I've been having some trouble finding footwear. I have tried on about every pair of shoes out there, and haven't had much luck. I recently found a pair that seemed like a good fit (literally). The problem is that they fit in the store and varying degrees of comfort, but it's tough to simulate trail conditions indoors. Most places that aren't REI will not allow you to return merchandise worn outside. When I got the shoes, I was told they would accept returns in 30 days w/ the receipt in new condition. The receipt says something to the effect that "Used Gear can be returned for store credit w/in 10 days". I assumed this meant I could wear the shoes on the trails and if they didn't feel good, I could bring them back for store credit to get another pair. Perhaps that was naive, but that is what the receipt says. Turns out, that "used gear" bit pertains to the bargain basement of used gear that they sell, not new merchandise that has been "used". OOPS!
I wore them around the house for several hours and they seemed fine. I wore them out on a hike and that is where they caused problems. After a couple miles of climbing they began to create hotspots on my heels and soon the problem forced me to tape my heels up. I've never had to resort to this before. I have actually never gotten blisters on a hike, and my feet are usually just fine. On the descent, the heel problem went away and then the pounding on the downhill started to really take a toll on the soles of my feet. They were throbbing and sore. Again, I've never had this problem before, so I'm definitely feeling that it is the shoes. They're going back! They were not damaged in any way, and looked like new. The tags were in the box, but not attached.
I was initially given the okay to return the shoes by the front counter person, and in the meantime I found another pair to try. I was helped by the shoe dept manager, John. He was helpful and patient. When i went up to finalize my transaction, another employee had taken over at the front counter and she was not having it. She pointedly told me that my understanding was not their policy at all, and basically told me to try to take my shoes downstairs and sell them as used, but they would not be accepting my return, even for store credit. Just as an aside, how much do you wager the basement would give me for my $125 shoe purchase one day earlier? $20? maybe $25? I was not happy!
They sent me back to talk to the manager, who coincidentally had helped me try on shoes and I had explained the problems I was having with them. Again, he was understanding and agreed to make an exception and allow me to return the shoes and I was able to exchange them for a different pair. I think he had to go out on a limb for me, and I appreciate that he did that.
Just a word to the wise!
FYI here is the pair I initially bought.
What I ended up with:
We'll see how it goes, but I'll probably have to house hike for few weeks before I wear them outside!
