Yeah, I usually only wear vans and for the money they're not bad. Their actual skate shoes are $60 max, compared to usual skate shoes that run around $80 and fall apart just as fast. Slip on's usually last me 9 or so months, and I usually get the last seasons when I can for much cheaper.

But yeah, it does suck getting those pairs that just fall apart. It seems like all the Vans I've owned that have fallen apart were ones with designs on them. All the solid colors haven't fallen apart. hmm.

Also: those bike shoes suck.