They probably evaluate on a case by case basis. I returned a pair of Kobe VI earlier this year after the carbon fiber on my right sneaker cracked and the shoe was no longer safe to wear. The shoe had about 6-8 months of indoor wear. Even though I bought the shoes on sale for $80, Nike sent me a product voucher for the shoe's full retail price. I wouldn't recommend returning a beat pair of shoes but if there was a manufacturer defect and within the warranty period, they'll give you a voucher.i doubt nike will give you a refund if you wore and beat the shoes to death. what about all those athletes the kill their shoes in baseball or football? I doubt they'll get a refund for beating their shoes through use.