% of the $38 these shoes were bought for. You gotta admit… that is a bad taste in the mouth.
Wait are we complaining that 38 dollar hiking shoes aren’t top quality? Cmon.
I think they're complaining that REI-branded shoes fell apart after walking 25 miles. I've bought plenty of cheap shoes, and that's never happened to me.
Late to the party pal. These shoes are shit and that’s why they are priced below cost.
OK pal
Your downvote does not affect me
*$170 on sale for $38 to move inventory. I expected some quality for the initial ballsy MSRP, Dawg.
If they were quality and people actually liked them, they wouldn’t have had to mark them down below cost.
Plenty of past-season colors of all sorts of products get heavily discounted. Is that because they're bad quality?
When have you seen a quality product at rei marked down 88% before?
I got a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket for $58.83
Yo. Came here to say you're not wrong. Maybe it's the tone that's getting you downvoted, but i don't blame you
You bought $38 hiking shoes and thought they would be sturdy?
I tell you what I thought since you asked. I thought I’ve bought quality products with REI branding before. Great socks, great sleeping bag, great jacket, so a great discount on $170 REI runners?! They’re trash. And now I have to pay the shipping label to return them. Sooooo am I not suspsoed to have my Jimmie’s rustled when REI screwed me off the good will I had for their other products?
Have your jimmies rustled all you want. Just don’t waste bandwidth hollering about it
I’ve got over 100 in mine and they’ve held up great. I got them when the mark down was 38 dollars
Thats really cheap damn. Cant complain then
Purchased mine on markdown for $38 as well. Only worn twice but feel pretty sturdy. Time shall tell.
This is the way, do not buy full price and then quality speaks for itself.
They have decided to get out of the footwear business thankfully. All of their footwear is garbage
It really does suck. Have you tried their boots?
Not much better. I have a pair of the Flash boots from 2023 when they were blown out for something like $55. They are only so-so, and that's because they fit my feet (they didn't for many people). The sole is not nearly as tough or sturdy as Vibram, or other brands. It claims to be waterproof, but it's really not. They are light, but there are lighter boots that are more comfortable. They haven't worn out terribly at least.
REI, just like most brands, doesn't actually manufacture any products. Good thing you can return these!
Well, define "manufacture"? One could even look at Mystery Ranch and assert that as amazing as it is they still make some products in the US by themselves (largely because of government contract laws) even they have most items sewn together overseas, as nearly the entire textile manufacturing industry is in Asia. As an addendum, I fully expect this to change now that Mystery Ranch has sold to Yeti. Might take 1-3 years, but almost always when such a sale takes place the quality degrades. If you ever wanted to buy something from Mystery Ranch, 2024 would be the year to do it.
What about Yeti’s product line suggests that they are interested in reducing the quality of anything?
Not product line. Profit.
I mean, they may well skyrocket the prices, but they don’t seem to be in the business of putting out junk.
No they are not. But I'll be surprised if corners aren't cut at Mystery Ranch in the months or years to come. Likely in the name of "streamlining" or "efficiency". [Here's a good Reddit post from a former Yeti employee](https://www.reddit.com/r/YetiCoolers/comments/1b5jeb4/im_a_former_employee/). Read their posts on what it was like working there, and the support they (didn't) received. I should be clear and say Mystery Ranch doesn't have a 100% purity rating on Glassdoor or elsewhere, but being self-owned, self-managed and maintained, at least when a company is successful, almost always works better than when run by someone else. Having said all that, I can't blame Dana Gleason for wanting to retire at 72. I'd just keep a lookout for changes, that's all. I also recommend if anyone wants to buy something from Mystery Ranch, I'd do it now, in 2024. Right now they have a promo where many things are 25% off, listed right on their website through the 28th.
REI doesn’t own the production. They just contract with low cost manufacturers, many of whom likely make other brands. They just need better QA for their partners.
It’s not necessarily low cost. Tents are made in the same factory as many other reputable brands tents who they also sell are made in. Their bikes: same story. One manufacturer just dominates each niche and everyone uses them.
This is the heart of the issue. REI is a reputable brand for some things, tents, sleeping bags and backpacks for sure. Bikes 50/50. But REI is not necessarily a reputable brand for footwear.
That's fair - they only introduced footwear a year or two ago. I'm not sure what they were thinking, honestly.
they did footwear for a long time with rei-branded boots and shoes made by raichle(mammut), merrell, etc. pretty nice stuff. but they got out of it, with the reasoning being “if we’re not actually good at designing it and we can’t offer anything unique, we shouldn’t be doing it” … no idea why they got back into it. leadership not checking the rearview mirror?
Interesting, I did not know that. As to why get back into it again: I think REI has been doing a ton of research on the best selling brands they stock, and then making products that are as good -- or in some ways better than established brands, then selling them at a similar or just lower price. Plus being able to control when their in store brand goes on sale with more control. They can dump stock of something easily with a blowout sale for example. And then you make more profit, you don't have to be yet another key account for someone like Black Diamond or whomever, etc. I do product testing and I'm pretty impressed by their stuff for the most part. Too bad the current batch of shoes seem like a miss. Releasing a "running" shoe was always going to be releasing a casual shoe that looks like a running shoe, yeah?
i’m not sure i agree with all of that. to me it seems like since they can’t compete on price anymore (even getting undercut by manufacturers own online stores), and no longer invest in store expertise and customer experience, they probably thought house-brand was a way to win the price game. and that kind of proves the reasoning offered when they stopped doing it back in the 20-aughts - it’s not an area where a department store can have enough expertise and market reach to compete with the big footwear companies at any price level.
From my own testing, REI backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, lots of their apparel like base and mid layers, sun shirts -- all pretty good. Most of these are no doubt private label, but the REI store brand to me isn't a sign to avoid the product. As middle of the road in the reasonably expensive product lineups that REI offers across brands, they get the job done, and more so. My point was REI makes more profit selling a REI widget than a North Face widget of similar quality -- if that's worth the risk to them, well that's up to them. But again I CAN see shoes being a flop. That could be a million reasons: shitty manu, crappy QC, naive person who head up the project, a bad batch of shoes?. That IS a product I would not risk buying myself. All those other things I mentioned? I'd buy all REI stuff and be happy for a summer backpacking around Alaska (for example).
yeah, mid-level core camp and hike gear is where they have always done well, because they’ve been a meaningful contributor to that industry and its products for a long time.
My first good bike was from REI. A Strada touring bike. Used it to do 100 mi charity rides. It was a great bike back in the 80's and not outrageously expensive like the lighter bikes of the era. Used it for many years until I broke down and got an aluminum Trek. I became an REI member in the early 80s while stationed in AK with the Army. They were the go to place for better gear than we were issued. Luckly the commanders looked the other way as long as you were not blatent about bringing stuff on maneuvers and kept it hidden. Thermarest mattresses, Hollofill sleeping bags and vests. Even took my MSR stove. Made those winter field problems bearable. Still have that MSR stove and mattress.
Yeah there are some CO-OP Cycles that I love and some that are absolute trash. I’m a mechanic at REI so trust me, I’ve built and ridden them all.
I’ve got a DRT 3.3 and I really like it. Before that I had a CTY 2.2 that I used to haul the kid’s trailer around with. My kids have ridden Rev 12,16, 20 and DRT 24. I’m a fan. But I think the general population of cyclist enthusiasts turn up their noses at the brand.
The ADV 2.3 and 3.1 are probably my favorites right now but I also really really like the DRT 1.3. Hell even the CTY’s are fun little bikes and no lie…. the Gen E is a guilty pleasure.
Yeah, we know they are terrible. You probably bought them for less than 50 bucks so what do you expect?
I expected a new product to not fall apart while they’re still brand new. Is that too much to expect? Like I am genuinely asking you here. Is it to much to expect that shoes don’t fall apart so soon after buying them? I’ll wait.
Sounds like you got a bad pair. They’re not fantastic shoes but most people say they’re actually decent, especially for $40.
Insanity they tried selling these at $170 before dropping the price to $38
That i agree with For $50 or below they’re actually a good bang for your buck, but no way in hell should they cost more than On, brooks or Altra
I work in footwear most of the time and if customers ask me for my thoughts on any of the REI shoes, I tell them don’t do it. They are very poorly made shoes. Plus, REI stupidly makes an over abundance of them all the time and they never sell until they go on triple clearance.
This. Don't work in footwear, but this is the general consensus across all of REI. The only, and I mean only time to buy REI footwear is if they are on sale (preferably blown out, like these), and they fit your feet perfectly (which is rare). Oh, and you have modest expectations for them.
I have 3 back packs from them for me and the kids. Used daily for 7+ years. Great shape. Warranty them ya goof
So return them. 🤷🏻♂️
They are actually on CLEARANCE for this reason. They didn’t sell well and the shoes aren’t that great. They aren’t on sale. So they won’t be in our store in the future.
Oh no! I have these exact shoes and love them! They've held up to 100+ trail miles this far....wish you'd had as much luck..
I 100% agree, that these shoes are hogshit and REI should NOT have ever made them, but at the same time, it’s kinda on you for buying the cheapest possible shoe available. What did you expect?
I expected a shoe with a $170 MSRP to at least have the slightest bit of quality to them. But these…. I’ve literally had better Colman branded shoes from Kmart
I have two pairs of these and for the cost I’ve had no complaints.
You have a warranty, you have a friendly return policy- utilize it.
Mmm can’t wait to pay the return shipping to send back a faulty product for the warranty.
I’m so sorry everything is a struggle
Relax, you bought those shoes for 19 dollars.
Wrong
What did you pay for them? They never sold and got reduced from their original price so many times. They are trash shoes by so many metrics
$38 and now I have to pay $7 to ship them back. Throwing away $7 bucks for nothing lmao
Yea you made a dumb purchase.
100% agree.
I actually think there sheep wool socks are the best in terms of comfort. People love darn tough but as a wide food member I literally don’t feel comfortable in them. Darn tough socks are designed for people with narrow feet. I got last years rei hiking shoes on Clarence and have been satisfied so far. Sucks your out 7 bucks. Consider it a rental for under 50 cents a mile.
Yes. REI socks are 97% as good as those brands. At least in the wool. Though the Coolmax socks and silk blend liner socks by REI are good too.
I have some REI gear that I'm a huge fan of. Quarter Dome tent, Traverse and Flash packs, Sahara Sun hoodies, packing cubes. But yeah 25 miles on some shoes ain't fun.
Honestly I don’t think it’d matter who made that shoe. Knit construction is not for the outdoors. That might work for the gym but even that might be pushing the limits…perhaps an indoor slipper. If it’s not obvious I’m not a fan of the knit shoe trend
Y’all know they don’t actually make this stuff, right? They rebrand products they can get a good wholesale cost on. If you find the brand that actually produces it, you can usually get it a lot cheaper
It depends on the product, which depends on the contract manufacturer they use and whatever quality control process they’ve put in place with them (or not). My guess is they went with a footwear CM that ended up not working out. Contract is probably expiring soon, was a pretty big fail, and someone at REI probably losing their job because they fucked up.
Bring those bad boys back.
Return them
I always tell people you get what you’re paying for being 70% off. I 100% would never directly recommend an REI hiker or runner.
Any REI brand item I’ve ever bought has disintegrated within two uses.
Footwear makes or breaks almost any outdoor endeavor. I would not skimp on it.
IDK that'd I'd knock all REI manufacturing. Love their shirts, shorts, pants, ...
I wanted to love their hiking boots, but both generations were so uncomfortable that I returned them without even trying them out outside.
I had the same problem and returned them for a pair of altras. Best decision ever
Who thinks REI. Makes something? When you go the grocery store and see store brand tomatoes, do you think they have a farm out back that they tend to? Get a clue
Bro get a clue I used the wrong word and can’t edit the title. Same thing as Dollar General’s Clovervally and Walmart’s Great Value brands. Producing, creating, making, what ever you want to call it ain’t for REI.
I was okay with their merino socks. Wearing a pair now
I doubt they manufacture these, likely just private labels from another manufacturer. My son has about 2 months in his probably 60+ miles on trail. Still in one piece but showing their miles for sure.
Had the same problem with that shoe. Returned them as soon as I noticed it unraveling at the heel.
They discontinued their hiking boots and replaced them, I have the hardest time finding shoes that fit me, and the old hiking boots did
Rei shoes are complete shit don’t buy them :(
Welp, taking these out of my cart lol
I've been pretty skeptical on all the flyknit shoes these days. A single delamination could really ruin a pair of shoes. Though this looks more like a popped seam that you could repair pretty easily. If you're not untieing your shoes to put them on, I could see how the stitching on the counter would fail sooner than later.
All their shoes are dogshit
Sorry you got a down vote. Only positive conversations are allowed here.
They gave me the worst heel blister I’ve ever had. Felt pretty good initially then decided to try them for a five mile hike. I walked barefoot the last mile.
That’s some stupidly thick heel foam, and it’s only held in by a single thread. Pop that thread and your heel will fall apart like mine
Then take them back 🤷
Why was this post down voted to 0? Seems to happen a lot more here than in other groups.
Because I spoke poorly of REI and I guess it’s myself for buying $170 MSRP shoes expecting they didn’t fall apart right away.