What in the actual fuck kind of argument is this? You say this as if leather conditioners don't exist.

This is like saying, "yeah, buy a Tesla because the F150's engine will seize if you dive it for 15000 miles without changing the oil"

I think "sneaker culture" is kind of dumb but don't really give a fuck if that's what people are into, but my Alden 405s are from 2004 and have been resoled once. Sneakers are disposable and eventually dry rot whether you take care of them or not. If you're not a slob, quality footwear will last and is timeless. You also don't look like a manchild wearing them when you find yourself on the wrong side of 40.