Last nite I scoured th web for cheap sneakers, hoping I c’d find maybe some Vans knockoffs.  I’ve some fondness for the real thing, but I can’t justify paying so much.  I wore Charles H. Taylors thru much of my youth.  John Porcellino’s beautiful strip about Converse All-stars in Silly-Cat comes very close to my feelings.  But we all know those arnt what they used to be—no point in going into it again.

I wound up finding the “Tretorn”s pictured above, on a discount site, for $16.50 (+$6.95 shipping).  What luck!  Purt stylish too.  I dig the scalloping on th tongue.

Unaware of the brand, I poked around to see what I could find out about them, and I discoverd the Best Zappos.com Customer Review Ever!  Behold…

I ordered the Tretorn T-56 because I was looking for a unique canvas shoe. Deep down they truly are unique. But the problem with “deep down” is that it takes time to get to know a shoe this well. At first glance, the T-56 looks like a Chuck Taylor. Everyone I know/meet thinks I'm wearing Converse. Now, image isn't the most important thing in the world; but if we're honest with ourselves, we can't say it doesn't hold any value. There are too many people in the world and most of us are trying our best to stand out. If you're looking to stand out, the Tretorn T-56 is not for you. Spend half the money and get some the All Stars. And if you're looking for something aesthetically unique, you'll have to spend three times as much and get a pair of shoes by Camper, for instance. But we've strayed from the matter at hand. As I have said, the T-56 is in fact an amazingly unique shoe. If your feet can stand a flat shoe, they are perfectly comfortable. I drive in them, walk in them, “kick it at the beach” in them…they fit every mood. Craftsmanship is at a high. These are how canvas shoes should fit and wear. All the hipsters will be wearing Vans and Converse…maybe even PF Flyers. And most people you meet will assume you're wearing a pair of these “value” sneakers…but you'll have to take solace in the fact that you know the difference. You're sporting Swedish delightfulness. This boost in confidence and self assuredness will no doubt catch the attention of a fine lady and you will go home the victor. Take that, hipster!

—Ben V from Rochester, MI