Can I return a pair of walking shoes to Dick's Sporting Goods if I wore them outside for one mile and realized they pinch my toes?
Fan-out diagram
Seed → topic clusters → sub-queries, per model.
Badge and edge weight = share of passes that produced the query. Hover a query for its intent and routing format.
Query classes
Google's semantic query class for every sub-query: what kind of answer each search is after, simulated vs real.
Classes come from the query-classifier (a local Laya model). 1 of 1 calls are low-confidence (under 50%) — hover a query in the table to see its confidence. 31 queries are still being classified.
What the models actually searched
Each model answered the query with its own web search. These are the searches it ran, matched to the closest simulated query.
- Dick's Sporting Goods Returns & Exchanges · dickssportinggoods.com
Semantic map
Every query placed by meaning (EmbeddingGemma 2, 256-d). Shaded regions are topics, nearby points are near-paraphrases, and a circle's size is how often the query came back.
Queries
| Query / type | Search | Intent | Query class | Routing format | Cluster | Freq ↓ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
dicks sporting goods satisfaction guarantee return window RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know the time limit and conditions of the retailer's satisfaction guarantee. | — | faq_page | general store return policy guidelines | 2x of 3 | |
how to stretch walking shoes that pinch toes ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user is looking for alternative solutions if a return is denied and they need to fix the fit. | — | how_to_steps | dealing with footwear fit issues | 2x of 3 | |
what qualifies as defective merchandise dicks sporting goods REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if a pinching design or defect allows for a policy override on worn items. | — | glossary/definition | general store return policy guidelines | 2x of 3 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods return policy worn shoes outside REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to find the exact official policy rules for returning footwear that has been worn outside. | — | faq_page | returning worn shoes to dicks | 1x of 3 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods return policy worn outside REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to find the exact official return policy rules regarding shoes worn outdoors. | — | faq_page | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods return policy worn shoes REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to find the exact official policy text regarding returning footwear that has been worn. | — | faq_page | returning worn shoes to dicks | 1x of 3 | |
can you return shoes to dicks if worn once REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if a single use disqualifies a shoe from being returned. | — | web_article | return requirements without original box | 1x of 3 | |
can you return used shoes to dicks sporting goods REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if any used or lightly worn merchandise is eligible for a return. | — | web_article | exchanging used footwear at dicks | 1x of 3 | |
can you return shoes to dicks if worn outside REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a direct answer about whether outdoor wear voids the return policy. | — | web_article | return requirements without original box | 1x of 3 | |
dicks sporting goods footwear return window and conditions RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to check the timeframe and specific condition requirements for returning shoes. | — | product_spec_sheet | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 | |
returning used running walking shoes to major sporting goods stores IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand industry standards for returning lightly used athletic shoes. | — | comparison_table | exchanging used footwear at dicks | 1x of 3 | |
shoes hurt my feet can I return them IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user is seeking general consumer rights regarding returning uncomfortable or poorly fitting footwear. | — | forum/qna | dealing with footwear fit issues | 1x of 3 | |
REI vs Dick's Sporting Goods shoe return policy COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to compare return strictness between retailers, especially regarding used gear. | — | comparison_table | comparing store shoe return policies | 1x of 3 | |
rei vs dicks sporting goods return policy shoes COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to compare Dick's shoe return flexibility against another major sporting goods retailer. | — | comparison_table | comparing store shoe return policies | 1x of 3 | |
dicks sporting goods return policy used gear RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand how the store handles used or lightly worn sporting goods. | — | web_article | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 | |
athletic shoe brands return policy defect vs fit issues ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if discomfort (pinched toes) is treated differently than a manufacturing defect. | — | web_article | satisfaction guarantee and defect polic… | 1x of 3 | |
footwear brands with best satisfaction guarantee returns ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to identify shoe brands that allow returns even after being worn outside. | — | buyers_guide | satisfaction guarantee and defect polic… | 1x of 3 | |
REI return policy vs Dicks sporting goods shoe returns COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to compare Dick's return leniency for worn footwear against competitor policies like REI. | — | comparison_table | comparing store shoe return policies | 1x of 3 | |
returning shoes to dicks reddit PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to read real customer experiences regarding returning worn shoes to Dick's Sporting Goods. | — | forum/qna | return requirements without original box | 1x of 3 | |
what to do if new walking shoes pinch toes PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants practical advice on whether walking shoes can be stretched or if returning is the only option. | — | how_to_steps | dealing with footwear fit issues | 1x of 3 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods return policy manager discretion RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if store managers have the authority to accept used shoes outside strict policy guidelines. | — | forum/qna | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 | |
dicks sporting goods satisfaction guarantee shoes RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if Dick's offers a comfort or satisfaction guarantee on athletic footwear. | — | web_article | satisfaction guarantee and defect polic… | 1x of 3 | |
walking shoes hurt after one mile break in period RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if pinching during the first mile is normal or if the shoes are defective/wrong size. | — | web_article | dealing with footwear fit issues | 1x of 3 | |
can I return footwear to dicks without original box RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if throwing away or damaging the shoe box prevents a return. | — | faq_page | return requirements without original box | 1x of 3 | |
dicks sporting goods exchange policy worn shoes ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if an exchange for a different size or model is easier than a full refund. | — | faq_page | exchanging used footwear at dicks | 1x of 3 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods return policy receipt requirements REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know what proof of purchase is required if they want a full refund for the shoes. | — | faq_page | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 | |
can you exchange worn shoes at dicks sporting goods REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if an exchange for a different size or model is easier than a full refund. | — | faq_page | exchanging used footwear at dicks | 1x of 3 | |
will dicks take back shoes without original box IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user needs to know if throwing away or damaging the shoe box prevents them from returning the shoes. | — | checklist | return requirements without original box | 1x of 3 | |
returned used shoes to dicks sporting goods reddit PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants anecdotal evidence from real customers who tried returning worn shoes to Dick's. | — | forum/qna | exchanging used footwear at dicks | 1x of 3 | |
running shoe break in period vs wrong size RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand if minor pinching after one mile is normal break-in discomfort or a sign of wrong sizing. | — | web_article | dealing with footwear fit issues | 1x of 3 | |
athletic store return policies used gear ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a broad overview of how major sporting goods retailers handle used gear returns. | — | review_roundup | general store return policy guidelines | 1x of 3 |
Passes
Does another pass still surface new queries? A flattening curve means the fan-out has stabilised.
| Model | Pass | Target | Generated | Seconds | Tokens (in / out) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 1 | 12 | 12 | — | 931 / 1,499 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 2 | 10 | 10 | — | 931 / 1,201 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 3 | 12 | 12 | — | 931 / 1,514 |