Running shoes with holes in them after just two months

mel.b

Two months ago I went to a specialist running shop and was fitted for a pair of running shoes. Two months later, having done just 360km in them, the left shoe has a hole in it where my big toe has come through and the right shoe is heading that way as well.

I contacted the shop a week ago with a photo of the shoe and they said they would have to contact the rep about it. I have just contacted the shop again and the rep is dragging his feet and hasn't replied. Meanwhile the hole in my shoe is getting bigger and I have a half marathon at the end of the month that I'm going to be running in holey shoes at this rate.

Talking about it at work, a friend said that my contract is with the shop, that the shoes they sold me were not fit for purpose (€140 pair of shoes only lasting 2 months, having done 360km - should get at least 650 - 1000km) and not with the rep. So the shop should be sorting me out and dealing with the rep separately, rather than waiting for the rep.

What are others opinions on this?

coylemj

mel.b wrote: »

Talking about it at work, a friend said that my contract is with the shop, that the shoes they sold me were not fit for purpose (€140 pair of shoes only lasting 2 months, having done 360km - should get at least 650 - 1000km) and not with the rep. So the shop should be sorting me out and dealing with the rep separately, rather than waiting for the rep.

What your friend told you is spot on.

A lot of retailers try to make out that the problem lies with their supplier so they make it seem like they're doing the consumer a favour by liaising with the supplier, then they attempt to wash their hands of the problem because (they claim) they can't get any redress from the supplier. You shouldn't accept any of that BS, the retailer has to sort you out and what happens between them and their supplier has nothing to do with you.

cruizer101

Seems a strange place to wear, is the fabric very light? even still big toe shouldn't be wearing through it doesn't push on fabric too much, which to me would indicate fault, and yes your contract is with shop.

ThisRegard

Are they Asics?

mel.b

cruizer101 wrote: »

Seems a strange place to wear, is the fabric very light? even still big toe shouldn't be wearing through it doesn't push on fabric too much, which to me would indicate fault, and yes your contract is with shop.

it's the typical mesh that's on top of running shoes. I actually wonder if they are half a size too small and that's why my toe has gone through the top. Although I was measured and fitted for them (and never got any blisters or anything) so I don't know.

ThisRegard wrote: »

Are they Asics?

No, Saucony

njs030

Your contract is with the shop, they aren't fit for purpose. Take them back and ask for a refund or replacement.
Don't settle for being fobbed off!

rubadub

ThisRegard wrote: »

Are they Asics?

did your asics get holes? mine did on both sides, I do not run in them and they were 2 years old but the rest of the runner is OK except for holes in the little toe area. It does look like a poor design. Expected more for 100+ euro runners.

intheclouds

Still a common place for runners to develop holes but it definitely should not happen after only 2 months!

2 year old asics I would expect it of, the materials are designed to be replaced every year or so (or 1000km) anyway.

Jan Laco

Happened within two weeks of buying my last two pairs of runners (both asics).
Should have trimed the toe nails better.

rubadub

intheclouds wrote: »

2 year old asics I would expect it of, the materials are designed to be replaced every year or so (or 1000km) anyway.

I do not run in mine so my mileage is probably a lot less than that.

If I was designing them I would want them to wear out fairly evenly, and not have weak points. Searching google images it seems many wore out like mine did. If I knew in advance I could have strengthened them myself.

intheclouds

They're common weak spots alright.

I understand mileage varies but they degrade over time and usage too even if you're not pounding them. I never keep runners longer than a year or so even if I don't use them for running just because they stop being supportive.

Cabaal

Very common spot alright, every single brand I've used gets a hole in that spot eventually.

Mileage for me varies from 800miles to 1200miles before I get these holes,

ThisRegard

rubadub wrote: »

did your asics get holes? mine did on both sides, I do not run in them and they were 2 years old but the rest of the runner is OK except for holes in the little toe area. It does look like a poor design. Expected more for 100+ euro runners.

Yeah, every time. I tried returning them but the store said that they'd be left with them as Asics won't acknowledge there's a problem. I googled it and it seems it a pretty widespread issue throughout the world with their runners so I simply stopped buying them.

intheclouds wrote: »

They're common weak spots alright.

I understand mileage varies but they degrade over time and usage too even if you're not pounding them. I never keep runners longer than a year or so even if I don't use them for running just because they stop being supportive.

Asics seem to be extraordinary poor though, you can get them with very little wear or mileage. There's a reason there's a whole gallery on Google images devoted to it. I moved to Brooks and Nike and never got a hole in the toe box ever again

mel.b

Thanks everyone.

I was hoping to get up the to shop this afternoon but couldn't, so it will be Friday now before I can go. Looking at the consumer help website it says I have the option of repair or replacement. As repair is not an option that leaves me with replacement. A couple of questions about this
- do I have to get exactly the same shoes or can I get a different brand up to the same value (or more if I pay the difference?)
- will the shop take my old pair off me? I'm really going to need to keep them as I have a half marathon at the end of the month so don't have enough time to break in a new pair now. Fortunately I've found some repair tape I can use on the shoes so I'll be putting this on the to cover up the hole from the inside and to also reinforce the other shoe where the hole is developing (obviously after I have been up to the shop)

Thanks

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Not sure if they will insist on like for like replacements but you cannot expect to keep the old ones if they are replaced

njs030

Angelo Mushy Sulfur wrote: »

Not sure if they will insist on like for like replacements but you cannot expect to keep the old ones if they are replaced

This. You can't expect 2 pairs of shoes unfortunately. Plus if you keep the old ones it's unlikely they will exchange them at a layer date if you continue wearing them

thomas anderson.

I once brought a pair of Vans back to Schu after 4 months in the original box with receipt, the sole had split. They replaced them and were impressed/slightly concerned I still had the box.

Asics are notorious for holes especially round the big toe. That's why I wear Nikes and Mizunos

ThisRegard

Schuh have an excellent 1 years return policy, but they sell fashion shoes which wouldn't get as much abuse.

daheff

In my view the runners can and do degrade over time. Especially if you run in damp/wet conditions (fibres get wet and are slightly weaker).

360km over 2 months is a considerable distance to have run in them. If you had long/sharp toe nails that could contribute to the holes.

However all of that said, thats to be expected of performance shoes. they should be able to withstand that amount of usage over that distance of running.

In my experience, shoe manufacturers generally recommend changing trainers every 300-400 miles (mainly coz the insole cushioning deteriorates to unacceptable levels).


On a point of consumer law, as has been mentioned your contract is with the shop and not the product sales rep. Make the shop acknowledge their responsibility and stop fobbing you off onto the sales rep.

mel.b

Thanks everyone, I got my shoes replaced.