My walking shoes wore down after only seven months. Is this really fair wear and tear?

‘If all you’ve been doing with the shoes is regular walking activities, you probably have a good case to make for a repair, replacement or refund,’ writes Kat George. Photograph: Beeldbewerking/Getty Images

I bought a specific walking shoe on advice from the sales assistant. After seven months the inside heel wore away on both shoes, causing blisters and subsequently stopping me from wearing them. I checked their complaints policy and returned to the store of purchase. The sales assistant said it was fair wear and tear, then moved on to another customer. I emailed the company, who asked for pictures, sales docket and history. They too came back as fair wear and tear, even though I had stated that I believed the shoes had not met acceptable quality or fitness for purpose in accordance with Australian consumer law. The original cost was $169, suggesting to me that the company accepts I should be paying in excess of $340 a year to wear their product. What are my next steps?

– Rob, Queensland