Something stuck between leather and liner in shoes.

Sorry man, but I would send it back. That’s going to bug you and look worse as it ages. The Whites (and Bakers, if you went through them) people are good and will feel bad this escaped QC. My guess is that the repair will be prioritised and they will turn it around in a week or two.

 

Agree with Justin. It has to go back. Maybe ask them to prioritize the repair or replacement in the event they don't think about it.

 

I would consider it a significant defect, and return them.

If it's a disappointment now, it will likely only become more so the longer you have them.

 

Definitely send them back. That would bother me every time I looked at the boot. Also I wouldn’t accept it considering the cost of the boots

 

Glad the maker is stepping up to do the right thing.

I'd be curious as to the nature of the debris also. Think your initial surmise of a glob of glue is a pretty good one.

 

Good to hear. Did they have any idea what caused this? I agree, a blob of hardened glue is most likely.

I think I'd also have returned them on this basis, though I suspect had they been selling these in my size at half price as a 'second', that would have been tempting!