The DSW return policy gives you 90 days from your purchase date to return most shoes and accessories. Items must be unworn and undamaged. You get a full refund to your original payment method if you have the receipt. VIP Elite members get a longer window of 365 days.
That is the short answer. But the return policy for DSW has a few details that trip people up, like return shipping fees, no-receipt returns, and final sale items. This guide covers all of it in plain language.
Quick Answer: DSW Return Policy at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Return window | 90 days from purchase date |
| VIP Elite window | 365 days |
| Condition required | Unworn, undamaged, original packaging |
| Refund with receipt | Full refund to original payment method |
| Refund without receipt | Store credit, with valid photo ID |
| Return shipping fee | $8.50, deducted from refund |
| Who gets free return shipping | VIP Gold and VIP Elite members |
| Final sale items | Not eligible for return |
| Refund processing time | 7 to 10 business days after DSW receives the item |
DSW Return Policy: The 90-Day Window Explained
DSW counts the 90 days from the date on your receipt for in-store purchases. For online orders, it counts from your order or delivery date.
This window applies to almost everything DSW sells, including shoes, boots, handbags, and accessories. The one exception is merchandise marked Final Sale, which cannot be returned or exchanged at all.
Here is what “unworn” actually means at DSW:
- You tried the shoes on inside your home or the store, but did not wear them outside
- The soles show no scuff marks or dirt
- Tags and original packaging are still with the item
- There is no visible damage or sign of use
If shoes come back visibly worn, a DSW associate can refuse the return. This is the number one reason returns get rejected, so keep the box and try shoes on carpet or a clean floor first.
DSW Shoes Return Policy: In-Store vs Online
Where you bought the shoes does not limit where you can return them. You can return an online DSW order at a physical store, and it is usually the faster option.
Returning In-Store
Bring the shoes, the receipt or packing slip, and the original box. In-store returns are free and processed on the spot. Refunds go back to your original payment method.
Returning Online Orders by Mail
- Go to the DSW returns page and enter your order number and email
- Select the items you are returning
- Print the prepaid FedEx return label
- Pack the shoes in the original shoebox, then place that box in a shipping box
- Drop the package at any FedEx location
- Wait 7 to 10 business days after DSW receives it for your refund
Mail-in returns come with an $8.50 shipping fee, taken out of your refund. This fee is waived automatically for VIP Gold and VIP Elite members. If you want to skip the fee entirely, return the item in-store instead.
DSW Return Policy With Receipt vs Without
Your receipt is what turns a return into a full cash refund. Here is how the two situations compare.
With a receipt or order confirmation: You get a full refund to your original payment method. This includes a printed receipt, a digital receipt in your email, or your DSW.com order history if you were signed in.
Without a receipt: DSW can often look up your purchase if you were signed into your VIP account at checkout, or if you used the same card. If they cannot find a record, you will need a valid government-issued photo ID. In that case, you get store credit for the item’s current price, not a cash refund.
This matters most for gifts. If someone gives you shoes from DSW without a gift receipt, expect store credit rather than cash back.
VIP Membership and the Return Policy
DSW’s VIP program changes two things about your return: how long you have, and whether you pay the shipping fee.
| VIP Tier | Spend Required | Return Window | Return Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Club | Free to join | 90 days | $8.50 fee |
| VIP Gold | $200+ per year | 90 days | Free |
| VIP Elite | $500+ per year | 365 days | Free |
If you shop at DSW a few times a year, VIP Gold status is easy to reach and removes the shipping fee headache. VIP Elite is worth it mainly for people who buy off-season or clearance shoes and want a full year of flexibility before deciding.
Exchanges at DSW
DSW handles exchanges as a return plus a new purchase, not a straight swap. If you want a different size, the store refunds the original item and charges you for the new one.
For in-store exchanges, this happens in one transaction at checkout. For online orders, it is usually faster to return the item for a refund and place a new order for the size or color you actually want, rather than waiting on an exchange to process by mail.
What Cannot Be Returned
A few categories fall outside the standard return policy for DSW:
- Items marked Final Sale
- Gift cards
- Items that show clear signs of wear, like scuffed soles or dirt
- Personalized or customized products, where offered
Always check the tag or online listing for a “Final Sale” label before buying clearance shoes if you are not fully sure about the size.
Holiday Return Extensions
DSW typically extends its return window for holiday purchases so gift recipients are not stuck with a tight deadline right after the season. Purchases made in November and December often get extra time into the new year.
This changes slightly each year, so check your receipt or the DSW website in late November if you are buying holiday gifts, rather than relying on the standard 90-day count.
How to Start a DSW Return
The fastest way to return anything is a DSW store, since it needs no shipping label and no waiting. For online-only returns, use the returns page on DSW.com and have your order number ready.
If you run into a problem, like a missing order number or a rejected return, DSW customer service can be reached by phone or live chat through the DSW.com support page.
FAQ
How many days do you have to return shoes to DSW? Standard DSW customers have 90 days from the purchase date. VIP Elite members, who spend $500 or more per year, get 365 days instead.
Can I return DSW shoes without a receipt? Yes, in most cases. DSW can look up purchases made with a VIP account or the same payment card. Without any record, you need a valid photo ID, and the refund is issued as store credit, not cash.
Does DSW charge for return shipping? Yes, mail-in returns carry an $8.50 fee taken out of your refund, unless you are a VIP Gold or VIP Elite member. Returning in-store avoids this fee completely.
Can I return an online DSW order to a physical store? Yes. Online orders can be returned at any DSW store with the packing slip or order confirmation. This is usually faster than mailing it back and skips the shipping fee.
Before You Return Your Shoes
Check your receipt or order confirmation email first, since that is what confirms your purchase date and starting point for the 90-day window. If you are near a DSW store, bringing the shoes in beats mailing them back, since it is free and instant. And if the shoes still have tags and the original box, keep them that way until you are sure about the fit.
