Have bought 4 pairs of these shoes and changed from the original pair in vinyl because they split or came apart at stitching. The suede brown finish seems to last me longer without doing this. I think because it has more give in it. I seem to get no more than a year out of any New Balance;walk about one hour a day with my Spaniel. Only problem i have now is that they seem to get a hole around my toes area as there must be friction in that area. I always get one size bigger than necessary especially to accommodate my orthodics. Having said all that they are a very comfortable shoe. I may go back to vinyl this time