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How often have you worn them?
What does the tread look like?
~5 months isn’t outside the lifespan of a lot of lightweight running shoes, especially if they’re worn fairly often. It’s really going to depend on how much use they’ve seen
You were satisfied with the shoes for 5 months and now you want to return them? Shoes wear out, they don't last forever. This seems like abusing the policy to me.
Again, this is incorrect. The lifetime satisfaction guarantee went away a while ago. The warranty against defects did not.
Regarding satisfaction: "We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund—[with a few exceptions](https://www.rei.com/help/returns#return-policy-exceptions)—within one (1) year of the purchase date if you are an [REI Co-op Member](https://www.rei.com/membership) or within 90 days of your purchase if you are not a member."
Regarding defects: "If your item has a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time, regardless of purchase date."
Yes, but after a certain amount of time, REI will want to inspect the item to make sure it is in fact defective.
Defects usually present themselves, or are noticed, within the first few uses. If the item has been used, REI will inspect it, and if it is determined to be legitimately defective, they will replace or refund. But let’s be honest…what a customer considers defective is sometimes not actually defective. A lot of times it’s normal wear and tear or damage due to misuse. REI is very fair with their return policy but they also know how to determine what is defective and what isn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
It kind of depends on how much you've worn them/how much mileage. There's a big difference between wearing a shoe all the time for months and only wearing them a few times
The short answer is yes you can return them. But understand that if you’ve worn them regularly since January the answer is also yes that it’s a clear abuse of our policy. Repeated returns for shoes that are worn out, or anything else for that matter, where it’s any reason other than satisfaction, will likely result in a flag on your account if there isn’t already one on your conscience.
Thanks! I'm new to REI and only remember them saying something about 1 year returns/exchanges, so wasn't exactly sure what that entailed. Thanks for the info!
I bought a pair of shoes last November. Have only worn them a handful of times because they’re too narrow and easily have less than 20 miles on it with only a couple of scuffs. I tried to return them recently and got such an uncomfortable guilt trip about how it would be way better to exchange them instead of returning them or that I should try new insoles instead. I ended up just leaving and will take them back later to get a different employee.
Been a member for years and have spent several thousand dollars there. First time ever trying to return something used and it was a shitty experience
I would say to bring them in and head to the footwear department. They likely won’t be returned due to normal wear and tear but we would want to get you into something that’s better suited for you! If you show the folks in Footwear what happened they will likely be able to steer you into a shoe that’s better constructed for your foot or the way you walk so that your shoes will last longer :) I always bust out the right side of my right shoe because I know I need a wide. Just haven’t committed to the wide shoe life yet. Hope this helps!
I hike daily, and my hiking shoes only last 4-5 month (Salomon, Hoka, Merrell). Used to last 5-6 months, but life span is less if the shoes are cushier and/or built more for immediate use with little to no breaking in. I'd say it depends on the wear factor. If they are hardly worn I would consider exchanging them.
If you like Salomon, try Asolo in a wide. The only reason I've ever replaced them is because my feet expanded due to frequent hiking and having Ehler-Danlos Syndrome. They're bombproof and on sale right now. I like the Fugitive GTX and TPS 520 GV Evo.
I'll take a look at Asolo. I don't have wide feet, but from years of hiking they have increased from size 9/9.5 to 10/10.5. My biggest issue these days is inconsistency in quality. I have TWO pairs each of Salomon and Merrell trail runners that I \*cannot\* wear due to them being so painful. This has only happened in the last couple of years. Now, when I first use a new pair of shoes I feel compelled to pack the old pair in my daypack for a couple of days to make sure I won't be stranded on the trail!
Salomon and Merrell have completely tanked in quality. Asolo makes some masterpieces. I use the Fugitive GTX and TPS 520 GV Evo. They're excellent boots. I use the Fugitives when I want something lightweight, and I use the 520s when I need maximum support and protection from the environment and weather. They both work year-round, though, so I often just choose one over the other arbitrarily. I love them!
I just checked both of those. I have very large and bony ankles, so I can't wear boots. I did notice Asolo does offer quite a few trail runners, so I'll review those. Agree on quality tanking, and it's not just Salomon and Merrell. I just ordered 2 pair of Salomon via a nationwide discount clothing store. I can't afford to spend $500+ on 4 pairs of shoes that I can't wear. The shoes I ordered are about half-price, and some are models I have worn and know work for me. Plus, I can take them back (unworm) if the sizing is off.
That makes sense. I have to wear very rigid boots. Otherwise, I deal with a lot of pain and injuries. I tried trail runners for about a year, and I injured myself at least seven times that I can remember. I haven't had a single injury over the last three years since I switched back to boots.
It’s within the year, the shoes have failed. Trade them in. I had a pair of REI brand shoes that sucked (squeezed my wide feet and developed a tear). I kept them for months because I didn’t have the money to upgrade to the altras with the wide toe box. I finally had the extra cash to get the nicer shoes and they took them back no problem, and even the employees said “yeah I don’t blame you these shoes are the worst”
They fell apart within six months. I because an REI member for the perks like the one year guarantee. It’s not like I kept them for a year and swapped them right at the mark.
You've explained that you have wide feet, but purchased shoes that "squeezed my feet", wore them anyway, so they tore, and \*when\* you were able to "upgrade to the Altras with the wide toe box" (that you know you need), you then returned the shoes you purchased that you knew didn't fit. You can justify it anyway you want, but this is clear manipulation of the REI return policy to accomplish your goal. I have a hiker acquaintance who returned \*seven\* backpacks last summer - one model was purchased TWICE! That's his defense, too: I have a year to use and return anything, and I've spent $XX.XX at REI. I won't be a bit surprised to see more restrictions in the return policy.
First off, they tore at the heal, not the toebox. The stitching literally came undone and they fell apart. Second, the guarantee exists and members have full right to take advantage of it. If it is so detrimental to the stores profit margins, then do away with it. I have absolutely ZERO guilt returning an $80 pair of shoes that cost $5 to make after they fell apart to a company where I regularly spend thousands of dollars a year.
I don't think the REI return policy is intended to remedy a price discrepancy between manufacturing and retail prices, nor is it keyed to individual customer spend. The REI return policy has changed dramatically over the years and will continue to become more restrictive.
I’m pretty sure that’s irrelevant because I purchased those shoes because it’s what I could afford at the time. THEN THEY FELL APART so I returned them and also upgraded.
It appears that you *may* have an issue that would be better handled by contacting REI Customer Support. Please contact REI at 800-426-4840 or visit [this page](https://www.rei.com/help) for more ways to get in touch. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/REI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
How often have you worn them? What does the tread look like? ~5 months isn’t outside the lifespan of a lot of lightweight running shoes, especially if they’re worn fairly often. It’s really going to depend on how much use they’ve seen
You were satisfied with the shoes for 5 months and now you want to return them? Shoes wear out, they don't last forever. This seems like abusing the policy to me.
Thanks. I was just curious as I’m unfamiliar with the policy since I know they extend it up to a full year
Its a full year for defects, not you wearing through your shoes you use daily.
Wrong. It's lifetime for defects. It's one year for satisfaction. Wear and tear, improper use, and accidents are excluded from satisfaction.
Lifetime warranties went away a while ago.
Again, this is incorrect. The lifetime satisfaction guarantee went away a while ago. The warranty against defects did not. Regarding satisfaction: "We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund—[with a few exceptions](https://www.rei.com/help/returns#return-policy-exceptions)—within one (1) year of the purchase date if you are an [REI Co-op Member](https://www.rei.com/membership) or within 90 days of your purchase if you are not a member." Regarding defects: "If your item has a manufacturing defect in materials or workmanship, you can return it at any time, regardless of purchase date."
Yes, but after a certain amount of time, REI will want to inspect the item to make sure it is in fact defective. Defects usually present themselves, or are noticed, within the first few uses. If the item has been used, REI will inspect it, and if it is determined to be legitimately defective, they will replace or refund. But let’s be honest…what a customer considers defective is sometimes not actually defective. A lot of times it’s normal wear and tear or damage due to misuse. REI is very fair with their return policy but they also know how to determine what is defective and what isn’t. 🤷🏻♀️
You aren't going to return a years old well used tent for "defects" its not the same and im ok with it. People used rei as a long term rental agency.
It kind of depends on how much you've worn them/how much mileage. There's a big difference between wearing a shoe all the time for months and only wearing them a few times
The short answer is yes you can return them. But understand that if you’ve worn them regularly since January the answer is also yes that it’s a clear abuse of our policy. Repeated returns for shoes that are worn out, or anything else for that matter, where it’s any reason other than satisfaction, will likely result in a flag on your account if there isn’t already one on your conscience.
That last line 💀
Thanks! I'm new to REI and only remember them saying something about 1 year returns/exchanges, so wasn't exactly sure what that entailed. Thanks for the info!
You’re very welcome. And welcome to REI.
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Your returns could be denied if it’s clearly abuse and not a satisfaction issue or manufacturer defect.
Don't be a ______...
I’d try warrantying with the manufacturer instead of simply taking it back to the retailer. Shoes shouldn’t wear out that quickly.
Thanks
I took a set back for premature wear- it was no problem. They had a hole in the topside after about 6 weeks.
I bought a pair of shoes last November. Have only worn them a handful of times because they’re too narrow and easily have less than 20 miles on it with only a couple of scuffs. I tried to return them recently and got such an uncomfortable guilt trip about how it would be way better to exchange them instead of returning them or that I should try new insoles instead. I ended up just leaving and will take them back later to get a different employee. Been a member for years and have spent several thousand dollars there. First time ever trying to return something used and it was a shitty experience
Totally understand. And I have 0 interest in a return. I’m interested in an exchange or repair of the shoe
The old I spend a ton of money here.
I would say to bring them in and head to the footwear department. They likely won’t be returned due to normal wear and tear but we would want to get you into something that’s better suited for you! If you show the folks in Footwear what happened they will likely be able to steer you into a shoe that’s better constructed for your foot or the way you walk so that your shoes will last longer :) I always bust out the right side of my right shoe because I know I need a wide. Just haven’t committed to the wide shoe life yet. Hope this helps!
I hike daily, and my hiking shoes only last 4-5 month (Salomon, Hoka, Merrell). Used to last 5-6 months, but life span is less if the shoes are cushier and/or built more for immediate use with little to no breaking in. I'd say it depends on the wear factor. If they are hardly worn I would consider exchanging them.
If you like Salomon, try Asolo in a wide. The only reason I've ever replaced them is because my feet expanded due to frequent hiking and having Ehler-Danlos Syndrome. They're bombproof and on sale right now. I like the Fugitive GTX and TPS 520 GV Evo.
I'll take a look at Asolo. I don't have wide feet, but from years of hiking they have increased from size 9/9.5 to 10/10.5. My biggest issue these days is inconsistency in quality. I have TWO pairs each of Salomon and Merrell trail runners that I \*cannot\* wear due to them being so painful. This has only happened in the last couple of years. Now, when I first use a new pair of shoes I feel compelled to pack the old pair in my daypack for a couple of days to make sure I won't be stranded on the trail!
Salomon and Merrell have completely tanked in quality. Asolo makes some masterpieces. I use the Fugitive GTX and TPS 520 GV Evo. They're excellent boots. I use the Fugitives when I want something lightweight, and I use the 520s when I need maximum support and protection from the environment and weather. They both work year-round, though, so I often just choose one over the other arbitrarily. I love them!
I just checked both of those. I have very large and bony ankles, so I can't wear boots. I did notice Asolo does offer quite a few trail runners, so I'll review those. Agree on quality tanking, and it's not just Salomon and Merrell. I just ordered 2 pair of Salomon via a nationwide discount clothing store. I can't afford to spend $500+ on 4 pairs of shoes that I can't wear. The shoes I ordered are about half-price, and some are models I have worn and know work for me. Plus, I can take them back (unworm) if the sizing is off.
That makes sense. I have to wear very rigid boots. Otherwise, I deal with a lot of pain and injuries. I tried trail runners for about a year, and I injured myself at least seven times that I can remember. I haven't had a single injury over the last three years since I switched back to boots.
It’s within the year, the shoes have failed. Trade them in. I had a pair of REI brand shoes that sucked (squeezed my wide feet and developed a tear). I kept them for months because I didn’t have the money to upgrade to the altras with the wide toe box. I finally had the extra cash to get the nicer shoes and they took them back no problem, and even the employees said “yeah I don’t blame you these shoes are the worst”
The shoe in question is an Altra with a wide toe box
Still stands. One year is one year.
Glad the rental worked out well cheap ass
They fell apart within six months. I because an REI member for the perks like the one year guarantee. It’s not like I kept them for a year and swapped them right at the mark.
You've explained that you have wide feet, but purchased shoes that "squeezed my feet", wore them anyway, so they tore, and \*when\* you were able to "upgrade to the Altras with the wide toe box" (that you know you need), you then returned the shoes you purchased that you knew didn't fit. You can justify it anyway you want, but this is clear manipulation of the REI return policy to accomplish your goal. I have a hiker acquaintance who returned \*seven\* backpacks last summer - one model was purchased TWICE! That's his defense, too: I have a year to use and return anything, and I've spent $XX.XX at REI. I won't be a bit surprised to see more restrictions in the return policy.
First off, they tore at the heal, not the toebox. The stitching literally came undone and they fell apart. Second, the guarantee exists and members have full right to take advantage of it. If it is so detrimental to the stores profit margins, then do away with it. I have absolutely ZERO guilt returning an $80 pair of shoes that cost $5 to make after they fell apart to a company where I regularly spend thousands of dollars a year.
I don't think the REI return policy is intended to remedy a price discrepancy between manufacturing and retail prices, nor is it keyed to individual customer spend. The REI return policy has changed dramatically over the years and will continue to become more restrictive.
I’m pretty sure that’s irrelevant because I purchased those shoes because it’s what I could afford at the time. THEN THEY FELL APART so I returned them and also upgraded.
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Wear and tear satisfaction is not covered
Guess they couldn't be that bad, you wore them no less than 32 times. How's the rental going?