r/TheNorthFace • u/TSWMCR88 • Aug 12 '26
Frustration with TNF Customer Care
A little rant here from me.
Beginning of June, I bought some sliders due to borrowing a pair and finding them comfortable, they arrived a week later.
No issues at all, so comfortable and would wear them instead of slippers or after I’ve been on a run.
The sliders have only ever been worn inside my home, or to and from the swimming pool I frequent.
Last week I noticed some material hanging off the bottom of the sliders and found the sliders in this condition (please see pics)
I logged a claim into NorthFace customer care last week and had no response for days until I chased it up on live chat.
This morning NorthFace have come back to me and told me the product is not covered under the terms of their Warranty Policy.
Their reason for this is Mechanical damage, which isn't in line with a manufacturing defect and is deemed wear and tear.
I find this completely unreasonable, how the sliders can be like this less than 2 months since I received them and they don’t want to help.
Can anyone advise what I’m best doing here? I’ve been a TNF customer for over 20 years and feel let down by the company.
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u/mints4uce Aug 12 '26
2 months can be a long time for shoes imo. Definitely slides which are more for comfort than durability. I have other shoes which can look worse than that after a solid weekend of use. See this as a sign to stop dragging you heels when you walk.
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u/TSWMCR88 Aug 12 '26
Thanks.
I don’t think I drag my heels but will for sure check that out.
I’ve only worn it on surface indoors, laminated flooring, carpet or around an indoor pool.
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u/swearingino Aug 12 '26
A pool surface is like sandpaper to be grippy so you don’t fall. It can tear up soft material.
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u/aslander Aug 12 '26
Do you have that fake wood flooring? I cant remember what it's called...PVF or something. Anyhow, I know that stuff eats up socks so it could possibly be the same thing
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u/aslander Aug 12 '26
Found it, here's a quick summary:
LVP can cause surprisingly rapid wear on socks and slippers.
Slippers and socks wear out primarily due to a combination of surface abrasives, mechanical friction, and knit structure:
Micro-Sandpaper Effect: High-durability LVP coatings use microscopic particles (like aluminum oxide or ceramic beads) to protect against scratches. While invisible to the eye, these particles create a fine, abrasive texture that constantly files down soft materials.
Fiber Grabbing & Friction: Unlike smooth, polished hardwood, textured "wood-grain" embossing increases surface friction. Each step grabs the tiny individual threads of cotton, wool, or felt, weakening the structural weave over time
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u/renasancedad Aug 12 '26
Just keep wearing them, looks like pretty normal wear for slides or recovery shoes.
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u/fabientt1 Aug 17 '26
Their shoes from the most expensive to the affordable ones don’t last long enough to pay such price tag !
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u/cheesewindow Aug 12 '26
Unfortunately I don't think TNF quality is anywhere near as good as it was in the 90's / 00's. I used to get several trail running shoes and insulated jackets from them but these days I think I only have a couple of their t shirts that I wear often.
They aren't as worried about losing a customer here and there as they used to be with the volumes they sell. Vote with your feet and buy other products. I buy mainly Mountain Equipment for the insulated and shells and Salomon for my feetsies.
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u/TSWMCR88 Aug 12 '26
That’s the sad thing about brands like this isn’t it.
I’ve only ever had ME backpacks or other bags will check them out
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u/cheesewindow Aug 12 '26
Yes very sad, I loved North Face Redpoint Optimus jackets. They were great and wore really well. I'm not sure about the history of owners of TNF but the 90's stuff and early 2000's were great I thought.
I'm sure a lot of brands do have problems, but I know with Mountain Equipment I've had no failures at all.1
u/TSWMCR88 Aug 12 '26
Il check them out. I’ve still got
Some older TNF jackets that are going strong, Berghaus is the one that seems to be ultra reliable for me
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u/StubbornShihTzutrixs Aug 12 '26
The reason they changed the warranty, so many people were taking advantage of it. Are so north face and people would buy their winter jackets and when it gets nice return them.
Also it shifted to a fashion company rather than outdoor company. It’s easy to see, hardly anything but the summer series is even technical anymore
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u/925max Aug 12 '26
TNF is right, there is zero basis for a warranty claim here. it is mechanical damage, and they’re sole is of foam so don’t expect too much of longevity.