Red Wing Shoes Denied access to store initially, said I needed medical grade face mask when employee was not wearing medical grade face mask. Rolled eyes and ignored me when I said I had several underlying conditions. Rochester New York

 I went to exchange my boots of which I was told the out-soles should last several years, but had worn through to the soft rubber hidden inside in less than a year. I was told at time of purchase that the out-soles were solid rubber, but just a softer type of rubber. What I discovered were chambers filled with soft spongey rubber much like the crap sold at Wal-mart.  I went to the Greece, NY store 45 minutes before closing only to discover that the door was LOCKED.

 I saw two employees inside, but no customers. I pointed to the closing time on the door, and one of them came over, opened the door and stood there blocking the entrance (while standing within my 6 ft radius). He said I needed to wear a mask to enter the store. I could have easily maintained a 6 foot distance to comply with the governor's silly "mandates".  I explained that I needed to exchange boots under warranty and that I had multiple underlying conditions which would prohibit me from wearing a face mask.

 When I said this, the one younger employee subtly rolled his eyes. I was asked if I possessed a note from my doctor. I informed both employees that they were not only discriminating, but were violating both HIPAA regulations as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. They did not seem to care and one kept repeating how it was company policy. I let them know that company policy could not trump a federal law such as the ADA of 1990.

 I said "Fine", went out to my car and grabbed my homemade mask which was less restrictive, made for just such an occasion. It met all the posted and defined requirements for a face mask. When I returned, the door was locked again.

 As I waited for them to open the door again, the older of the two said "Oh no, that won't do, you need to have a medical grade mask". Other customers were not being asked to wear medical grade masks, and the employees both seemed to have non-medical aftermarket masks on. I commented on how there were no customers in the store at that time. I informed them in so many words that they were legally on thin ice. I reluctantly put on one of their store-supplied masks after they refused to help me until I did and while being made to feel like a pile of excrement in their store, tried on one other pair of boots, and found that an even exchange was not available at that store anyway. I was prepared to upgrade at an additional $200.00, but due to the horrible treatment, decided I didn't want to give this company any more money.

 I don't need to say this, but I will. I am a veteran with a long history of blacking out and having anxiety attacks. Soon after my recent brain surgery, It was determined that I have a seizure disorder. I also have a genetic history of COPD.

 I promptly walked out without looking back.

 Red Wings' cowardly submission to unlawful and unconstitutional orders, as well as practicing blatant discrimination, should put them out of business. After all, if I want boots that will only last a year, I can just go to Walmart for a fraction of the price.

I also just discovered that the boots from this "all-American" shoe store are made in China.

I am open to offers of legal representation.

Photographic evidence to be posted soon.