Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am a huge fan of Sambas, and I have been wearing them for years. About two years ago, I ordered a pair from Amazon, and they were great - the same, true product I had been ordering from the corporate Adidas website. However, I was not as satisfied this time around. Immediately upon opening the box, I knew these weren't the same shoes I had previously ordered, even though the page indicated that I had ordered the same item previously. Appearance: The glue around the sole that attaches it to the leather boot/sock of the shoe is sloppy, chunky, and visible. The sole itself is a totally different "gum" color than the previous pairs I own. I realize the color changes over time, but I have not ever owned a pair whose sole was very dark brown. Some of the eyelets for the shoelaces are not completely punctured, indicating poor factory quality. I would most likely need to stab a knife through the unpunctured eyelet to make way for the laces, but since I intended on returning them I did not do this. Finally, the leather looks incredibly cheap and plastic-y. Fit/Feel: As soon as I tried the shoe on, I knew it was not the same shoe I have been wearing for years. I have broken in SO many pairs of Sambas, so I am aware that they fit a bit differently when they are new, but these ones felt like stiff, sharp, plastic socks. I have been wearing the same size, 8.5, for 20 years, and the arch on this shoe did not fit in the same spot on my foot as all of my other ones. Also, these ones felt narrower (mostly by the pinky toe) than my other pairs. I have pretty narrow lady feet (which is why I like this style of shoe), so it's rare when I find a shoe that is too narrow for me. These shoes definitely feel like a knock-off. I am just going to pay the extra money and order directly from Adidas.