Sports Direct refusing all help

SuperExcelMan

Hi

Bought hiking boots in May 2025. Bought in person, in branch, used debit card. Have proof of purchase (which is not disputed).

One of the metal lace holes has become detached, they can’t be tied anymore.

Went back in branch today to “return” them, note, I did not ask for a monetary refund - what I actually wanted was a straight swap.

Everything was refused. They said it was policy not to refund anything over 28 days, end of. Complain to head office if not happy.

I would be happy with a repair, or replacement, how can I sort this out please?

eskbanker

As it's more than six months from purchase, the onus is on you need to demonstrate that the fault is caused by, say, a manufacturing defect, rather than damage or poor treatment, after which they would be obliged to repair or replace under their obligations in the Consumer Rights Act, although actually enforcing that is another story when their initial stance is resistance.

Aylesbury_Duck

A straight swap to new boots after 10 months would be a good outcome, you're entitled to a functioning 10 month old pair, the monetary equivalent or a repair, IF, as eskbanker points out, you can show the fault is an inherent one. The retailer is entitled to ask you to do so, so while SD haven't handled this properly, and their stance on absolutely no refunds after 28 days isn't lawful, they're the sort of organisation you're going to have to work hard on to assert your rights.

Get someone independent to inspect the boots, write you a short report, then go back to SD. If they still refuse, you might threaten them with small claims court.

How much did you pay for them, and by what method?

SuperExcelMan

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81923024#Comment_81923024

Thanks both for answering. They were £40, and paid with debit card in the store.

Aylesbury_Duck

At that price I'm afraid that a) they're rubbish, and b) it's not worth going to court. I have a pair of their cheap Karrimor walking boots I use as a spare pair but they are really poor quality.

Threatening to take it court costs next to nothing so is a valid tactic, but if they call your bluff you'll need to decide if it's worth the rime and effort for what might be a £20 refund.

sammyjammy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81923149#Comment_81923149

Agree with this and stop buying from Sports Direct unless you are willing to write it off.

TELLIT01

Go to a local shoe repairer such as Timpsons. They can probably insert an new eyelet.

As the boots are over 6 months old Sports Direct can require proof that the failure was a manufacturing fault. That will cost more than the boots are worth.

Famau

I had some HiTec shoes from sportsdirect many many years ago. They fell apart after 2-3 weeks and neither HiTec not Sportsdirect offered refund or replacement. I have never bought from either since. They would have made more from me over the years by behaving honourably and properly. But, alas, short-term thinking prevails - as so often in this country….

SiliconChip

What are you using the boots for? If it's low level walking on good paths then a £40 pair might be suitable, but if you're hill walking then you need to spend more, and if you're looking to get above the snow line then a lot more. In all cases Sports Direct are not the right place to buy as you've found, for proper boots go to a real outdoors shop where you can try on several models to find a pair that fits well under the guidance of someone who knows what they're selling.

Skiddaw1

Not much help to the OP but I'm with @SiliconChip

I'm a regular fell walker (as I've probably mentioned previously ☺️) and I expect to pay between £150-£200 for my boots.

SuperExcelMan

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81923970#Comment_81923970

Hi, the local hill in North Wales is Moel Famau, that’s as extreme as I get. I’d like to do more.

I’m just peeved at SD attitude. I know i won’t get anything from them, but they’ve lost a customer now, probably for a good few years