So I was at my local running shoe store this afternoon, trying to find a new pair to start breaking in for the marathon. I have plenty of time, but I don’t really like my current pair for longer runs, and I don’t like the new model of my previous shoes, so it might take a couple tries!

While I was lacing a pair up, a woman walked up to the counter with a return.

Not unusual, I had actually just returned two pairs that I bought the previous week. Many runners, especially those prone to problems (like my knee), will try the shoes out on a treadmill for a mile or so before committing.

Most stores won’t take them back if you’ve run in them outdoors. Some will, but I would feel guilty doing that since they probably can’t sell them if they’ve gotten dirty or the soles are a bit worn. So I always take them for a test drive!

Anyway, this women asked the manager if it was OK if she didn’t have the receipt. She explained how she probably had it at home. This store does track your purchases in their computer, so I guess she figured they’d have a record that she did indeed just buy these shoes from them.

The manager opened the box, seeing a pair of Brooks shoes in an Asics box. She told him that she had the box at home, but she wore the new (Brooks) shoes into another store, tried on the Asics and liked them better, and left that store wearing her new Asics. The clerk at the second store put her “old” shoes into the new shoebox.

So …

1. The shoes were worn outside
2. She did not have a receipt
3. She did not have the original box

The manager explained to her that he wouldn’t be able to sell them without the box, but apparently she couldn’t be bothered to go home and get the box.

He did take them back, though. I hope she didn’t get the full amount!