These shoes are not like your Chucks from back in the day.  I had a pair of similar Converse branded all-hemp shoes previously which were far more durable.  The first week of wear introduced a series of streamer threads splitting out from the 'shoestring' area. It is a design intention (a la 'cut-offs').  Looks pretty shaggy for new shoes, but some of the appeal is no doubt the show of impermenance. If you need shoes for everyday wear and you can't buy a new pair every month, I would go with a more durable shoe.