To be fucking annoyed by Sports Direct?

[Absentmindedwoman]

Trainers fell apart within three months, holes in the heels and inner soles falling out. They're insisting this is completely normal. I'm insisting it's not and there's no way they are fit for the purpose of exercising. It's a reasonable expectation that trainers last 400 miles, not 150.

How can it be legal to sell shit faulty goods like this?

ARGHHH I'M SO ANNOYED!

I would expect branded running shoes to last a lot longer. But are they running shoes, or something more general?

They are running shoes, bought for that purpose, after I stood on the wee machine in the shop which makes an image of your socked foot to see what kind might suit you, and a youth working in the running section advised that they would be good for what I wanted.

They were so comfortable too and what I really liked about them was how light they were. So all things considered I was pretty disappointed when they started to disintegrate.

I've had New Balance shoes before and they lasted well, sounds like a dud pair. Even though SD should deal with it for you if they aren't going to I'd email NB with pictures of the shoes explaining the situation

Ah, ok. Although the shoes could be faulty, it's possible that you were misadvised - maybe they're not suitable for your running style. Worth getting some advice from NB before talking to Sports Direct, in case they're not the right shoes for you, in which case a direct replacement wouldn't be much good.

The fact that you consulted a SD "expert" and told them exactly what you wanted the shoes for is an excellent point in your favour. Look at section 10 of the CRA as well and keep at them!

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/10/enacted

I bought some Nike trainers from SD 3-4 years ago and they're still going strong (worn at gym 3-4 times s week)
I've since heard how bad their customer service is so won't shop there anymore - I made a similar decision some years ago about Argos after a bad experience trying to return s faulty sat nav
If we all did this in the end they would notice the lack of customers

I'd expect NB to be good for about 500 miles. When I went for gait analysis and a trainer fitting (at an independent running shop), they told me to expect to replace my runners approx. every 500 miles. The advice was to purchase the new runners at 450 miles and alternate to break them in before retiring the old pair. Old ones should still be good for weights work in the gym, general wear etc.

Sounds like you got a dud pair - I'd email NB and ask them for their guidance on the model you have. No disrespect to SD staff but I wouldn't put a lot of store in them training people properly to fit running shoes. Proper gait analysis should look at you whilst you are running - standing on a machine won't tell you whether you actually pronate or not.

I had issues with Sports direct and did manage to get a refund in the form of a cheque.

It was bloody hard going though and I fully expected it to bounce when paying it in (it didn't!)

Average use for the shoes was 5k on the treadmill 3 times a week during the three months I had them.

I wear NB and run a similar amount on the roads. Mine lasted for about 3 years until the wore through at the bottom.

Someone up thread said the SD didn't make them so why should they refund?
As the retailer they are responsible, not the manufacturer.

Contact CAB who will report it to trading standards to investigate

I'd print off the consumer law and. Go back in.