Brand new shoes have ruined our wooden floor. WWYD?

[CoffeeChocolateWine]

Repost from AIBU. I'm interested in getting some opinions and some 'what would you do?' responses to this...

My DH bought a fairly expensive pair of work shoes (about £120) at the weekend from a well known shoe shop. Last night he started to wear them in around the house and after about half an hour I started to notice big scratches, chips and splinters out of our wooden floor. On closer inspection of the shoes, two nails in the sole were still slightly protruding.

My DH and I are actually pretty devestated by the complete mess the shoes have made of our floor as we only had it done about a 18 months ago and it cost us a small fortune. The floorboards are stained so where the scratches and chips are is really obvious.

DH is going to contact the company and try and get them to pay for the damage. Has anyone got experience of this? What are our chances of getting some kind of compensation? We reckon the damage to the floor is around about £500.

[Fantissue]

They'll just argue that outdoor shoes aren't for indoor use.

To be honest thought, did you think no one would ever wear stilettos on your floor or come in with a stone stuck in their shoe that would scratch it? I feel for you but they'll have a pretty strong argument that it's your responsibility to check before you put anything down on the floor.

[WaxyDaisy]

Claim on your insurance?

[Bearleigh]

I would think you would have a good case if you make a big enough fuss. They won't want the publicity, and you could perhaps ultimately take them to the small claims court.

Did you husband not notice the noise of nails on wood though?

[CoffeeChocolateWine]

Fantissue, really? But would 'work shoes' really be classed as outdoor shoes?? His work is based in an office! In answer to your question though, we very rarely wear shoes inside and the majority of people take their shoes off when they come in the house. DH was only wearing them to 'wear them in' as he's going to a conference the week after next. He only planned to wear them for an hour.

Bear, I think DH does plan to kick up a fuss so we'll see where it gets us. We have to try. The nails are tiny and they were quite noisy shoes on wood anyway IYKWIM, so no we didn't hear anything. And the nails are only protruding a tiny bit so it would have been difficult to see unless you were really looking for it. But it's enough to have made a right old mess of the floor

Thanks for responses and yes, I will look into claiming on insurance, thank you.

[Fantissue]

All shoes are outdoor shoes - is he going to change into walking boots to go from the car to the office?

[lljkk]

I can't help but think OP's floor isn't fit for purpose.

[Breakage]

Actually, I think if the shoes are faulty (with protruding nails) and they are from a reputable old established manufacturer (£120, maybe?) then you have a good chance of them offering you something as a goodwill gesture.

It's a very new middle/working class idea that shoes should be removed indoors. "Establishment" people don't think like that at all, in fact it is (was) considered poor manners to remove your shoes in someone else's house . Shoes shouldn't cause that much damage to floors.

I think Dh needs to go in and politely explain what has happened and ask what are they going to do about it before kicking up a fuss though.

[Fantissue]

All shoes are outdoor shoes - is he going to change into walking boots to go from the car to the office?

[specialsubject]

insurance job. Although quite surprised he didn't notice sooner!!

[Anatana]

LOL, Breakage. The best part is that you really mean it!

LOL

[FrogbyAnotherName]

Isn't this why you pay your insurance company?

So they can kick up a fuss and pursue the shoe shop/wholesaler/manufacturer for recompense after they have paid out for damage caused under your policy?