Lousy performance from "top-of-the-range" running shoe, and poor response from Saucony

<p>My rant for the year, after being given the once over by Saucony!</p> <p>At the beginning of the year I bought a pair of Saucony Powergrid+ Triumph 12 shoes, with the ISO Fit lacing bands. This system is quite different to the “usual” lacing and although the shoes fitted well I was concerned that this “trendy” modification may not meet the requirements of the distances I do. Anyway, I planned to use these shoes in Comrades 2016 but no sooner had I started using them when they failed, with one of the bands breaking. Because I had purchased them online (and I have subsequently seen them re-advertised on the same site, onedayonly) I never reported them immediately; only when I found someone to talk to at the Saucony stand at the Comrades Expo did I get a contact. Finally I got someone to deal with my “case”, and this is the reply, “I have inspected the shoes …. I have never seen the ISO Fit bands tear, as your one did. It is a extremely strong material, which has a slight stretch to it, allowing for the runner to tighten the laces as tight as is required.” But then said the following, “…see the shoes were purchased beginning of Dec. Even if they were delivered beginning of Jan, they do not fall under warranty anymore. You mentioned the lacing system failed after a couple of weeks? We should have been contacted immediately re the problem, as we are now in June. We could of then reviewed them, but unfortunately the shoes now show a lot of wear and tear in various other areas as well (the outsole, midsole and heelcup inner lining are all well worn )”. I probably did no more than 200 km in them, and from when they broke they just gathered dust. The second comment of the wear is a diversion from what actually failed, i.e. the band that is indicated to be, “extremely strong”, and the “…do not fall under warranty anymore” is a lame excuse for addressing the fact that it is a ****e shoe (well at least this one!). I have not previously been a strong supporter of any particular running shoe brand and after 12 Comrades am as pleased with running in Asics, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony, and Mizuno. Anyway, nice one Saucony, for that service and the “so-called-running shoes”! The loss of one customer is unlikely to make a dent on your stocks, and I’m sure there are runners out there that will sing your praises. I gave you a chance to redeem yourself and this is your response!</p> <p> </p>