I have plantar fasciitis and was recommended an Asics sneaker by a professional. Dashing out during a lunch hour I quickly picked up a pair of 10.5 in the style that provided the support I needed. Already having a pair of Asics I knew 10.5 was what I needed. However that weekend when I tried them the first time it was obvious they didn't provide nearly the support they were supposed to. It was then that I realized that in my haste I had picked up a 10.5 4E (wide). I had paid 139.99 for the pair so I quickly called the store and said I had a question about a return. The young woman who answered the phone asked what my question was and I explained in detail what had happened AND explained that I worn them outside around the block when I came to the realization of what had happened. The young woman politely explained that because they had been worn outside the only thing that the store would be able to do would be to exchange them for size. I was very relieved to hear this noting the money I had paid. I asked for her name and thanked her profusely. Upon arriving at the store the following afternoon with the wide pair and picking up a pair of regular 10.5 I went to the checkout and explained the matter. The man at the checkout was the manager and upon opening the box looked at the 10.5 4Es and flatly said that I could not return these because they had been worn outside. I explained that I had shared this concern which is why I called the store immediately to understand what my options were. The manager then relayed to me at the checkout in front of other customers that the information I received was incorrect and that the employee would now be in a great deal of trouble for what she had said. Furthermore, the manager proceeded to tell me tersely that I should ask for a manager when calling about these matters so that I don't receive "bad information." I conveyed to the manager that when I called I said I had a question about a return and the young woman offered her assistance. I then added that I didn't think to turn down her offer for assistance for concern that she may provide me "bad information." He continued to hold his stance not to exchange them. With my frustration rising I said that I would not have driven from my home to the store 20 miles away had someone from his store told me the previous evening that this exchange could not be done. Without even bothering to look at me the manager said that he would exchange them but reiterated that the employee is in trouble and that I should make sure I had the right size this time. I am 41 and wanting to only purchase sneakers that provide support for my arch. I'm not a 16 year-old looking to pull a fast one with the latest high-end basketball sneakers. With his last words taking on a sarcastic undertone, I had it. I replied with an equal "thank you" and added that this was not a habit of mine that I performed on a regular basis...going around stores trying to exchange wide sneakers the day after they were worn for getting new ones the very next day. I doubt this is the type of service received at all Sports Authority stores but if this is what I can expect from the manager at this particular store - no thanks; I'll take my business elsewhere and tell family, friends, and co-workers to do the same. Moreover, perhaps the manager can take some customer service tips from the young woman who answered my call the previous night. While being understanding yet professional she outlined what my options were and I was quite relieved. Had she been the manager, I would have raved about the service from the store noting the flub I made in picking up the first pair so quickly. I wonder sometimes how managers such as the one I spoke to at the store get to the position they're at. Also because I don't want to appear that I'm hiding behind a veil of anonymity in making this complaint, my name is Robert Downard, my phone is 610-996-4039, and I'll be calling this complaint in to Sports Authority as well.