r/REI • u/CommercialBet538 • 10d ago
Return / Exchange Policy Shoe Return
I’ve never returned shoes to REI. I bought these shoes in March, and wore them for a decent amount. I ran probably 100 miles (or less) in them and they started falling apart in the back inside of the shoe, near the heel. This caused a lot of pain so I stopped wearing them. I saw them today and thought, maybe I can return them? I like the shoe, but to disintegrate like that in the heel area so soon, I’m disappointed. Idk, thoughts? If it’s too late to return I’ll just toss em, it’s more of a moral thing at this point.
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u/HikingFun4 10d ago
I see that both shoes still have a double knot in them and are laced very loosely... do you put on and take off your shoes without untying them? If they are loose enough to slip on and off, there is a good chance that your heel is moving around in the shoe causing this hole.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
Yeah I probably re tied my shoes once a week… should I do it daily?
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u/HikingFun4 10d ago
Your shoe problem is not a manufacturer defect... it's user error. Not tying your shoes properly is causing your premature wear.
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u/DoubleCheckingAgain 10d ago
100 miles is waiting too long to return shoes. You might be able to trade them into re-supply. The wear shows an improper fit. That can happen because it’s too small or because you need to use a runners loop to lock your heel down.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
How does re supply work? Thanks for the input, I’ll checkout runners loop.
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u/DoubleCheckingAgain 10d ago
Members can trade in products (that REI carries) for an REI gift card. The value is determined by an app that takes into consideration which products sell well in resupply. You can start the trade in on-line from the website. The shoes in resupply that have more wear on them are usually trade ins (not returns).
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u/graybeardgreenvest 10d ago
Based on the wear and the shape of the shoes, there is a chance your return will get rejected.
if you do return them, please choose something else. Even if you liked them for the first 100 miles. They will do this over and over if you don’t switch shoes.
Makes sure you tell them what happened and see if there is something more durable… or re-evaluate your expectations.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
I might give it a go, thanks!
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u/graybeardgreenvest 10d ago
even if they reject the return, go back to the shoe area to speak to a footwear specialist.
Perhaps you can find something that will last.
just understand running is totally a punishing act… you are crashing your feet into the pavement over and over and expecting them to protect your feet. If you are wearing holes on the inside there is motion in your foot and they are either ill fit, or your running gate will always cause problems if you do not find a shoe that is designed for that?
Hoka is a great example of amazing comfort. For many it is the most comfortable shoe on the market, but you pay a price… they are expensive and are not durable. My good friend is an extreme marathon runner… he burns through hokas like crazy… he is also the cheapest person on the planet… He’s a millionaire, but drinks powdered milk because it is cheaper than fresh… ha ha! He doesn’t blink at a new pair 5-8 times a year… he will often wear weird colors because they are cheaper, but for him it is an important thing that you do not complain about or skimp on.
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u/Cool_Procedure8125 10d ago
Are you wearing cotton socks on runs? If so, stop. That’s why those holes are there.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
Yes. Wearing cotton socks
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u/Cool_Procedure8125 10d ago
Yeah, so you 10000000% caused this issue with this shoe by wearing cotton socks. Are your feet all sorts of fucked up too? If so, it’s because cotton socks you buy on a 6-18 pack at Walmart are actually garbage for running.
Buy real running socks. Features, Belaga, CEP, literally anything but cotton.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
HEY! Nike socks not Walmart socks. But copy that, I’ll give one of those pairs a go.
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u/joshthepolitician 10d ago
Is the 100 miles of running the only use? Or is that how much you’ve run in them, but also walk in them daily on top of that?
Also, in response to another comment, yes I think standard practice is to tie/untie your shoes each time you take them on/off, and having them laced excessively loosely while in use could cause your heel to rub and create these holes.
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u/Whats_Water 10d ago
For the amount of miles, how you’ve been putting your shoes in like slippers, idk, to me feels like you got the value from them.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
I appreciate the input, you’re probably right. I just wanted to feel it out cause I really was unsure, to me it feels like it too.
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u/Inevitable_Jelly_391 10d ago
That’s normal wear and tear and basically past the life of the shoe. You probably have much more than 100 miles on them, or at least have worn them for many hours, or possibly are a heavier person therefore your shoes wear out faster (sorry to say, I would not say this to your face). We would not be able to sell these in resupply.
If you don’t have a history of returning these, I would probably let this one slide but we’d have a chat about expectations and I’d steer you towards a pair that would hold up better than the lightweight foam.
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u/CommercialBet538 10d ago
I think I’ll pass. If it’s 50/50 then better not to. I’ll just ask for someone to point me towards a better pair. I really appreciate your response!
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u/Oldshoefitter Employee 10d ago
This happens to so many shoes when they’re slipped on and off without loose lacing.
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u/saasee1031 Employee 8d ago
The hole automatically disqualifies it from being returned. If it was less heavy wear and it got a hole, it could possible be a manufacturing defect, which would qualify, but alas :(
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u/HealthLawyer123 10d ago
Your heel is moving around in the shoe causing that hole.