Patience mentioned having some discoloration on a pair of shoes. I don't think the results are in, but she took them to a cobbler to see what he could do. Maybe you could try the same?

Oh:( I haven't had that issue for some reason. My nude shoes are all patten and maybe that is why. Call a shoe repair for advice.

Maya and Taylor, you are quick! Thank you!

I have several shoes that need to be re-tipped so I could always ask a cobbler, but I've never taken shoes out to do anything more complex than re-tipping. (Any of you Seattle girls know of an excellent and not too expensive cobbler, preferably on the east side of the lake?)

My advice isn't specific to the shoe but I vote that you make good friends with our cobbler. I <3 mine. They have save a million shoes from putting on new heels to reworking heels that the dog chewed up. (I feel the same way about my tailor and stylist, too!)

I would first try taking them back to the store and asking them. They might do something for you. It's a very well established brand and if they probably stand behind their product. If not, maybe they can recommend something?

Kari, I'd take them back to the Clarks store for sure.

Tara and Angie, I'll see if Clarks can/will do anything. I sure wish I could find the receipt, but I do have a record of the date that I purchased the shoes on my little Clarks punch card. Either way, I'm really surprised and concerned that the color would rub off so quickly. The shoes are so great otherwise...

Alecia, thanks for the cobbler advice. I've just started to take more complicated items to the tailor, so I suppose it's time to find a good cobbler that I can trust, too. I also have a cheap but cute faux-leather handbag with a rip in the handle that I'd like to repair... maybe a cobbler can tackle that?

By the way, a happy update to this story - I finally made it to Clarks and the clerk affirmed that it was a flaw in the shoe (since it was one foot only) and very kindly ordered me a new pair right away and said it should arrive at my house within two weeks. He also recommended some waxy polish sold by Clarks that cleans and protects the leather. I am going to try it out. Super customer service!

Random trivia: I also learned that when you purchase Clarks through their website, it actually goes through Zappos and not through Clarks. I was curious about why the sale prices in the store are so much lower than on their website, and this explains it. (On the other hand, though, ordering through Zappos allows Clarks to ship free.)

Good news, Kari! I’m glad you’re sorted. And interesting point about zappos. You learn something new each day.