Shoes & Footwear Return Policies
Check original designer shoe box requirements, tags regulations, and wear/tear return allowances.
Category Comparison Matrix
| Retailer | Return Window | Receipt Required | Opened Items | Return Postage Fee | Policy Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Navy | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
| Nordstrom | Lifetime | Optional | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Kohl's | 90 Days | Card Lookup | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Lululemon | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
| Cat and Jack | 90 Days | Mandatory | Allowed | Free returns | View Policy |
| Shein | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $7.99 mail fee | View Policy |
| Nordstrom Rack | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $9.95 mail fee | View Policy |
| Zara | 30 Days | Mandatory | Restricted | $3.95 mail fee | View Policy |
| Macy's | 30 Days | Card Lookup | Restricted | Free returns | View Policy |
Shoes have a returns problem no other category has: the sole. One walk outside can mark a shoe as "worn" and void a return that would have sailed through the day before. Retailers also care more about the box than you'd expect — several treat the original shoe box as part of the product. Here's how the common scenarios actually play out at the stores we track.
Scenario 1: You wore them once, indoors, and they don't fit
You're generally fine — this is what try-on allowances are for. Lululemon explicitly says shoes can be worn to test them out, as long as they come back in the original box with the receipt. Nordstrom handles returns case by case with no set deadline, which in practice is generous about lightly tried shoes. The strict end of the spectrum: Nordstrom Rack, Zara, and Old Navy all require unworn condition with tags attached, so even careful indoor wear is a risk if it leaves any mark.
Scenario 2: They were a gift and you don't have the receipt
Gift receipts turn into store credit almost everywhere — Macy's issues a Merchandise Card, Kohl's issues Merchandise Credit, and Old Navy issues a gift card. Without any receipt at all, your options narrow fast: Kohl's and Macy's can look up the purchase from the buyer's card, but Nordstrom Rack, Zara, Shein, Old Navy, and Lululemon all require proof of purchase and will deny the return without it.
Scenario 3: They fell apart after a month
Now you're outside most return windows — Zara, Old Navy, Shein, Nordstrom Rack, and Macy's all run roughly 30-day windows — but you may not be out of luck. Lululemon's Quality Promise covers manufacturing defects separately from the return window. Cat & Jack kids' shoes are covered by Target's one-year guarantee even if they're worn out. And Nordstrom's no-deadline policy means a genuine quality failure is still worth bringing in. Keep the receipt: every defect claim goes smoother with proof of purchase.
Shoes & Footwear Retailer Listings
Old Navy
Old Navy items can be returned within 30 days of purchase or shipment. Returns are free inside physical store locations or by mail using a prepaid shipping label.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom handles returns on a case-by-case basis with no strict return window or deadline. Items must be in reasonable condition, and Nordstrom reserves the right to refuse returns if abuse is detected.
Kohl's
Kohl's offers a 90-day standard return window, which is extended to 120 days for purchases made with a Kohl's Card. Premium electronics, watches, and Sephora at Kohl's items must be returned within 30 days. Baby registry items have a 365-day window. Beverages, trading cards, and open breast pumps are non-returnable. Threshold delivery items are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
Lululemon
Lululemon has a standard 30-day return window. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have original price tags attached. Shoes can be worn but must be returned inside their original box. Customized items are final sale.
Cat and Jack
Cat & Jack children's apparel is a Target-owned brand, which uses Target's standard return policy rules (90 days). However, all Target-owned brands carry a 1-year satisfaction guarantee, allowing returns of outgrown or worn items within 365 days if you have the receipt.
Shein
SHEIN allows returns within 30 days of purchase. Electronics must be unused and in original packaging. Underwear, bodysuits, lingerie, jewelry, cosmetics, pet products, free gifts, customized items, and clearance items are strictly non-returnable.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack allows returns of unworn, unused items within the designated return period (standard is 30 days). Original packaging and hangtags must be intact, and proof of purchase is strictly required.
Zara
Zara allows returns within 30 days of the shipment date (for online orders) or purchase date (in-store). Items must be unworn, undamaged, and have all tags attached. Returns made in-store are free; online returns shipped by mail are subject to a $3.95 fee.
Macy's
Macy's allows returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and have all original tags attached. Gently used cosmetics and fragrances are accepted. Holiday purchases made Oct 10 - Dec 25 are extended to Jan 31.
Related Categories
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Clothing & Apparel Return PoliciesReview tags-on conditions, unworn garment restrictions, hygienic liners, and return mailing fees.
Furniture & Decor Return PoliciesVerify guidelines for return shipping of mattresses, sofas, tables, and associated freight restocking fees.