I Face a Refund Denial After Stradivarius Heels Injured My Foot

On May 9, 2026, I purchased a pair of high-heeled shoes from the Stradivarius store at Gaziemir Optimum Shopping Mall and paid approximately $35 by credit card. I wore the shoes only once, and during that first use they caused severe discomfort and injury to my foot, particularly around my ankle and heel area. The pain became so intense that it affected my ability to walk normally.

As a result, I returned to the same store on June 5 to request a refund on the grounds that the product was defective and unsuitable for normal use. However, what upset me even more than the physical injury was the extremely disrespectful and unprofessional attitude displayed by the store manager. Instead of discussing the obvious problem with the product, the manager responded with a mocking and dismissive comment, stating, “The problem is not with the shoe, it’s with your foot.” This remark was both insulting and inappropriate and made me feel belittled as a customer. Another employee also attempted to end the conversation by stating that the store would not take responsibility for the issue.

I do not accept that Stradivarius can sell a product that causes physical harm and then refuse a return request while treating customers in such a disrespectful manner. I am requesting that the return of these shoes be approved, that the approximately $35 I paid be refunded in full to my credit card, and that the conduct of the Gaziemir Optimum Stradivarius store manager be formally reviewed through the appropriate disciplinary channels.

If this matter is not resolved fairly, I intend to escalate my complaint to Inditex headquarters and pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a claim with the Consumer Arbitration Committee.