ANOTHER UPDATE
Well, so far, they will take the boot back and give a a credit, but I am not thrilled with the idea ordering these again and possibly getting another pair with the same issue. (I think the issue is that the dye didn't take properly on the sole). Or worse, not being able to get them in my size anymore.
I guess one option is to keep them and hope an application of off-white polish around the sole will make a difference. These really were "cheap as chips".
Another is to go ahead and do the return and take my chances on getting either the same style (with a nice fully white sole) in my size, or another pair. I can probably expect to pay shipping both ways.
If I go the return route, I've identified a couple of possible alternatives in finds.
The Jaca boot appears to have a slightly wider toe box and higher shaft, but a dark sole. There's also a knee high option (two colours) and a chunky one. Plus an appealing pair in a mossy green that are quite tempting regardless of what happens with the current pair.
I didn't pay a lot for these boots, ($50 CAD plus $10 shipping) so I don't expect them to jump through hoops for me. I've paid $10 in shipping already, and I assume they'll dock me another $10 on the return, plus $10 more to send any new pair.
I honestly don't expect them to eat $20 in additional shipping costs on a boot this price, but I don't really want to add another $20 to my cost, either -- unless I know I'm actually going to come out ahead. I'd almost rather put the $20 toward another pair of boots.
What do you think? Opinions, advice, observations all welcome!!
(The last find, Alfama, are the ones with the dye issue.)