You know the feeling—those new shoes look perfect, feel great in the store, but after wearing them out in the real world, they turn out to be uncomfortable or just don’t fit right. 

That’s when you realize returning them isn’t always as simple as you’d hope. Luckily, some stores do allow you to return shoes—even after you’ve worn them—and without a hassle. 

Let's take a closer look at some of the top stores that offer flexible return policies, ranked by longest to shortest return time.

Stores Let You Return Worn Shoes

Nordstrom – No Time Limit for Returns

Perhaps the most famous of all, Nordstrom allows you to return worn items without a time limit. Whether you buy from their main stores or Nordstrom Rack, you can return your shoes (or anything else) long after you’ve worn them.

I’ve taken advantage of this policy more than once! 

On one occasion, I bought a pair of boots that seemed perfect in-store but felt too tight after wearing them for a few days. I didn’t rush back to the store immediately, but months later, I returned them without a hitch. 

Nordstrom’s focus on customer satisfaction makes it one of the best places to shop, especially for shoes, because you never feel stuck with something that doesn’t work for you.

Check them out here!

Kohl’s – 180 Days Return for Worn Items 

Kohl’s is another brand that has a generous return policy. With a whopping 180 days to return your worn items, you’ll have plenty of time to test out your new shoes. Kohl’s doesn't explicitly state that worn shoes are returnable in their policy, but it's a well-known fact among shoppers (and even confirmed by Kohl’s customer service).

Tip: If you do return worn shoes, just be honest about it. Kohl’s employees appreciate it if you clean the shoes a bit or at least acknowledge that they’ve been worn. It’s a courteous move, and it makes the whole process smoother for everyone.

Check them out here!

Brooks Running Shoes – 90 Day Test Run

If you’re a runner, Brooks is one of the best places to shop because they really back their products with a “Run Happy Promise.” You get 90 days to test out their running shoes (and other gear) and still have the option to return them, no questions asked.

What’s cool about Brooks is they offer sizes up to 13 for women and 16 for men, plus they cater to different widths, which is rare. Their shoes might not be the cheapest on the market, but with the option to try them out for 3 months, it’s worth the investment to see if they’ll become your new favorites.

Check them out here!

Asics (UK & Europe) – 90 Days Return

For those based in the UK or Europe, Asics offers a 90-day trial period on all footwear and apparel. This is an awesome policy that’s a bit under the radar unless you're a member of their OneASICS program (which, by the way, is free to join and comes with some cool perks like free shipping).

I tested this out last year when I bought a pair of trail runners from Asics. They felt great on short hikes, but on longer treks, I started to feel some rubbing around the toes. After giving them a fair shot for a few weeks, I decided they weren’t the right fit for me. Returning them was super easy—just a quick visit to their website, and I had my refund in no time.

Check them out here!

Nike USA – 60 Day Trial (Shoes & Clothing)

Nike has one of the most flexible return policies, especially in the U.S. You get a full 60 days to test out their shoes or clothing, and you can return them even after you’ve worn or washed them. This includes customized “Nike by You” sneakers too, which is pretty rare.

What’s great about Nike’s return policy is that it applies to all their products, including customized Nike by You sneakers. If you decide that a pair of sneakers isn’t right for you, simply return them in any condition for a refund or exchange.

Check them out here!

Hoka – 30-60 Day Guarantee

Hoka’s return policy is a bit of a game-changer, especially if you’re curious about their famously chunky running shoes. They offer a 30-day return window if you’re in certain countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK. However, if you sign up for a free Hoka membership, U.S. customers can extend that return period to 60 days.

I’ve always wanted to give Hokas a try, so I took the plunge earlier this year. The extra thick soles felt strange at first—definitely a different running experience! But after about a month of testing them out, I realized they weren’t quite for me. Luckily, their return process was smooth, and I got my refund with no trouble.

Check them out here!

Birdies – 30 Day Guarantee

Birdies, the brand known for their stylish flats that double as indoor-outdoor shoes, also offers a decent return policy. You can return worn shoes within 30 days, but with a few caveats—Birdies doesn’t allow returns if the shoes show signs of "heavy wear." So, it’s best to tread lightly in your new flats during the trial period.

Birdies offers free shipping and returns within the US, while international customers will need to pay for return shipping. If you’re in the market for comfortable flats with a risk-free return policy (as long as you don’t wear them too heavily), Birdies is a solid choice.

Check them out here!

Allbirds – 30 Day Wear Test

Allbirds offers a 30-day wear test on their super comfy, eco-friendly shoes. You can literally wear them out and about, even toss them in the washing machine, and still return them if they don’t feel right. But note, while their shoes are returnable, their clothing items must be returned in unworn condition with the tags still on.

Check them out here!

Vionic – 30 Day Wear Test

Vionic, the brand known for their orthotic footwear, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee when you buy directly from them. This is especially handy if you’re new to shoes with added arch support, as it can take a little time for your feet to adjust.

Check them out here!

Final Thoughts

Shopping for shoes can be tricky, especially when you don’t really know if they’ll be comfortable until you’ve worn them for a while. 

Fortunately, these stores understand that dilemma and give you the chance to return worn shoes without any hassle. Whether you need 180 days or just 30 days to decide, these brands have your back. 

So go ahead and confidently shop knowing that if something doesn’t work out, you can always return it and find the perfect pair!