text: This will be a slightly emotional review because once upon a time I really, really LOVED these shoes.  I've probably had at least 10 pairs over the years.  During winter months I wore them almost daily and in summer to work.  They worked w/ jeans but equally worked with dress pants.  Easy on and off in airport security lines was a major plus! Oh and they were comfy, oh so comfy.  No break-in period needed.  Best of all - they took a beating before they'd wear out to where even a shine didn't help.  That's when I'd order a new pair.  Best. Shoes. Ever!<br /><br />I'd worn them around the world, London, Hong Kong, and then came the new pair and my trip to Japan ... and the failure.  Now I had noticed the pair before this one wasn't up to quite the same quality.  They didn't seem to last as long and like others who have reviewed this shoe the sole split in the end and I had to toss them.  But I was in denial.  They weren't quite as good but they were still my beloved Newports so I blindly ordered another pair.<br /><br />The pair arrived promptly (thanks to Prime!) and I put them right on.  They seemed even worse than the last pair.  However, we've been together so long - I just wasn't ready to admit Newport had changed.  Then in Japan I had to admit it - it was time for me to say goodbye to Newport.  Yes, on my wonderful honeymoon, to the amazing land of Japan I had a full shoe blow out.  While out seeing the sites it started to rain.  No problem, I thought, we have rain coats and an umbrella.  But the more we walked the more my feet felt soaked.  Odd, I though, these shoes are pretty solid.  I sat down and realized BOTH SOLES HAD CRACKED.  Both.  At. the. same. time!  (photos provided) So cutting the day short we returned to our hotel room and I said my final goodbye to my Newports and into the trash they went.  I sat, dried my feet, toasted what Newports once were and vowed to never be fooled by Eastland again - no more Newports!<br /><br />My advice, don't get these.  Eastland has decided to stop investing in the relationship.  Find someone better, there's plenty of shoes in the sea.e.  Eastland has decided to stop investing in the relationship.  Find someone better, there's plenty of shoes in the sea.