Is it possible to return shoes to the store: if you’ve already walked in them one day on the street, within 14 days when you don’t like them and the size doesn’t fit?

Quite often, customers ask if they can take their shoes back to the store if they no longer want to wear them? At the same time, they clarify what the conditions are for returning shoes that are defective or of proper quality according to the law.

Male shoes

In this article, we will look in detail at how to return shoes to the store if you don’t like them or turn out to be defective, and whether they are sneakers, boots or boots does not matter in the future. So, first things first.

Rules for returning shoes to the store for both men and women

It should immediately be noted that according to the law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” you can return to the store both shoes without defects and with them (Article 25). However, there are some nuances that need to be taken into account.

In the trade pavilion

According to statistics, the following are most often returned or exchanged:

Shoes (both women's and men's).
Sneakers.
Boots.
Boots.

Less often returned:

sandals;
sneakers;
sandals;
flip-flops.

Return of shoes of good quality

Let's look at the situation: if, upon coming home, you find that the shoes are small, do not match the color of your favorite outfit, or you no longer like them, you can return them to the seller within 14 days, exchanging them for another pair, or take the money back. Moreover, this can only be done if the shoes are unworn.

On the street

Here the question arises: is it possible to return worn shoes, for example, after a short wear on the street? The answer will be yes, but only if there is a defect in it. We will examine this point in more detail later in the article.

Therefore, additionally check the shoes after purchasing them at home, walk around the apartment (this will not be considered wearing), try them on with different clothing options in order to make sure you like the purchase.

Please note that the reason for returning shoes may not only be that they are defective (as the average buyer often believes). Here the standards are regulated by the Consumer Rights Protection Law (CPZPP).

Read: Returning jeans to a store: is it possible to return them, how to return them without a receipt and tags according to the law

Is it possible to return shoes if they rub?

Next, we will answer the question that customers often ask our lawyers: is it possible to return shoes if they rub? The answer will be simple - if it has not been worn, then a definite “yes”. There are two options here:

For example, if a couple is married and because of this it puts pressure on your feet, rubs, or calluses the skin, you can return the shoes even if you managed to wear them on the street.
If the reason is physiological and not related to the quality of the shoes, you can return the purchase only if you did not have time to wear it outside or damaged it in some way. The law allows 14 days after purchase for such returns.

Women's shoes rubbed a callus on the foot

In a situation, if you want to exchange shoes for the same one, but in a different size, and the store doesn’t have it, you can either agree that you will pick up a new pair on another day, or take money instead of exchanging.

Shoes, if they have already been worn once, can be taken back to the store when they have been completely restored to their original appearance. There should be no signs of wear. Otherwise, she may not be accepted, according to the law, even if she is not suitable.

How long does it take to return shoes?

This standard is prescribed in the PZPP of the Russian Federation. The period for returning shoes to the store is 14 days if the product is not defective. You need to keep the box, all box inserts, documents (if any), labels and receipt.

Women's boots after a little wear

Is it possible to return shoes without a receipt?

It must be emphasized that the absence of a receipt should not be the reason for refusal to return, since it is possible to prove the fact of purchase using other evidence (recordings from cameras in the store, testimony of witnesses) or restore the receipt from the memory of the cash register device. This all works great in practice.

Returning shoes without a receipt is acceptable within 14 days after purchase. But, of course, it will be much easier to return your sneakers or boots with a receipt, and then collect the money.

Is it possible to return shoes without box?

You can return it without a box. Despite the fact that sellers require that the product be in the same form as when purchased, the law allows for returns without the original packaging (Article 18 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”). Moreover, if you still have the receipt, this significantly speeds up the process, because it confirms that you purchased the boots, shoes or shoes in this store.

Autumn boots

What to do if your sneakers are too big: detailed instructions

If at home you see that your sneakers are a size too big, what to do in this situation is a logical question. Here are a few proven life hacks that will help you cope with trouble:

Wet and dry at room temperature. Try leaving your new shoes in hot water for 1 minute. Then immediately transfer it to the battery. When the sneakers are dry, try them on. You can use the exact opposite option - soak your shoes in ice water, then let them dry. If it’s still a little too big, you can tighten the laces, which, by the way, are an undeniable advantage of this type of shoe. Tightly tied laces will prevent your foot from wobbling too much. This method also has disadvantages. After three or four outings in the washed sneakers, the fabric will come apart again and they will again become too big.
Foam rubber or cotton wool. This is a proven method that has been known for many years. To narrow the shoe and “steal” space inside, insert pieces of foam rubber or regular cotton wool. To prevent the latter from sticking to your feet and scattering all over your shoes, you can wrap it in a small bag.
Heel seal. This thing is very popular today. A special insole, usually silicone, will prevent the shoe from slipping. Thanks to the seal, the heel will tightly fit the foot. This is very important for people involved in traumatic sports. Some models have a T-shape and include an additional heel pad. Very convenient to avoid calluses. However, there is also a disadvantage to this method - such seals are not sold in all pharmacies or shoe stores. But it is possible to order goods online.
Adding insoles is a reliable and easiest way to reduce the size of your sneakers. If your shoes are too big, you can use another set of insoles. You need to carefully consider the choice of material; they are usually made from wool, foam rubber or synthetics. For better shock absorption in sports shoes, choose foam rubber, it is softer and more springy. For added warmth, insert wool linings. This is convenient, and in winter your feet will not freeze.
Socks are a great option when you don't know what to do if your sneakers are too big. However, in summer, an additional sock will be unnecessary; your feet will become wobbly and sweaty. Thick socks to reduce the size are worn only in the cold season. If one pair of shoes is still too big, you can wear a second and a third. This will only make it warmer in winter.
You can buy a thick special elastic band at any clothing store. However, to insert it into the sneaker, you will need to work hard. Here you cannot do without certain skills, but it is better to send them to a sewing or shoe workshop. There they will sew a high-quality elastic band, which in the future will allow the sneakers to fit tightly, not slip off, and fit evenly over the entire leg.
Insole or special strips for part of the foot. Another affordable option that can be purchased at shoe stores. There they are sold in completely different shapes and fillers. Many of the pads, especially silicone ones, are designed to prevent the bare foot from slipping, however, as an option for making shoes smaller, this is an excellent and optimal way out of the situation. To prevent the foot from sweating and sticking to such pads, it is recommended that women wear nylon socks, and men thin ones made of cotton.
Taking it to a repair shop is the easiest way to avoid having to pore over altering your shoes at home. If you have no experience, then a specialist will come to the rescue. Before you give your shoes to a studio or workshop, ask your friends and acquaintances, perhaps someone has used the services of these specialists. Then you will know for sure in what hands you are giving your shoes, and whether the craftsmen will do their job well.

Tip: You can also try soaking your sneakers in a strong soapy solution and then drying them with a hairdryer. The device must be kept at a distance so as not to damage the paint or material of the product with the pressure of hot air.

Returning shoes of inadequate quality

It is worth understanding that the return of defective shoes (as an option if a crack, abrasion, tear, crooked seams, or defects in fastenings are found) is possible during the entire warranty period (set by the manufacturer or store).

Read: Returning headphones to the store: is it possible to return them if you don’t like them within 14 days

Returning shoes under warranty is carried out using the same methods as described above - the best option is if you have a receipt, box and all components. But you can do without the box and receipt.

Return Features

Note that for this reason, both unworn and worn shoes can be replaced, since defects are often discovered only during use. Even if it is torn before purchasing it in a store, it is not always possible to notice it immediately.

New sneakers that I've already walked down the street in one day

In such a situation, the seller is obliged to replace the defective pair of shoes with a high-quality one (of adequate quality).

To do this, according to the law, he has 7 days. If there is no replacement or you refuse to pick up another pair, you are required to return the money. In this case, it is your right to take the money.

According to the law, the seller may require additional quality testing to prove that it is a manufacturing defect. An examination is a normal practice to determine whether the buyer is responsible for the damage to the shoes. Then the period for assessing the defect and returning the money will be up to 20 days according to the law.

How to break in sneakers at home?

Even shoes that are perfectly your size can cause discomfort and pressure. It happens that all the inconvenience is associated only with the newness of the shoes. Then it will be very easy to deal with how to break in sneakers that are too tight. to walk around the apartment in shoes for . Before putting on, you can lubricate the back of the sneakers with soapy water or alcohol , which will help reduce the risk of blisters.

If your shoes are pinching in a certain place, for example, in the area of the big toe or little toe, you can try using a regular hair dryer , because we know that when heated, the object can expand. Turn on the hot air and direct it to the problem area, hold for 2-3 minutes. This will help to widen the shoe slightly.

Shoe returns and seasonality

Please note that if you buy shoes out of season (as an option, shoes in winter or winter boots in summer), the warranty period begins to count from the beginning of the season.

Here you need to take into account that these periods may be different in the regions: according to paragraph 2 of Article 19 of the Law of the Russian Federation on the Protection of Consumer Rights, for seasonal goods (shoes, clothing and others), warranty periods begin to count with the onset of the corresponding season. The moment of its onset is determined by the regions of the Russian Federation, based on the climatic conditions of the location of consumers.

Men's winter boots, when they were already worn

In Russia, you can return shoes purchased out of season even after the warranty period has expired (for example, if you did not immediately start wearing them). But this can only be done if a commodity examination establishes the presence of an initial defect, which the buyer did not influence in any way.

Read: Returning batteries: is it possible to return them back to the store if the packaging is not opened, the law

Let us remind you that you can return sneakers, shoes, boots, sandals and the like, when they are new and unworn, within 2 weeks after purchase. The most common reasons for this:

if they are uncomfortable;
if they rub your feet and calluses may appear;
if the size doesn't fit.

Sneakers don't fit properly and socks are staining

How to choose the right shoes according to your size

In order not to suffer from calluses in the future or, on the contrary, not to spank while running, pay attention to the size of your shoes. It is extremely important that it is chosen correctly. To do this you need to do the following:

Don't buy sneakers at random. Knowing that your feet are size 40, you cannot go to the store, take shoes with a “40” sticker and buy them. At home it will be unpleasant to discover that the sneaker is too big. A most unpleasant situation. Try on shoes before purchasing. Companies and manufacturing countries are guided by their own standards, and the error in the length and width of the shoe insole can be large.
It's better to wear sneakers that are a little loose. The fingers should feel comfortable and easy to squeeze. But it is important that the heel does not dangle, pay attention to this, otherwise the sneaker will be unsafe. If your heel moves freely, you can easily twist your foot.
Ask for a disposable sock at the store (or bring your own). Also, if you use orthopedic insoles, you should also try them on with new shoes. Take a walk, if nothing rubs or pinches, the sneakers are yours.
Simulate running, jump. Thus, inspect your sneakers for shock absorption and find out whether the shoes hold your foot and shin well.
Try on two sneakers. According to our physical structure, one leg may be slightly longer or larger than the other, so try on both shoes. Buy ones that fit looser to provide better foot mobility and freedom of movement.
The fingers should not be clenched and tightly adjacent to each other. You should not choose sports shoes with hard toes; with prolonged use, they can leave calluses and wounds. Therefore, sports sneakers should be a full size larger.
If you need shoes, but for some reason there is no opportunity to try them on, then use the “hint”. You need to place your foot on a piece of paper so that your entire foot fits. Mark the heel and big toe with a line. The distance between the two lines will be the size of the foot. According to this tip, choose an insole that matches your shoes, and the sneaker itself should be one size larger.

Advice: be sure to ask about the rules for returning items in this particular store. If the sneakers still don’t fit at home, you should always be able to return or exchange them.

When you can't return shoes in a store

There are options in which shoes will not be accepted back from the buyer:

For example, if you wore shoes and return them not because they were found to be defective. In other words, shoes that you don’t like, if they were worn on the street, will not be accepted back into the store by the seller, even with a box, receipt and tags. As an example, shoes without defects, if they have already been worn one day on the street, cannot be returned.
In case you tried to repair the shoes before returning them to the seller.
Also, if the defect arose as a result of your actions, even if you damaged the shoes by accident.
After 14 days have expired (if the shoes are without defects).

Leather low shoes without box that didn't fit

Other grounds for refusing to return shoes to the store will be illegal. Also, the seller of the outlet will not be able to refuse a return without explanation.

Popular ways to stretch sneakers

Methods that have been known to people for a long time can help you cope with the task of stretching sneakers at home. Of course, you should initially evaluate your capabilities so as not to spoil the shoes you just bought, and only then start working with them.

Using socks

The army men know how to wear sneakers with socks, from whom this method originated. You will need socks that are as thick as possible, preferably cotton. They need to be soaked in warm water and squeezed well. Put wet socks on your feet and wear tight shoes . Wear sneakers until your socks are dry. When this happens, take off your sneakers and stuff them tightly with crumpled newspaper. This measure is necessary so that the newspaper collects all the moisture remaining inside the shoes.

Alcohol method

When trying to figure out how to stretch your sneakers, you can use alcohol or regular vodka. They need to thoroughly moisten the inside of the sneakers, and then put them on . After this, the sneakers are wetted on top and worn for two hours. This will not only help stretch them, but also soften the parts that are too stiff.

Once again about the freezer and hair dryer

It’s worth taking a closer look at how you can stretch your shoes using the freezer. For this you will need a freezer, plain water and a plastic bag. Sneakers must first be washed and dried. After this, water is drawn into the bag and it is tied tightly. Make sure there are no holes in it, otherwise you risk hopelessly ruining your shoes. The package is placed in the problematic sneakers, after which they are put into the refrigerator . The peculiarity of this method is the ability of water to increase in volume, transforming from a liquid to a solid state. You must wait until the liquid freezes, then remove the sneakers. Do not remove the package immediately. Let the liner melt a little, then carefully remove it.

This is a very effective method, but it can ruin shoes made of thin materials.

A hair dryer, as already mentioned, can be used to stretch certain pressing or pinching parts of sneakers. Under its action, the skin stretches and takes on the necessary shape. When using this method, be careful that the adhesive in the seam area does not bleed due to high temperatures.

Chemical method

The simplest and most popular method to help stretch sneakers in length or width. It will require a special spray designed for stretching shoes . They are sold in shoe stores. Treat the inside of the sneakers with the product and put them on. Walk around in your shoes for a period of time until you feel that the hard areas have softened and the sneakers now fit comfortably on your feet.

This method can be used for genuine leather products. But first you should test the reaction of the material to the spray. Apply a small amount of product in an inconspicuous place on the shoe, for example, on the inside of the lacing or on the edge of the shoe tongue. Wait a couple of hours. If the skin tone has changed in the areas of application, it is better not to use the spray, otherwise you will irreversibly damage your shoes. If no changes were noticed, you can safely use the chemical method.