It seems that the entire outsole on all Skechers these days is made from a spongy material that wears down after a short period of moderate use. I bought a pair of these shoes 4 years ago. before, and they lasted a long time. I still wear them occasionally when I'm running across the street to the store. I've had these shoes for a few months now and the sole is almost worn out. All traction is gone. Wearing them in the rain makes it easy for me to slip on the slippery pavement of the subway platforms, so they're pretty dangerous too. I say give permission to the entire company until they stop using inferior materials.