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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 8, 2024 1:02:14 GMT
I have plantar fasciitis and overall just a ton of foot pain. It's a big struggle trying to find shoes I can wear that are comfortable enough for me to be able to walk around and do the things I want to do. Two weeks ago I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and tried on about 10 different pairs of shoes because I needed something for an upcoming work conference. I average 12,000 steps a day at this conference so good shoes in calm colors that can be worn with business casual attire are a must.
In the end I settled on a pair of Brooks Glycerin sneakers. After tax they were $170. By far the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever purchased. I walked around in the store in them for about fifteen minutes and they felt pretty good. Well, they were the wrong choice. The conference came and an hour into it I was in immense pain. I started popping Tylenol and coating my feet in Aspercream but by the end of the day I had a noticeable limp. I walked about 12,500 steps in a variety of terrain from outdoors in parking lots and walking through tunnels and on rock formations to inside the conference rooms.
What do you all think my chances are of being able to return these shoes? It makes me absolutely sick at how expensive they were to be something I just cannot wear. Normally I don't try to return shoes. I have a closet full of $90-$130 pairs of shoes I've worn once or twice and they cause me too much pain to ever wear again so I just toss them in there and forget about them. I really don't want to toss these shoes in my closet and eat the cost. I can probably pop them in my washer to get the dust off and they'd look pretty new. Do you guys think I have a chance at getting a refund or exchange?
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Post by librarylady on Aug 8, 2024 1:04:51 GMT
The one time I returned shoes, the return was accepted because the sole of the shoe did not show any wear. I had only walked on carpet so the soles were pristine.
What do the soles on your shoes look like?
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Post by Merge on Aug 8, 2024 1:06:45 GMT
Their return policy says items must be "in clean and resalable condition" for a refund. Possibly you could still get a store credit or exchange since they've been worn once. Worth asking! www.dickssportinggoods.com/s/return-policy |
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Post by lisae on Aug 8, 2024 1:12:49 GMT
If I wear shoes outside, I assume they are mine. I also have had problems with plantar fasciitis for years and hate shopping for shoes so I know how frustrating this is for you. I've wasted a lot of money finding the right ones. I did get some very good advice from a podiatrist on what kind of shoes would be best for my foot so eventually I found things that worked. You can try to return them but I wouldn't expect them to take them back. Actually it would bother me if they did take back shoes worn that much and resold them.
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Post by Merge on Aug 8, 2024 1:16:11 GMT
If I wear shoes outside, I assume they are mine. I also have had problems with plantar fasciitis for years and hate shopping for shoes so I know how frustrating this is for you. I've wasted a lot of money finding the right ones. I did get some very good advice from a podiatrist on what kind of shoes would be best for my foot so eventually I found things that worked. You can try to return them but I wouldn't expect them to take them back. Actually it would bother me if they did take back shoes worn that much and resold them. Some companies take clothing items back and then ship them off to be sold as used on eBay or at their outlet store or whatever. Good customer service, doesn't mean you're getting used shoes when you expect new. |
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Post by Merge on Aug 8, 2024 1:20:57 GMT
I was going to add too - during my worst bout of PF, there were literally no shoes comfortable enough to wear for that amount of walking. I was teaching sitting down and traded my carpool duty for hallway monitoring because I couldn't stand/walk around for any length of time in any shoes. I did not go to the state music educators' conference that year.
I assume you've sought treatment. Gentle and gradual stretching of the ACL, calf, hamstrings, and hips actually helped me the most. PF is generally caused or exacerbated by tightness further up the leg and even in the hips. It's all connected. I did get a cortisone shot in my foot at one point and that helped a bit, but consistent stretching of the whole lower body was what really fixed the problem.
Personally, I would avoid that kind of conference or anything that requires a great deal of walking until you are feeling better.
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 8, 2024 1:30:41 GMT
If I wear shoes outside, I assume they are mine. I also have had problems with plantar fasciitis for years and hate shopping for shoes so I know how frustrating this is for you. I've wasted a lot of money finding the right ones. I did get some very good advice from a podiatrist on what kind of shoes would be best for my foot so eventually I found things that worked. You can try to return them but I wouldn't expect them to take them back. Actually it would bother me if they did take back shoes worn that much and resold them. Some companies take clothing items back and then ship them off to be sold as used on eBay or at their outlet store or whatever. Good customer service, doesn't mean you're getting used shoes when you expect new. That's what I would expect to happen with any shoe return. I don't expect that stores are putting these back on the shelves to sell to other customers. There were a couple I tried on at Dick's though that did not have the original packaging inside the box and the laces were done in the way a person does them, not the way they come from the manufacturer so who knows. My hope is just that the store would do the return as a gesture of goodwill & customer service. I was going to add too - during my worst bout of PF, there were literally no shoes comfortable enough to wear for that amount of walking. I was teaching sitting down and traded my carpool duty for hallway monitoring because I couldn't stand/walk around for any length of time in any shoes. I did not go to the state music educators' conference that year. I assume you've sought treatment. Gentle and gradual stretching of the ACL, calf, hamstrings, and hips actually helped me the most. PF is generally caused or exacerbated by tightness further up the leg and even in the hips. It's all connected. I did get a cortisone shot in my foot at one point and that helped a bit, but consistent stretching of the whole lower body was what really fixed the problem. Personally, I would avoid that kind of conference or anything that requires a great deal of walking until you are feeling better. Yes, I've been dealing with this issue since 2014. I have a great pain management system in place for my feet that hinges on homemade lotion made from marijuana in addition to having good, not worn-out footwear along with exercises. My massage therapist works my calves often too and that helps with pain relief. I just don't want to/can't always put my life on hold because my feet my might hurt. If there are other PF sufferers out there right now the best pair of shoes I have ever owned are Ariat Shift Runners. When I am in those shoes I forget about my feet and just live my life. They are amazing. They just aren't work appropriate, unfortunately. |
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Aug 8, 2024 2:00:25 GMT
Can you try some different insoles/orthotics in them? I doubt they will take them back, although it doesn't hurt to try. If you go with custom orthotics, make sure they are okay to use in an athletic shoe. The first pair I had made (almost 30 years ago) could not be used in a shoe with a sole that would compress, and they ended up breaking down after just a few months. Nobody told me about that, and I wasted $400 which was a small fortune at the time. I haven't used custom ones in many years, and I am sure they are better now. I use Protalus Orthotics now, and I have some meant for casual/athletic shoes and others meant for dress shoes. They have been a lifesaver for me! protalus.com/?gad_source=5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8seV7qbkhwMVoDMIBR0_jg4ZEAAYAiAAEgKJdfD_BwE |
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 8, 2024 3:26:43 GMT
Can you try some different insoles/orthotics in them? I doubt they will take them back, although it doesn't hurt to try. If you go with custom orthotics, make sure they are okay to use in an athletic shoe. The first pair I had made (almost 30 years ago) could not be used in a shoe with a sole that would compress, and they ended up breaking down after just a few months. Nobody told me about that, and I wasted $400 which was a small fortune at the time. I haven't used custom ones in many years, and I am sure they are better now. I use Protalus Orthotics now, and I have some meant for casual/athletic shoes and others meant for dress shoes. They have been a lifesaver for me! protalus.com/?gad_source=5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8seV7qbkhwMVoDMIBR0_jg4ZEAAYAiAAEgKJdfD_BwEThat's a good idea. I have a couple of decent pairs of insoles I can try to put in them and see if it helps. Apparently I already threw the box away so I'm pretty sure my chances of a refund are 0%. But I will ask because you never know. I'll check into the Prolatus orthotics, thanks! |
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Post by twinks on Aug 8, 2024 3:47:20 GMT
I go to a shoe specialty store like Good Feet or a running store. I don’t think I have ever purchased shoes from a sporting goods store. I also wear new shoes around the house to make sure they work. I have worn them for as long as a week.
That said, I really doubt they will take them back. But you are guaranteed a No! if you don’t ask. I wouldn’t wash them but I might take a damp rag to them. I hope for your sake they take them back.
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paget
Drama Llama
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Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Aug 8, 2024 4:43:55 GMT
This doesn’t help you now but in the future you could look for a store that offers returns even on worn shoes. For instance, in my area there is a specialty running store if you buy an annual membership (that pays for itself with discounts if you even buy one pair of running shoes a year) allows you to exchange used shoes if they turn out to be the wrong ones for you. REI also accepts returns purchases that are used but didn’t work for up to a year (I buy my cycling shoes here because of this).
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Post by 50offscrapper on Aug 8, 2024 7:43:50 GMT
I suffered with plantar fasciitis for months. I finally went to a podiatrist. They took X-rays. Gave me a choice of oral steroids or a steroid shot on my foot. I took the oral steroids and haven’t had pain since. I stretch my calves everyday.
He recommend insoles and again they helped.
Superfeet
All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles (Green) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Shoe Inserts -
I bought Vionic “flats” as well.
Even if you have worn them once, most stores will work with you. Take them back.
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Post by littlemama on Aug 8, 2024 10:14:04 GMT
Try to return them, but please dont try to pass them off as unworn.
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Post by lisae on Aug 8, 2024 12:02:30 GMT
Can you try some different insoles/orthotics in them? I doubt they will take them back, although it doesn't hurt to try. I wear Brooks shoes and use Orthofeet inserts. You wouldn't have anything to lose money wise as Orthofeet does have a 60 day wear guarantee. |
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Aug 8, 2024 12:26:00 GMT
What do you all think my chances are of being able to return these shoes? It makes me absolutely sick at how expensive they were to be something I just cannot wear. Normally I don't try to return shoes. I have a closet full of $90-$130 pairs of shoes I've worn once or twice and they cause me too much pain to ever wear again so I just toss them in there and forget about them. I don't think that you will get a refund. The shoes are worn and it wasn't the fault of the shoes or the store that these shoes hurt your feet. As for the other shoes that are in your closet, please donate them to a shelter or to Goodwill or somewhere like that. You may get a receipt for Income Tax which is really better than nothing. Don't just *toss* and contribute to landfill waste. I hope that you are able to find shoes that won't hurt your feet. |
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peppermintpatty
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Post by peppermintpatty on Aug 8, 2024 13:10:05 GMT
Take a magic eraser and erase the bottom of the shoes. I know it isn't ethical but $170 is a lot to spend on shoes you cannot wear.
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Aug 8, 2024 15:14:12 GMT
I go to a shoe specialty store like Good Feet or a running store. I don’t think I have ever purchased shoes from a sporting goods store. I also wear new shoes around the house to make sure they work. I have worn them for as long as a week. I agree with all of this. Running shoe stores can assess your gait and your pressure points, too, particularly if you have an old pair of shoes you can bring with you. The one we go to has electronic pads that they use to analyze the motion of your steps, too. If you feel the general shape of the Brooks work for you, I have had great luck with the Adrenaline GTS. You can often find colors on clearance. I also had tried the Glycerin and didn't like it at all once I wore it for a longer period. I got mine on a good sale, though, so I just kept them for times I need a supportive shoe for a shorter period of time. The Adrenaline aren't as squishy, but they're still fairly soft and they support me better overall. For more cute and casual shoes, Taos seem to work well for me (but not as good for longer wear, of course). I do have PF, although not constantly and it's rarely severe when it does act up. |
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 8, 2024 15:32:24 GMT
I don't know what the answer is to your question about returning the shoes. But.. for the plantar fasciitis my advice is always Crocs and/or Birkenstocks. My PF was so bad that I practically had to crawl to the bathroom in the morning. I basically cured it (yes, I know it's not ever *cured*, but let's just say it's never come back) by wearing only Crocs and Birks. Nothing else. And whenever I was sitting I always flexed my foot by propping it up on the table leg or something. Haven't had a flare up in years, and now I do wear some other shoes. But my running around shoes are Birkenstocks.
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quiltz
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Post by quiltz on Aug 8, 2024 15:47:26 GMT
Take a magic eraser and erase the bottom of the shoes. I know it isn't ethical but $170 is a lot to spend on shoes you cannot wear. No, this isn't ethical at all. Basically, stealing. Because it is the other consumers who have to pay higher prices to cover the $$ that the store lost on the sale of these shoes. The OP made a bad decision and it comes at a price. Consider it tuition to the University of Life Degree. |
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Post by workingclassdog on Aug 8, 2024 16:19:31 GMT
I would just try to return them. Clean bottoms as much as possible. Let them know they hurt like crazy after an hour of wearing but no options to remove them. I had a pair that I returned once. They never even asked me any questions. I wore them once and they hurt. I cleaned the bottoms and was all prepared to let them know how much they hurt and they didn't even ask. They gave them a quick lookover and that was it.
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Post by workingclassdog on Aug 8, 2024 16:20:36 GMT
Take a magic eraser and erase the bottom of the shoes. I know it isn't ethical but $170 is a lot to spend on shoes you cannot wear. No, this isn't ethical at all. Basically, stealing. Because it is the other consumers who have to pay higher prices to cover the $$ that the store lost on the sale of these shoes. The OP made a bad decision and it comes at a price. Consider it tuition to the University of Life Degree. It's not unethical if she is honest though. All she can say is the truth and all they can say is yes or no. |
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Post by bunnyhug on Aug 8, 2024 19:18:22 GMT
I'm pretty sure that big retailers don't put 'used' items back out on the shelves--there are several stores in my small city with names like "Crazy Bins" that have literal bins of stuff returned to Amazon and other large retailers that they sell cheaply 'as is' and people seem to flock there. When Home Depot first came to Canada, my sil worked in their garden/plant department and came home with a story about how someone came in to return some tires (I think maybe for a garden tractor? I can't remember!) one day ... HD doesn't sell tires ... but the manager figured out what they were worth and 'refunded' the customer because it was worth it to the store to keep a large value customer happy  And Costco has always been amazing about letting folks return stuff long after it was purchased and after it had obviously been used. Anyway, all that to say that even if you wore the shoes for a day, I would take them in and let the store know what the issue was ... and if they won't take them back, maybe try Home Depot?!!   For my own achilles tendinitis foot pain issues, the one thing that I've found that helps more than anything else is yoga--the stretching kind, not the workout kind! It doesn't feel great for the first few sessions, but it does help if I do it and keep doing it regularly! |
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Aug 8, 2024 20:36:46 GMT
If there are other PF sufferers out there right now the best pair of shoes I have ever owned are Ariat Shift Runners. When I am in those shoes I forget about my feet and just live my life. They are amazing. They just aren't work appropriate, unfortunately. My last two years of work in a business office I wore black Saucony sneakers with my slacks/business attire. HR mentioned something about my shoes and I told her what difference does it make if my shoes are sneakers or pumps? I need the support of this style of shoe. Nothing else was ever mentioned. I have two pairs of Ariats. Cowboy boots and work boots. Love them both! I'll check out the ones you linked. |
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Post by CarolinaGirl71 on Aug 8, 2024 21:35:15 GMT
Most stores that I am familiar with will only take back shoes that have been worn indoors on carpet. You could always try.
I had very bad PF for about two years, and the only shoes I could were Dansko Clogs. I needed a firm sole inside the shoe, not something soft that I would sink down into. I have not tried them, but some friends also like the Allegria clogs. Good luck, and please let us know what works for you!
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Post by epeanymous on Aug 8, 2024 21:44:04 GMT
It is reasonable to ask. FWIW Brooks has at its own stores a 90-day return policy even if you have worn the shoes for 90 days straight. I don’t know that the policy applies if you buy them from another retailer, but it is worth asking.
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Post by baslp on Aug 8, 2024 22:47:42 GMT
The only store where I returned shoes thatt hurt my feet was at Nordstrom. Could you sell them in a Facebook group?
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 9, 2024 1:01:33 GMT
Can you try some different insoles/orthotics in them? I doubt they will take them back, although it doesn't hurt to try. I wear Brooks shoes and use Orthofeet inserts. You wouldn't have anything to lose money wise as Orthofeet does have a 60 day wear guarantee. That's a good idea. I have a pair of Orthofeet sneakers in my closet where shoes go to die that I cannot wear. I can pull the inserts out of them and see how they feel in the Brooks. If there are other PF sufferers out there right now the best pair of shoes I have ever owned are Ariat Shift Runners. When I am in those shoes I forget about my feet and just live my life. They are amazing. They just aren't work appropriate, unfortunately. My last two years of work in a business office I wore black Saucony sneakers with my slacks/business attire. HR mentioned something about my shoes and I told her what difference does it make if my shoes are sneakers or pumps? I need the support of this style of shoe. Nothing else was ever mentioned. I have two pairs of Ariats. Cowboy boots and work boots. Love them both! I'll check out the ones you linked. I really think if it comes down to it my boss wouldn't push me on the shoes. He prefers people keep a certain appearance but our written dress code is so vague there's really no teeth to it. It is reasonable to ask. FWIW Brooks has at its own stores a 90-day return policy even if you have worn the shoes for 90 days straight. I don’t know that the policy applies if you buy them from another retailer, but it is worth asking. That's good to know. I didn't know Brooks had their own stores but I will check into this, thanks! |
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Post by chaosisapony on Aug 9, 2024 1:03:32 GMT
No, this isn't ethical at all. Basically, stealing. Because it is the other consumers who have to pay higher prices to cover the $$ that the store lost on the sale of these shoes. The OP made a bad decision and it comes at a price. Consider it tuition to the University of Life Degree. It's not unethical if she is honest though. All she can say is the truth and all they can say is yes or no. Yeah this is not something I am going to lie about. I will be honest about the situation and if they say no it is what it is. Many stores out there have generous return policies because they know it's essential to customer loyalty. I didn't make a "bad decision" and I have paid plenty of tuition to the University of Life, thanks. I don't think there is anything wrong with asking the store if the shoes can be returned. |
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RosieKat
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Post by RosieKat on Aug 9, 2024 2:40:40 GMT
I happened to read an article about walking shoes for PF today, as mine is acting up again after several years' remission. The top recommendation (not sponsored by Brooks!) was the Adrenaline 23 GTS with the Brooks insoles replaced by an insole that works for you. I remembered that one since I recommended that shoe, but I don't recall the other specific suggestions. There was a Reebok pair and a couple of Hokas, but that doesn't narrow it down much. They also liked the Brooks Ghost but it was at the lower end of their list.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Aug 9, 2024 3:26:41 GMT
I feel your (foot) pain. While I don’t have PF, I have other foot issues that make it difficult to find shoes that work for me. I was also going to suggest trying orthotics. I ended up needing to have custom ones made to the tune of $500 but they make all the difference. I can’t wear any kind of dress shoes because I haven’t ever found any that are high enough across the metatarsals and toe box to accommodate for the metal parts in my foot. I also have to have very flat shoes with insoles that can be pulled out entirely. If I was in that situation I would just get whatever works and TPTB would just have to deal with the fact that I’m going to wear whatever I need to in order to do my job and get through my day.
FWIW, DH has been having issues again with his PF and he too just went in to get custom orthotics. The orthotics guy told him that the best thing he can do for it is stretching, especially yoga.
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And Costco has always been amazing about letting folks return stuff long after it was purchased and after it had obviously been used. Anyway, all that to say that even if you wore the shoes for a day, I would take them in and let the store know what the issue was ... and if they won't take them back, maybe try Home Depot?!! 
