I paid about $40 in the spring of 2013 for a shoe I gladly paid $70 - $75 in the past. It's easy to see why they're such a bargain. The quality of the classic Tretorn Nylites has fallen so far they look like something you'd find in a remainder bin at a deep discount store. The canvas is thin and cheap where it used to be strong and sturdy, almost like a sail. It puckers at the toe, and I am betting it will separate from the rubber sole by the end of summer. The seams are stitched with flimsier thread and are not as tight as in the past. Finally, they took away the loop on the tongue that made sure the laces stayed in place. Why? They long ago took away the original "Tretorn Blue" as an option for the gull wing color. Gasping their last breath sadly, this is my last pair.