to ask for my daughters shoes to be replaced?

[chuffinalong]

Hi, I bought my 10 year old daughter some start-rite shoes in September. They were fitted in the same shop we always go to and she said they felt fine and comfortable. After her first day at school she said they were rubbing at the heel. I thought they just needed wearing in, so I put plasters on her heels and she said they felt fine. After a while I bought some padded heel grips rather than using plasters every day. At first this was fine, then today she's telling me they are still rubbing. There is no sign of any redness or blisters but she is very sensitive to touch.
After nearly 2 months, I don't think the shoes are going to give at all. They are also patent at the heel with a fabric? edging.
I'm going to have to get her some new ones but will I have to buy them, or AIBU to ask for them to be replaced as they are not fit for purpose? They do fit her well, it's just the stiff heels, so it's not the fault of the fitter. Because it's the only shop near us that stock Start-rite and we've been going there ever since our daughter could walk, I don't want them to think we're being unreasonable or complaining.
Should I just explain the situation, see what they say and if they don't offer to replace them, should I just buy another pair and put it down to experience? Thanks.

[Wolfiefan]

You bought them in September. It's November. I really don't think they would be interested. You've had two months wear of them.
We have returned shoes but only the same week.

[CocktailQueen]

If there's no redness or blisters then it sounds as though they fit. You might have problems returning them.

[Kampeki]

I returned some shoes to Clarks around 5 months after we had bought them, without a receipt - the fit was fine but they had fallen apart after perfectly normal wear. Clarkes swapped them for us without any argument.

It's worth a try.

[chuffinalong]

Hmm, I thought that too. I was waiting to see if they'd give. Maybe I should just buy her new ones and maybe try to sell the others as they are in pristine condition as my daughter is a lazy little so and so isn't the sporty type.

[Permanentlyexhausted]

I think YWBU to expect them to replace them but they might be able to offer you advice. Have you tried using insoles?

[chuffinalong]

I'm sure they do fit, we've never had any problems before. It's just that the patent makes them quite stiff at the heel. I'm going to have to get a style which she's had before with soft leather heels..

[chuffinalong]

Yes, she uses an insole in one shoe as she has a whole size difference in her feet. We also use heel grips.

[TweedAddict]

I would try to heat the back of them up using a hair dryer and a hot spoon to soften them. I do this now every new pair of shoes and works a treat, worth a go

[chuffinalong]

That's brilliant, definitely worth a try. Thanks Tweed.

[DreamingOfAFullNightsSleep]

Worth an ask but I have already had to replace a pair of ill fitting shoes from Clarks (why did I go back, always awful?!) with Start-Rite. At my own cost.

[chuffinalong]

I've chosen Clarks a couple of times, but they just look tatty very quickly. My DD has had her last pair of start-rites for 7 months and when polished up, they still looked brand new.

[chuffinalong]

Thank you, I'll try that too.

[MillionToOneChances]

Take them back. At least try!

[zipzap]

have you tried shoe softening spray?

My mum used to use it on shoes that were hard - I can't believe that they don't still make it!