About 12 years ago I had a pair of Ecco hiking boots fall apart, but only after I'd worn them for a few years of Scout Leader hiking activities. Didn't think much about it.
But last week I got a pair of shoes out of my storage facility. Maybe about 6 years old but worn exactly ONE time. Attractive French Shriner wing tips - but with fill length polyurethane soles/heels. Bought them when I had to walk up to give a reading at a church service (wedding) and didn't want to make loud clump-clump noises that leather soles/heels make in that situation.
Have another wedding I have to read at (why me?) so I went to get the shoes. The soles literally fall apart in my hands. Apparently this is common though I hadn't heard about it. Looks like it is what happened to my hiking boots. Also. it looks like you're screwed when this happens. Think I'll just make noise.