What Happened
A runner bought a pair of ASICS running shoes originally priced at ₹12,999, picked up at a 50% discount for ₹6,499. Within a month of regular use, the adhesive gave way along the sides and the sole separated completely from the heel. Classic delamination — and at that price point, completely unacceptable.When the buyer went back to the brand, ASICS acknowledged the issue but declined to offer a refund or replacement. Instead they pushed a credit voucher. The customer said no and took it to the consumer forum.In court, ASICS argued their technical analysis found no manufacturing defect and that the voucher offer was purely a gesture of goodwill. They did not produce a single lab report or expert assessment to back that claim.The commission was not impressed. It ruled that a consumer buying premium branded running shoes has a reasonable right to expect durability, and a sole separating within thirty days is a clear sign of a substandard product. ASICS was ordered to refund the full ₹6,499 and pay an additional ₹10,000 toward compensation and legal costs.What This Means for You
This is the ruling every runner who has ever been fobbed off with store credit needed to see.Running shoes are not fashion accessories. At ₹6,000 and above, you are paying for engineered performance — structured cushioning, durable outsoles, bonded uppers. When a shoe fails structurally within a month, that is not wear and tear. That is a manufacturing defect, and Indian consumer law treats it as one.⚠️ If your running shoes fail early — 5 steps to get a refund in India
Structural failure within 30 days is a manufacturing defect, not normal wear and tear. Here is what to do.
Stop wearing them immediately
Continued use gives the brand grounds to argue excessive wear. The moment the sole separates or any structural failure appears, set the shoes aside and do not run in them again.
⏱ Do this firstPhotograph the damage right away
Take close-up shots of the failure point from multiple angles. Your phone timestamp is automatic evidence. Email the photos to yourself so the date is permanently locked.
Keep your purchase receipt
Digital or physical, this is your entire case. Screenshot your order confirmation, download the invoice from the app or website and save it somewhere you will find it later.
★ Most important stepContact the brand in writing — and decline vouchers
Email customer service with your photos and invoice attached. If they offer store credit, decline it. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 you are entitled to a full refund or replacement, not a coupon for your next purchase from the same brand.
File at your district consumer forum
Filing is free for claims under ₹50 lakh. Submit your complaint at edaakhil.nic.in. Once filed, the burden of proof shifts to the brand — they must produce lab or expert evidence to defend their product. If they cannot, the commission rules in your favour.