Linds Shoes

[littlelegs]

I've started a new thread as this is more specific and I figure the title may draw people in with actual experience of them.

Linds shoes - how are they for quality these days? I know they used to be known for comfort and quality. However it seems that a couple of years ago their manufacturing switched to China (maybe it always was and they simply labelled incorrectly?). Has the quality changed at all or are the small number of people complaining simply presuming it must be worse because of the Made in China label?

If anyone's bought a pair within the last couple of years I'd be interested in how they worked for you.

[vgw]

I haven't bought them in the past few years; my shoes are about 15 years old. I rushed to get mine when I heard they were moving production to Mexico so I bought one of the last ones made in the U.S. I recently bought some new laces from Linds and I spoke to the customer service person on the phone and we were discussing the shoes. I let him know why I had bought my shoes when I did and how well they have been working for me. He did say they had problems with Mexico production and said the China production is about the same as the U.S. That's just his take so user experience would be more preferable. I had Dexter SSTs before the Linds and they just didn't cut it for me, but it appears Dexter is the leading bowling shoe manufacturer right now.

[littlelegs]

Dexters are definitely popular although there are a few issues that some people seem to have with them especially the SST 8's. I'm tempted to go for the SST 6 but like to be a little different and sort of like the styling of some of the Linds. Whichever I get they'll have changeable soles so I'm looking for shoes that will go the distance and simply get more comfortable with long usage rather than less and/or falling to pieces.

Linds used to have a reputation for quality and as you say yours lasted ages. With good quality control China made products can be decent enough, but before pumping well over $100 into a pair of shoes I wanted to be sure. If not I hear the Dexters or 3G calling :) The 3g though are costlier than both the others if I went that route.

[The Mayor]

Linds still makes very good quality shoes and their customer service is great. That hasn't changed. The only thing that has changed are the soles of the shoes. While they used to be leather, now they use the industry standard which is more of a felt. They don't slide as much as they used to. They did just release a very limited edition metallic series which come in the Exxtra 2 which have interchangeable discs on the sole and heel. They are really awesome shoes. Basically, if you liked the feel of Linds in the past, you will still like the feel.

[littlelegs]

Thanks for the info. In the end I procrastinated some more and ended up with the Dexters. Either way is a big improvement on my current shoes.