Ares - Purchased at Sneaker Factory

As an 80s kid, I was raised to appreciate quality, and that’s why I've always stood by the Hi-tec brand.

My last pair lasted about five years before showing significant wear, so I decided it was time for an upgrade. Without hesitation, I purchased the Hi-tec Ares from our local sneaker factory in Greenacres (Port Elizabeth).

Having read that these shoes can run a bit snug, I opted for size 11 instead of my usual 10. However, just three months in, they started to tear, and the sole of one shoe came loose while I was at work—forcing me to drive home to grab another pair.

Given my long-standing loyalty to the brand for over 30 years, I wanted to believe this was an anomaly. I thought maybe the size difference impacted the fit, so I bought a new pair in size 10 the very next day.

These lasted just five weeks. Despite being an SF club member with all my purchases logged in the system, my request for an exchange was denied because I no longer had the receipt. Their claim? Some vague notion of misuse.

It’s hard to imagine, considering these shoes are marketed for off-road adventures, trails, hiking, and more. As a Sales Executive at a second-hand car dealership, my job is primarily in the office—I don’t run trails, hike, or do any heavy running.

The quality of these shoes is so disappointing that I genuinely believe an investigation is warranted. You need to determine whether the resellers are offering counterfeit products or if there’s a significant manufacturing issue.

It’s disheartening to see a brand I once trusted delivering such subpar quality. I expected much more from Hi-tec.