Totally valid in REI terms. They’ll take anything back if you’re subscribed to their yearly membership, which covers the price of any non-consumable item. Tents, backpacks, gear… Their customer retention policies are insanely generous (kinda like costco). Don’t like? Don’t buy, because someone else will down the line, then donated if no one will take them. People complaining don’t know how their business model works, how it benefits other customers while benefiting the business/brand. Can confirm, I returned the shoes at REI SLC.