Poor quality sneakers and unfair refusal for exchange

I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the sneakers I purchased for R3 000 at Lacoste, Mall of Africa. I have only worn them twice in less than a month and they are already damaged.

When I returned the sneakers to the store, I was asked if I had washed them. I explained that I didn’t but they came into contact with water once while I was in Cape Town during my first wear. However, the shoes already had dents before the water exposure. Despite this, the store refused an exchange, blaming the issue on water damage.

It is unreasonable to expect that sneakers marketed as “premium leather” cannot withstand even light contact with water. Does this mean I cannot wear them if it rains? For a pair of sneakers worth R3 000, the quality is shockingly poor and does not match the premium image the brand portrays.

I feel completely let down as a customer, and I believe the product is not fit for purpose. I request that Lacoste review this matter fairly and provide a proper resolution, either through an exchange or refund.