Buying shoes online always carries a bit of risk. The heel might fit differently than expected, or the color could look off under real lighting. DSW built its return policy around that reality, giving most shoppers 60 days from purchase to return unworn footwear and accessories.
VIP Elite members stretch that window all the way to 365 days. Whether you bought in-store, on DSW.com, or through a delivery app, this guide to the DSW return policy 2026 covers every scenario so you never lose money on a pair of shoes that did not work out.
DSW Return Policy at a Glance
| Website | dsw.com |
| Return Time | 60 days (standard); 365 days for VIP Elite members |
| Return Medium | In-Store and Online (mail via FedEx) |
| Exchange Period | 60 days for original payment refund on exchanges |
| Refund Time | 7 to 10 business days after return processed |
| Refund Method | Original payment method; store credit without receipt |
| Contact | 1-866-379-7463 |
| Email Support | customer.support@dsw.com |
Standard Return Window: 60 Days
The DSW return policy allows customers to return most unworn, undamaged merchandise within 60 days of the purchase date for a full refund to the original payment method. Returns after 60 days, even with a receipt, qualify only for store merchandise credit.
It is worth noting that some older sources online still reference a 90-day window. That reflects a previous policy. As confirmed by DSW staff and verified in December 2025, the standard window is now 60 days for the vast majority of shoppers.
VIP Elite: 365-Day Return Window
DSW VIP Elite members, those who spend $500 or more per calendar year, enjoy an extended 365-day return window on all purchases made after April 30, 2018. This benefit essentially eliminates the pressure of keeping track of return deadlines for frequent shoppers.
VIP Gold: Free Return Shipping
VIP Gold members (spending $200 annually) and VIP Elite members both receive free return shipping on mail-in returns. Standard customers pay an $8.50 return shipping fee when using the prepaid FedEx label.
Condition Requirements for DSW Returns
DSW requires returned items to meet these conditions:
- Unworn: Shoes must not have been worn outdoors. Even minimal wear can result in rejection.
- Original packaging: Items should be in the original shoe box. For mail returns, place the shoe box inside a separate shipping box.
- All tags attached: Tags and any included inserts must be present.
- No customer damage: Damaged items caused by the customer are not eligible.
How to Return DSW Items
Returning In-Store
In-store returns are the fastest and most cost-effective option. You can return online purchases at any physical DSW location. Bring the item in its original box along with your receipt or order confirmation. A staff member processes the return on the spot, and the refund goes directly to your original payment method.
No receipt? DSW can look up your purchase if you used your VIP account or provided your phone number at checkout. Without any proof, a valid government-issued photo ID is required, and the refund is issued as store credit for the item’s current selling price.
Returning by Mail
- Visit dsw.com and navigate to the returns section.
- Enter your order number and email address.
- Select the items to return and print the prepaid FedEx return label.
- Pack the shoes in their original box, then place that box inside a shipping box.
- Drop the package at any FedEx location.
- Track your return by email. Refunds process 7 to 10 business days after DSW receives the package.
Note: The $8.50 return shipping fee is deducted from your refund unless you are a VIP Gold or Elite member, or you use the DSW credit card for the purchase.
DSW Exchange Policy
DSW offers exchanges for the same item in a different size or color within 60 days. For in-store exchanges, the process is immediate. For mail exchanges, DSW ships the new item once the return is scanned at FedEx, which means you do not have to wait for the original item to arrive at the warehouse before your replacement ships.
If you want a completely different style rather than a size swap, process a standard return and place a new order. Exchanges after 60 days are eligible for store credit on any difference owed.
PayPal and Afterpay Exchanges
If you paid with PayPal, Venmo, or Afterpay, exchanges must be completed in-store. These payment methods cannot be processed through the online exchange system.
DSW Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Not everything at DSW qualifies for return. These categories are excluded:
- Final Sale items: Clearly marked with a sticker on the box or a label online. These cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances, even if defective. Contact customer service for exceptions on defective Final Sale products.
- Specialty products: Fragrances, dry shampoos, nail polish, facial care products, rechargeable batteries, and USB rechargeable devices are final sale once opened. Unopened specialty products can be returned in-store only.
- Gift cards: Non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
- DoorDash and Uber purchases: These qualify for a 30-day return window in-store only, for merchandise credit.
DSW Refund Policy: Timelines and Methods
Refunds for in-store returns are typically immediate or same-day. Mail-in returns take longer: plan for 5 to 7 business days for FedEx transit plus 7 to 10 business days for DSW to process, and then additional time for your bank to post the funds. The total realistic timeframe for a mail refund is two to three weeks
Refunds go back to the original payment method whenever possible. PayPal refunds return to your PayPal account. If you used a combination of PayPal and a gift card, the entire refund goes to a DSW gift card.
DSW Holiday Return Policy 2025 to 2026
DSW extended its return window for the holiday season. Purchases made between November 1 and December 31, 2025 at dsw.com or any US DSW store received a 90-day return and exchange window from the purchase date. For gift recipients, items with a gift receipt generate merchandise credit. Without a gift receipt, a valid government ID is required for store credit at the current selling price.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the DSW Return Policy 2026
1. How many days do I have to return shoes to DSW?
Standard shoppers have 60 days from the purchase date for a full refund to the original payment method. VIP Elite members get 365 days.
2. Can I return worn shoes to DSW?
No. DSW only accepts shoes that are unworn and in their original packaging. Shoes worn even once outdoors are typically rejected, though individual store managers have some discretion.
3. What is the return shipping fee at DSW?
The fee is $8.50 for mail returns. VIP Gold and Elite members, and DSW credit card holders, receive free return shipping.
4. Can I return online DSW purchases in-store?
Yes. Online purchases can be returned at any physical DSW location with no shipping fee and immediate refund processing.
5. What happens if I return DSW shoes without a receipt?
You can still return without a receipt if you present a valid government-issued photo ID. The refund is issued as store merchandise credit at the item’s current selling price, which may be lower than what you originally paid.
Conclusion
The DSW return policy 2026 is one of the more generous in footwear retail. A 60-day window, free in-store returns, and a clear path for no-receipt returns make the process manageable for most shoppers.
VIP membership adds significant value, especially the 365-day window for Elite members. Always check items for the Final Sale sticker before purchase, and remember that in-store returns are faster and cheaper than mailing. For questions, call DSW at 1-866-379-7463.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.