Retailer offered tape to repair cracks in boots

[Sweet Justice]

Hi,

 

I'd be grateful if anybody could give advise me on my rights for the following issue.

 

I bought a pair of waterproof boots from a well-know firm that sells outdoor & rock climbing gear.

The boots have developed cracks on the panel that runs around the shoe and is attached to the sole.

 

The sole itself is fine.

The boots however are no longer fit for purpose.

 

I showed them to the shop assistant who told me that it's general wear and tear and there's nothing they can do about it.

I asked if they could repair them and was told I could (buy) and try a tent repair tape, but that they weren't sure if it would work.

 

I am in doubt as to whether that is really the case and was wondering if anyone knows what my rights are in this situation.

Thank you.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

Sweet Justice

Edited February 4, 2019 by dx100uk
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[renegadeimp]

How long ago did you buy them? When did they break. How much are they worth?

[ericsbrother]

if it is the same well know store I am thiking of they have a 1 year guarantee on their boots but the welt coming away isnt wear and tear anyways. i wouldnt put up with the respnse from the store, get on to head office and ask them to take over the complaint.

[BankFodder]

How long ago did you buy them? When did they break. How much are they worth?

you need to answer this question before we can go any further

[Sweet Justice]

Thank you for your replies everyone. I'm guessing that I bought them over two years ago. I'm sorry, my health condition affects my memory. I can never give precise answers, especially when it comes to dates and timelines. Two years may seem like a long time, but since they are snow boots, it's only for a short time in the year that I actually wear them. For the mileage I've covered, they should have lasted longer. I'm a slow walker as I have fibromyalgiya. So again, it's not like I've been very active/hiking in them. Is it ok to post picture here to explain exactly what the damage is and why I feel it shouldn't be classed as wear and tear but a fault with the material used? Thank you.

 

Edit: They were £60. They have been redesigned and priced at £80 now. Oh and another thing. When I first bought them I left a review on the website. It would have been a good way to determine the date of purchase. However there's no reviews on the website anymore. I am wondering if others experienced the same problem.

Edited February 4, 2019 by Sweet Justice

[Sweet Justice]

Hi all,

 

Am I to assume that my complaint isn't valid due to reasons given? Would appreciate any feed back. Thank you.

[renegadeimp]

Sorry. It seems your post got lost here. feel free to post up pics, so we can see if its is an inherent fault or if its wear and tear.

 

Also, how long after you bought them did they fail?

[ericsbrother]

as it is over 2 years it has to be a latent fault, ie a manufacturing problem so the retailer is within their rights to tell you it isnt to do with them.

I agree that wear and tear is unlikely but materails do degrade with age so you should find out who the maker's rep in the UK is and get on to them to ahve them properly assessed. An exchange for a nice new pair would be a reasonable outcome but be prepared to accept a voucher towards the cost of another pair of boots.

You could ask whether they ahve been tested by a company like SATRA to detemine what should be the lifespan of a pair of the same.

[Sweet Justice]

Hi

 

Thank you for your reply. I am sorry I can’t remember when the cracks first appeared. I believe that due to the location of the damage and short time I’ve worn them (in the winter for short trips to the shops etc), the damage should not have occurred at all. Here are the pics showing the damaged and I am convinced it is due the the material not being flexible enough to bend with the natural movements of the foot.

 

edit: sorry image too large to upload. I don’t know how to resize it. Will try later God willing.

[Sweet Justice]

Thank you. This is most helpful. Much appreciated.

[ericsbrother]

problem is the burden of proof is for you to show unless there is a known problem already with them, hence asking them about whether they can show you thieir testing results. Salt can degrade leather and most materials if left to dry into the fabric so again you will ahve to show that you took reasonable care of them.

If I bought a car and it had a 7 year warranty that would be void if I diont keep the oil topped up, radiator fluid levels correct and various other small things that need to be done. likewise the service record will have to be fully up to date so knowing about recalls on that model, known faults etc make it easier to argue that any problem is under the warranty. you will have to do your homework if you wnat to get anywhere with this