To think I should get a refund?

[sunnyisfunny]

I bought a pair of expensive walking boots 18 months ago, fitted at Cotswold outdoor (they actually advise and fit, rather than you just go and try on random boots). They also sold me some leather protector and advised me to use it to keep them in good condition.

Recently the leather split, and I realised they had a two year guarantee, so I took them back to the shop. They said they'd send them to the manufacturer to inspect.

Today I got an email, saying they'd been inspected and found not to be faulty. The attached letter from the manufacturer said they'd been under pressure at the point where they'd split because they weren't the right fit, and the leather had been over treated making them less hard wearing.

If that's the case, Cotswold outdoor surely have something to answer to? They fitted the boots (and they've been very comfy so I feel they fit well) and they upsold me the leather treatment, which I've actually only used every couple of months when they've got really mucky and needed a good clean. So definitely not been "over treated".

Cotswold outdoor say they're "not changing their position". I'm really annoyed, my DH has the exact same boots and they've lasted five years.

Any advice? Have I got a leg to stand on?

Worth posting on social media? I'd be cross too.

Yep, threaten them to trading standards, tear apart the 2 year guarantee. They are not fit for purpose, you have been misinformed and misled. Show them how much product of the leather care you have. State they are not fit for purpose and you would like a refund or replacement pair.

I'm trying to work out who I should be mainly debating this with - the manufacturer or the shop?

I'm thinking the manufacturer really, because they really should have lasted longer and what's the point of a two year guarantee if they're going to basically say "you wore them wrong"

You don't have a contract with the manufacturer. Your contract of sale, and guarantee, is with the shop. So that's who you deal with.

When I took them back to the shop, they said "it's a two year manufacturer's guarantee, so we have to send them off for them to examine".

The manufacturer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights and they can impose any restrictions on it that they want.

Your rights are, as Aussi says, with the retailer. You need to deal with them now.

What you also have to bear in mind is, as it’s over 6 months since purchase the onus is on you to prove they don’t confirm to contract/faulty/not fit for purpose. IF you can do this, then the retailer may have to offer a remedy..but even if this is the case, any remedy can be reduced because of usage and time you’ve already had them.

Trading Standards won’t be interested at this point.