Buying a new pair of shoes is one of the hardest decisions I have to make. I find the process daunting. There are tons of shoes out there, for all price range imaginable. However, my big problem with shoes is the return policy.

According to the return policy of most shops in the UK, a new pair of shoes can only be returned within 30 days of purchase if they are defective, not fit for purpose and most importantly, if they were not worn outside. How on earth am I to conclude that a pair of shoes is fit for purpose if I cannot try them in the right conditions?

Many retailers claim that the reason why they do not accept shoes that have been worn outside is because they cannot sell them afterwards. This is a reasonable argument. Yet unless you have enough money to buy custom made shoes, even if you buy the right size shoes for you, there are no guarantees that they will fit you properly. Feet vary in shapes, sizes and anomalies. I am supposed to be a UK size 6. I’ve tried on size 6 shoes that were enormous in one shop, yet I could easily fit in a UK size 5 in the same shop. Cross the street to another shop and I can barely fit in a size 6. In addition, when you buy a pair of shoes, you will be lucky if you can keep them on for 10 minutes. Imagine walking into Clarks, ask to try new shoes, and ask them if you can keep on walking inside the store for at least an hour to make sure the shoes are fit for purpose. This is a challenge that I am yet to try. I can imagine their reactions. Most people feel pressured to decide within 10 minutes whether the shoes they bought are satisfactory. However, we all know that the real test of whether shoes are fit for purpose is when they are worn for an extensive period of time, and most importantly, when they are worn outside.

Do you see what I am getting at? Is it fair for consumers to demand a refund if shoes that seemed comfortable for a quick 10 minutes walk in a shop cause you pain when they are worn for their intended purpose? Is it fair to expect retailers to refund shoes that have been worn outside if they can’t sell them afterwards and make a living?

This is a dilemma that is worth debating, yet one that cannot be easily settled. Until then, here are some tips on how you can maximise your chances on getting a refund if you find that your new shoes are not fit for purpose after all:

• Make sure you know your size. Some good shoes retailers will offer free advice or sizing. Yes, their shoes also come at a price. However, you are under no obligations to buy the shoes from them.
• When trying new shoes, take your time to walk around the shop. Do not feel pressured by sales assistants looking impatiently at you as they are eyeing up on their next sale. Remember that once you buy the shoes, they will be the ones reminding you that it was your choice, your decision. If you need 10 minutes or more, well, that’s how long it is going to take.
• Wear the shoes indoors for an extended period of time. If possible stand up and walk around in them too. It will give you a better indication to the level of comfort you get from the shoes.
• Remember that some leather shoes need to be “broken in” before you can really enjoy them. In that case, only patience and time will tell. Please, do persevere.
• If you do wear the shoes outdoors and they don’t fit, unfortunately all bets are off. Try different insoles to make them bearable. Hopefully, with a little adjustment, you might not have to donate your lovely pair of shoes.

If you do have other tips on how to deal with new shoes, please share them with me. I bought an expensive pair of boots a few days ago. It passed the indoors test. I now need to muster the courage to wear them outside. Wish me luck 🙂