These Stores let you Return Worn Shoes: No Questions Asked!
You never really know if new shoes fit until you wear them out in the real world, do you?
This sucks because you usually can't return shoes once you've worn them once. But some stores DO let you return used shoes. Here's a handy list for reference so you can try your shoes out & still get a refund if they don't work out. Hooray!
Disclaimer: unfortunately stores can change their return policy at any time. So if in any doubt, please check you can still return used items before you order.
🇺🇸 Kohls: 90-120 day returns for worn items
US department store Kohl's have tons of women's shoes in sizes 11 and 12, plus a few 13s and have a very generous 90-120 day returns policy. You get 30 days longer to return if you if you pay with a Kohl's card. While their returns policy does not explicitly state you can return used items, that's how it works in practise. I chatted online with a Kohl's representative to confirm this:
Me: I've a question about your return policy, specifically whether I could still return shoes I have worn on a test outing outside?
Kohl's: Janine, we at kohl's accept most returns with or without a receipt...You can still return the items if you use them or without a box/tag.
Me: So I could still return worn shoes if they're still uncomfortable after trying to break them in?
Kohl's:Yes, you can return them, If it doesn't pass the return time frame: 90 days of purchase for non-Kohl’s Card transactions and 120 days of purchase for Kohl’s Card transactions.
Kohl's employees on Reddit also say that items can be returned in any condition. But they prefer if you wash clothing first & admit you have worn items if it's not obvious, so they don't put used stuff back out for resale.
Shop at Kohls🌎 Vionic: 30 day money back guarantee
Comfort shoe brand Vionic have a 30 day wear test with free return options. I've used this myself & had no problems returning my worn shoes to Vionic UK for a full refund in October 2020.
Note that you only get the 30 day guarantee if you buy from Vionic or one of their authorised retailers. It's easiest to buy direct from Vionic to be sure you qualify. They have online stores for several countries including the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
Vionic do lots of casual shoes, flat sandals, booties & slippers in size 11 us (9 uk) (including some wide and narrow). Selected styles now come in size 12 and 13 us (45 eu) in the US & Canada. All Vionic footwear has unique arch support technology and include a special orthotic insole to correctly align your feet. So they are a good brand to try if you have problem feet, but are suitable for everyone.
Your feet might feel different in Vionic shoes at first if your foot posture needs fixing. If so, wear the shoes for short periods initially and build it up as your feet adjust. The 30 day guarantee gives you plenty of time to get used to them and wear them out & about so you can know if they are right for you.
The Millie ankle boots I tried in late 2020 felt fine from the off and not at all strange underfoot. Unfortunately they rubbed my pinky toes on walks and just weren't comfy. So I was very grateful that I could return them and get my money back.
🌎 Brooks running shoes & clothing: 90 day trial
Famous running brand Brooks have the best sports gear return policy I've seen. They offer a fantastic free 90 day trial for all their running gear including shoes. They call it the "Run Happy Promise".
There's no catch. They ship worldwide with free return shipping and no restocking fee. So you can wear Brooks shoes and running gear for up to 3 months and still return them for a full refund if you're not happy:
We think you’ll love our products because thousands of other runners already do. So take our gear for a 90-day test run. If you don’t love it, return it for free. Really.
Brooks do women's running shoes up to size 13 us (10.5 uk, 45.5 eu) and men's up to 16 us (a women's 17.5 us, 15 uk, 50.5 eu). They also offer narrow, wide and extra wide styles which is unusual. The main difference between men's and women's styles is the width, with men's being one width wider e.g. a medium men's shoe is equivalent to a women's wide width.
Brooks running shoes ain't cheap but they should last for 300-500 miles of running or walking. I've bought 2 pairs of Brooks shoes so far & both wore well. Read my Brooks Ghost Max 2 review after walking 500 miles in them!
It was a great comfort to know I could test them out properly and still return them if I wasn't happy.
I can confirm that Brooks money back guarantee is legit. I returned worn clothing in 2024 and worn shoes in 2025 with no problems.
After the success of my runners, I bought Brooks clothing in April 2024. Unfortunately, one of the tops went a bit weird in the wash & was uncomfortable to wear. So I sent it back mid May and got a full refund no questions asked. The returns process was quick and easy too.
🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 Hoka: 30-60 day guarantee (shoes & clothes)
Hoka's chunky running shoes are everywhere these days. Want to know what's the big deal about big soles? Good news! You can try all Hoka shoes & clothing risk free for 30 days in many countries.
You only get the free 30 day guarantee when you buy direct from Hoka.com.
Heads up: while Hoka ship worldwide, you can only return worn shoes and clothes in certain countries. You get the free 30 day trial when you buy from Hoka.com in USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Luxembourg, Norway and Spain as of January 2024.
Hoka do women's shoes up to size 12 us (10.5 uk, 45⅓ eu) and men's and all gender shoes up to a women's size 15 us (men's 14, 13.5 uk, 49⅓ eu) in both regular and wide widths.
Hoka sizing tip: while Hokas look really wide they actually run narrow! The regular width fits me in most sports brands (Nike, Adidas, Brooks), but in Hoka I need either a women's wide width (D), or a men's regular width (which is the same D width). The length can be a bit snug too, so you might need to go up half a US/UK size or even a full Euro size vs other running brands.
Their statement soles are not just a fashion statement. Hoka's unique rocker technology helps propel you forward with added comfort. This may feel strange at first & it's not for everyone either: Hokas seem to be a love or hate thing!
So it's great that Hoka have such a generous return policy, so you can give them a go for a month and send them back if you're not a fan.
TIP: If you're in the US, sign up for a free member account to get an extended 60 day guarantee and other perks.
Shop at Hoka
My Hoka experience: I bought Hoka Bondi 8 shoes in September 2024 and I managed to get about 500km (300 miles) walking out of them. Surprisingly, I didn't find them ultra comfy, especially for the first week, but they did feel very protective and supportive and I was able to walk a lot in them.
I prefer my similar Brooks Ghost Max 2 which feel like slippers and lasted longer too. BUT whenever my metatarsal injury flared up, I reached for my Hokas, because they were super protective around my foot.
If I lived in a country with a 30 day trial, I'd definitely buy Hoka shoes again. But in Ireland I had to pay 10 euro just to return the new Hoka Bondi 9 after it was too narrow when I tried it on!
🇺🇸 Nike USA: 60 day trial (shoes & clothing)
Nike US have an amazing returns policy when you shop online. You can return most items for any reason within 60 days. So you can wear sneakers for weeks and still get a full refund if you're not happy with them, including customised Nike by You sneakers. It also applies to clothing - wear it, wash it, whatever - Nike will refund you.
The Nike online store has lots of women's sneakers up to size 12 us (9.5 uk, 44.5 eu). Beyond that, unisex and men's styles go right up to a women's size 19 us (17 uk).
I double checked with Nike customer service and there is no catch:
You can try, feel it, use the item and return it within 60 days from the purchase date. If you don't think that it would work, you can have it returned and get the full refund, or get a replacement for a different size as long as the item is still in stock.
I've shopped online at Nike over the years & usually find their shoes comfy & last well (read my Flex experience 10 review here). But I've had the odd fail & missed out on getting a refund because I never knew you could send worn shoes back!
I can confirm Nike's satisfaction guarantee works. In May 2023, I returned these Nike Air Max SC sneakers with clear signs of wear on the soles & got a full refund.
They felt so good when I first tried them on at home, that I went straight out & walked 5 miles in them the first day. But unfortunately they were a little big & heavy on my feet, and the more I wore them, the worse they felt.
After a week, I accepted they were not going to work out. So I was damn glad I could still return my worn sneakers to Nike & got my money back.
Important Update December 2023: While Nike sites for other regions (including the UK & EU) used to offer a 30 day trial, their international return policy now only refers to returning "unworn and unwashed" items.
However, when I contacted Nike Ireland support to check if the policy had changed, the support representative said it was still OK to return items after wearing them a few times, once it is within 30 days of purchase. But since their official return policy no longer states this, please check with customer support whether you would get a free trial before ordering.
They ship to most parts of the world with free delivery and returns once you sign up for a free member account. I've always found online shopping with Nike Ireland easy & efficient.
Shop at Nike🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 Birdies Flat Shoes: 30 day guarantee
US brand Birdies make luxe slipper style flats that can be worn inside and out (plus cute sneakers now too) up to size 12-13 us.
It's a unique concept and Birdies used to encourage you to try them out as much as you like for 30 days on their homepage. In 2024, they still offer a 30 day fit guarantee but with more terms and conditions.
You can still return shoes after wearing them once or twice which is very rare, but they now say returns won't be processed if shoes show signs of heavy wear:
At Birdies, we're committed to comfort so we guarantee the fit of your Birdies. You can even wear your Birdies around the house and take them for a walk outside to make sure the fit and comfort are just right*.
*A refund will not be processed if the returned shoes show signs of heavy wear.
Birdies offer free US shipping & returns. They also ship to Canada (with $20 returns), UK & Australia with all taxes and duties included at checkout. But international returns are at your own expense & you won't get taxes back either.
So if you're in the USA you can try Birdies shoes completely risk free, but international customers would lose some money returning them.
Shop at Birdies🇬🇧 🇪🇺 Asics: 90 day trial (UK + Europe)
Customers in Europe (including the UK) who buy direct from sports brand ASICS can get a free 90 day trial on all their shoes and gear. What a great deal!
The only catch is you need to have a OneASICS member account. But it's free and easy to sign up and you also get free shipping on all orders and other perks, so it's a no brainer.
We’re so confident you’ll love ASICS, we give you 90 days to try all footwear and apparel. Go ahead—wear them outside and take them for a spin. If you’re not entirely satisfied, return them for free and get a refund.
My physios are big Asics fans.They do shoes for running, walking & a variety of other sports. Their women's shoes go up to an impressive size 46 eu (11 uk) while their men's/unisex range goes right up to size 50.5 eu (14 uk).
Most Asics shoes are standard width, but they do a few narrow women's shoes and a few men's styles come in wide and extra wide widths.
Heads up: Outlet purchases DO NOT have a free trial & can only be returned unworn.
While online stores usually have an outlet section, Asics have a completely separate online outlet store instead (confusing!). While you may get better deals there, be aware that you don't get the 90 day trial when you buy on the outlet. So be sure you want to keep it before you wear it!
I bought from Asics.com in November 2023. My order was all good, but the dispatch and free delivery was very slow - 2 weeks! It was after Black Friday though so that was likely a factor. I haven't needed to return any worn items yet, but I'll report back if I do.
Shop at ASICS🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇩🇪 QVC: 30-60 day guarantee
TV shopping channel & online store QVC is famous for their money back guarantee where you can use products and still return them.
The catch is that you need to pay return postage and won't be refunded your original shipping costs either. So you will be a little out of pocket if shoes don't work out, but it's a lot better than being stuck with shoes you've barely worn.
QVC US have a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. They have lots of size 11 & 12 women's shoes and some size 13s, with options for narrow and wide widths too.
QVC Germany also let you try everything for 30 days money back guarantee. They have women's shoes up to size 44, mainly from Vitaform, a German comfort shoe brand.
QVC UK have a 60 day money back guarantee. They've a good range of size 9 uk shoes from brands including Emu, Skechers and Moda in Pelle. They also do Vionic, but it's better to buy direct because they offer free returns unlike QVC.
I've shopped on and off with QVC UK over the years - most recently in December 2022. I used their money back guarantee several times without any problem. QVC is handy for trying out expensive beauty brands too. They have good deals & it's great being able to send back fancy shampoos and creams if they were no use and get most of my money back.
Shop at QVC US🇺🇸 Lululemon Shoes: 30 day guarantee
Finally, luxe athletic brand Lululemon now do shoes for both running and working out up to women's size 12 us and they come with a 30 day trial.
After 4 years of research and development, Lululemon are so confident in their innovative athletic shoes that they invite you to try them risk free:
Put your new shoes to the test. If you’re not satisfied, return them within 30 days for a full refund.
- Free returns online or in-store
- Your 30 days begin upon delivery
- Return your shoes in any condition
Lululemon say lightly worn shoe returns are resold on their Like New resale store.
Shop Lululemon ShoesI hope you found this guide helpful. It's a big relief to know you can wear new shoes out & about and still get your money back if they don't work out. Know any other stores that let you return shoes after wearing them? Please let me know so I can add them to the list. Thanks.