Merrel Shoe Warranty Issue

I purchased a pair of Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes about six months ago in Sivas, at the İvapark shopping center in Turkey. I wore the shoes only a few times, for a total of about 5–6 hours, always walking on asphalt and without any heavy use or strain. Despite this very light use, one of the shoes tore where the upper joins the sole on the inside. This kind of damage in such a short time and under normal city use clearly does not match the quality I expect from a brand like Merrell. I sent the shoes for warranty inspection through the store. After the examination, I was told that the damage was due to customer error, which I absolutely do not accept, because I used the shoes carefully and only on asphalt for a few hours. Because I have no confidence in the durability of this product anymore and the defect appeared under normal use, I do not want an exchange and I am requesting a full refund for the shoes.