If you purchased a pair of Knapp Safety Shoes anytime within the past 2 decades, you may have discovered that the rubber used on the soles and heels breaks apart if the shoes are stored for a while. I purchased Knapp Shoes with safety in mind but I found out the hard way that profits ruled over safety. I contacted Knapp Shoes about this problem after falling down stairs because the heel and soles broke apart, causing me to lose footing.
Injuries sustained were torn miniscus and a torn cruciate ligament, a bump on the head and lasceration to my arm. Knapp Shoes explained that the rubber used in the heels and soles of the shoes underwent a change which they refered to as hydrolosis. The rubber dried out  due to a manufacturing flaw. When I took the shoes out of the closet to wear, they looked fine. I wore these shoes when necessary and other than stains, they seemed to be in perfect condition. There was no wear on the soles. I had no idea what was about to occur. Knapp Shoes knew of this problem so they should have recalled the product.

If you have had any similar experience with Knapp Shoes, especially the Knapp ATV series
I want to hear from you. Please include the style, year purchased, state purchased and a description (and photo if possible) of the problem and E-mail it to knapplies@yahoo.com .Please include Knapp Shoes in the subject line.
My appologies for not updating the email address sooner.

  

                 

August 2004 Update

I thank you all for sharing your Knapp Shoe experiences with me. I have learned that I am not alone in respect to the dangerous
and negligent actions of Knapp Shoes. In addition to your continued inquiries, I am asking that you send/upload photos of your faulty Knapp Shoes. I would like to expand this website with a photo gallery containing screen shots revealing the condition of your Knapp Shoes. Please add a little detail as to how old the Knapp Shoes are, place/state/country where purchased, the cost of the pair, and a brief explanation of how you discovered that the Knapp Shoes became faulty. I am now maintaining a database with this information. All personal information will be held striclty confidential. 

LAWSUIT UPDATE:  IRON AGE SHOES - parent company of Knapp Shoes and Timberland brands has denied compensation through litigation. Sadly, the company has exposed itself as a responsibility lacking entity in work shoes and uniform wear.

Iron Age Shoes files chapter 11 bankruptcy

Other Knapp court links

http://cases.justia.com/us-court-of-appeals/F3/15/1222/

http://www.altlaw.org/v1/cases/558168

April 2008 Update

Although my injury was treated and I recovered to some degree, my commitment to exposing the hidden danger continues. If I can prevent another persons misfortune via this website, then I have succeeded. It is unknown if Iron Age Shoes or their successor has taken any measures to inform Knapp Shoes customers of the dangers of long term storage, but I am still receiving emails with your concerns and this clearly reveals why Knapp Shoes failed.