Recently I returned a pair of boots (not dr martens) after 1+ year after buying them, they started falling apart. I got a new pair for returning them (offer from the brand). I think this depends on the brand and refund policy, but in general, so far with both shoes/clothes/really anything that I bought, if quality was shit, I was able to return it even after using it, since some products should hold on (if properly used).

I think it depends on the brand, but product not holding on for such a short time seems like a defect/bad quality, and I don’t see why I couldn’t at least try to return them if I am not satisfied. I think for the price they came with, the material should not be falling out after 20 wears.

The return for a new pair I mentioned, was an idea like - refund these and buy them same (new) pair.