YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would you return worn shoes?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Would you return worn shoes? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:41:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenava on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes/page/2#post-261166 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 06:12:33 +0000 Jenava 261166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Steph, you really didn't get the service you should have! You should have gone back at a later time! I'm so sorry about that. Anna, Nordies wants you to buy shoes that you wear and love. We can't always tell whether they'll be comfy on the first wearing. If they end up being useless just return them. You'll make some girl at the Rack or Last Chance very happy. The only time I feel uncomfortable hearing about people returning things is when they purchase the item with the full intent of returning it, such as a designer bag they only need for one night, etc. It's not a rental service! Clearly, that was not your intent, so I think it's fine. Nordies wants you to be happy. Steph on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes/page/2#post-261121 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:49:43 +0000 Steph 261121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All of these posts about Nordstrom taking back clearly used shoes makes me wonder if the Nordstrom near me is just really mean. Two years ago I purchased a headband from Nordstrom. It was comprised of links, like a necklace, and had elastic holding it together in a loop, so you wore it around your entire head. A few weeks after the purchase, one of the links split apart--it was clearly defective. I took it back and the salesperson said she couldn't help me because I didn't have the receipt or tag (the item was still being sold in the store). I asked for her manager, in case she had more discretion, and was told the manager would be available in an hour and a half. (I was really nice the whole time.) I didn't have an hour and a half to wait so I left, and then forgot about it and never revisited the issue. Thinking about it still upsets me, though--it was an expensive headband, and I really liked it. It just always shocks me that I couldn't get resolution for something clearly defective and others have no problems returning used shoes. Lisa on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes/page/2#post-261114 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 04:37:59 +0000 Lisa 261114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For once wear and the shoes are uncomfortable, and this is Nordstrom, I would return. If this were multiple wears and the shoes were heavily worn then I would vote no return. I am thankful Nordstrom has a great return policy. I've had some stores give me a hard time with a return on an UNWORN item. Last time I tried to return to Ann Taylor, the sweater I received had a tag that was in the packing bag but not on the sweater. When I tried to return the SA gave me a really hard time and accused me of wearing the sweater (which made no sense since it didn't smell, I received the item the day before, and the plastic part of the tag was still on the sweater). I had to get a manager and convince them that I received this item with the tag not attached to the sweater. Kari on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes/page/2#post-260989 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:15:51 +0000 Kari 260989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also just wanted to add that the only time I really think someone is taking advantage of a store's return policy is if they are dishonest about the wear/tear on the item they are returning, or have obviously caused damage themselves. For example: once at Costco, I saw a family drive up with leather furniture in the open back of their pickup truck to bring them to be returned. And it was raining very hard, and they hadn't even so much as covered the furniture with a tarp. I sincerely hoped that Costco did not accept the return! marianna on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260138 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:35:05 +0000 marianna 260138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm on the Maya bandwagon. I've returned numerous pairs of worn shoes because they were not comfortable. I feel no guilt. These shoes will never be sold on the sales floor again -- they are automatically taken out of inventory and sent to Last Chance. So you don't have to worry about buying someone's used shoes. The only thing to keep in mind is that returns affect your SA's income and their commission gets deduced when you make a return. So if a sales person spent 40 minutes with you, running and grabbing different shoes and whatnot, and then you return them, then the SA makes no money. But we are told to keep in mind that 30% of our sales will be returned. But, I'm still on the Maya bandwagon. I've returned worn shoes before, and I'd do it again if I had to. People come back to Nordstrom and love to shop at Nordstrom because of the freedom of the return policy. It's clearly a successful business model or they wouldn't be doing it! Christie on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260117 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:45:06 +0000 Christie 260117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have returned shoes I've worn outdoors. They were Dansko clogs ... obviously *meant* for comfort. Instead, the bottoms of my heels hurt so bad I could hardly walk. I had to wear them more than 4 hours, and walking on concrete to find that out. I felt badly doing so (especially since I bought them at a small local shoe store), but felt worse spending $100 that were so contrary to the reason I bought them. That's the only time I've ever done that, but felt justified doing so. Kyle on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260114 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:40:50 +0000 Kyle 260114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anna asked if it is justifiable to return, and I think the answer is yes. Many here have made a reasonable case to justify the return. Like so many things in life, this is not a black and white issue and there is no single right or wrong answer. I would not presume to tell Maya to keep uncomfortable boots...my response reflects only what feels right to me and I'm simply not comfortable returning something I have worn. I think that's OK. For those who want to return worn items, that's OK, too. In my experience, life is not a one size fits all proposition. Anonymous on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260112 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:36:28 +0000 Anonymous 260112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admit, I did not read every comment made but based on the fact I have answered similarly in the past, I must be some dishonest piece of work. I see it this way, Nordstrom makes millions a year. Those millions are the result of the astronomical markups in every item they sell, amongst other things. Everything is accounted for. Their return policy is part of their business model. Don't feel bad about utilizing it. A happy customer is a repeat customer. Anyhow, they will make some money ( probably still more than cost) once your shoes get re sold at the rack.... shana on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260109 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:21:38 +0000 shana 260109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maya, I'm assuming I am one of the people you are addressing in your rant since you used my wording (though certainly others have expressed similar opinions). All I can say, please observe my judicious use of the word "I" in my post. I could care less what YOU do as long as Nordstroms doesn't try to sell me your blood soaked shoes as new Anna asked for opinions and I gave mine. Lori on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260105 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 04:16:22 +0000 Lori 260105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm on the Maya bandwagon with this one too. Nordstrom clearly knows what they are doing, and why, they've been in the shoe business for a very long time, and understand their consumers better than anyone. They put the policy in place to keep customers happy, not to test their conscience and morals. annagybe on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260094 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:51:20 +0000 annagybe 260094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Maya. I'm not an abusive returner. If the stretching doesn't work then I will return them. I've seen plenty of refurbished and even bought them at the Rack. There's always a sticker that says they're refurbished. Besides I've only wore them once. Maya on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260089 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:46:23 +0000 Maya 260089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think it's dishonest unless you lie about the condition of the shoes. If the SA is aware, how is it dishonest? I don't want to be contentious, but that "personal responsibility" argument is rather judgmental--even if you're saying you're not judging--because, well, you are. You're essentially saying that those who take advantage of this policy are being irresponsible. This is true in some cases but not all. I'd venture to guess that it isn't true in the vast majority of cases. Personally, I do not return shoes because I just decide they are not cute enough, or the style isn't "in" anymore. If they do not perform the function I need them to, I need my money back so I can find something else that does. Those Stuart Weitzman boots were $349 and $595 full price. They absolutely destroyed my heels on the first wear out of the house. I wore them around the house with no problem, but I just cannot tell how shoes will wear until I put them through a real day out. I just can't. I don't walk around the house the way I would outside, on concrete. My slippers are comfortable around the house, but they are not comfortable outside. It's just not a reliable indicator. The only reason I do it at all is to make sure there are no glaring comfort issues, but some things aren't detectable until after a few hours of vigorous walking. If you're telling me I should have just sucked it up and taken a $349 hit for boots that left my socks soaked in blood, sorry, but there is just no way I would agree. $349 is a drop in the pond for Nordstrom, especially considering they will easily re-sell the boots at the Rack or Last Chance. For me it's a tremendous loss. In the end, they didn't lose much, because I got a replacement pair of boots from them shortly thereafter. Clearly Nordstrom has constructed a business model wherein an open return policy works in their favor. I would say it is highly likely that they ultimately make MORE sales because of this. I never used to shop there, but now I do, because I know I have that security. They won a lot of loyal customers because of their service and policies. The number of things I return used is minuscule compared to the number of things I keep (and/or return in unused condition), and I suspect the same is true for most shoppers (and let's remember that not everyone or even most people who shop there are even aware of their return policies anyway). If people who "take advantage" are responsible for retailers restricting their return policies, what difference would it make? What's the point of an open return policy if no one ever used it? They may as well restrict it either way. So Anna, back to your dilemma, I think stretching will help, but if not, I wouldn't sweat it. Someone else is will be very happy to find those boots at a discount, and no one at Nordstrom will lose their job over it. Kyle on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260013 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:46:36 +0000 Kyle 260013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would not feel right about returning anything that had been worn unless there was an obvious defect or quality problem. To do otherwise, for me personally, would be taking advantage of the retailer and I would feel dishonest. Kate on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-260005 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:41:46 +0000 Kate 260005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes. That is too much money to spend on something that is uncomfortable and won't get many wears. edit: I just looked up the numbers on Nordstrom for a response on a different thread about returning a worn item, and thought I would share here. For FY 2009 Nordstrom had $8.57 billion in revenue and a net income of $401 million. The company and its employees will all be fine if your return the boots and they resell them for a bit less. Jonesy on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259995 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:33:04 +0000 Jonesy 259995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No, not unless they were defective. It's sort of like ordering a bottle of wine at a restaurant. You can order it, sniff the cork, and try the first drink. At that point, you might realize that it's not what you expected (maybe too sweet, for example) but unless it's defective (corked) you have to just accept that you gambled and lost. Kari on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259969 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:12:31 +0000 Kari 259969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes. If I wore them once or twice, and they caused lots of discomfort or had a major defect that wasn't obvious before wearing them, and I knew that the store (like Nordstrom) would take them back no matter what, I definitely would. If the store has a policy and practice of accepting returns of worn items, I don't think it is taking advantage, particularly if I know I have been careful with the shoes. I mean heck, Nordstrom accepted a dress that I had taken the tags off of and worn twice, and it totally shredded along the seam on the second wear. It was so obviously caused by the fabric that I didn't feel bad at all for taking it back, and no one gave me a hard time. If I wore the shoes and then decided that I just didn't like them as much as I originally did, then I'd feel guilty about returning them and wouldn't do so. shana on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259919 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:07:47 +0000 shana 259919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Beth & Queenie. Just because the company has the policy does not mean that I would feel right (morally) about taking advantage of it this way. If a shoe or an item of clothing has some kind of manufacturing defect, fine but otherwise I think I need to take some personal responsibility when it comes to my purchases. I would be a serial returner if I tried to return some of the shoes that ended up being misses, especially now that feet have become fussy. What that has taught me is that I should be even pickier about my selection process which means reading tons of reviews before I even order, trying them on with the right orthotic,socks, etc. I have the opportunity to try them on at the store and at home before I decide whether or not I should keep them. That's already pretty darn generous compared to the rest of the world. Beth on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259867 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:09:31 +0000 Beth 259867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are obviously differing opinions on this, but I wouldn't return shoes that have been worn outside my house or obviously worn at all (creases in the leather, etc.) unless there were clear defects in the shoes. One of the reasons I love Nordstrom is their generous return policy, but just like a generous friend, I'm not willing to take advantage of it. People taking advantage of relaxed return guidelines are one reason why so many stores have tightened up their policies. Glad to hear Nordies is meeting you halfway, though! It sounds like that may solve the issue. Traci on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259859 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:57:34 +0000 Traci 259859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going against the grain here. The store sets up their own return policy. If they didn't want to take back worn items, they could easily make that part of their policy. If an item fits within their return policy with no trickery, I don't think it's wrong to return the item. I don't see it as taking advantage of the company because the company is the one who laid out the rules. eta: Would you really want to buy, as new, a pair of shoes that had been worn around someone's house for 16+ hours just because the soles were unmarked? Kim on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259856 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:51:51 +0000 Kim 259856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've returned "worn" shoes, but only when they've hurt my feet *after* not hurting my feet with a good 3-4 3 hour wearings at home. Funny enough when I wore them out shopping for like 8 hours it wasn't the same. They were expensive shoes and the store was awesome about taking them back to make me happy. I actually only returned *one* shoe, they let me exchange it for another new one and that one didn't hurt my foot at all. So yes, I have. Queen Mum on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259855 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:49:53 +0000 Queen Mum 259855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Megan has a good point.. the pair you tried on may have been stretched by repeated try-ons. I hope you can get yours stretched to work for you! They are gorgeous boots. Megan on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259853 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:44:34 +0000 Megan 259853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Getting them stretched by the store is a good compromise Hope they work well for you! crutcher on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259846 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:32:23 +0000 crutcher 259846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You know, if I had worn the shoes outside not just on the carpet, I would not return them...JMO but to do so is taking advantage of Nordie's great customer service. and return policy.....Perhaps you can find a thinner sock or if all fails, donate them to a charity that will be able to sell them and use the money for something worthwhile... annagybe on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259845 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:32:21 +0000 annagybe 259845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So I tried them on again with thinner socks, and with some effort I could get it on. I called the downtown Seattle store and told them my story. The salesperson said I could bring them in and that they would be able to stretch them for me. Megan on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259836 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:23:11 +0000 Megan 259836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The fact that the ones at the store fitted more loosely does suggest that they will stretch... Dana on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259835 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:22:56 +0000 Dana 259835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I think Nordstrom will take them back. Can you wear them with thin socks? I have some Wigwam ski socks that are all synthetic, and after over 30 years of skiing learned that synthetic socks are warmer than wool ones! If you love the boots, it might be worth a try. Queen Mum on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259831 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:19:58 +0000 Queen Mum 259831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ in that case then, I'd return them because they didn't fit like the ones in the store. I'm not sure I would have worn them in the first place knowing this though. Emily on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259815 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:09:34 +0000 Emily 259815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree 100% with QM. And while Nordstrom's may have an outstanding return policy, surely we are paying for that in their prices. Well, not me personally because I can't afford to shop there, but you get the point. annagybe on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259814 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:09:10 +0000 annagybe 259814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The ones I tried on in the store were fine. I had to order a pair from another store because the suede was mismatched. Queen Mum on "Would you return worn shoes?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/would-you-return-worn-shoes#post-259795 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 21:55:31 +0000 Queen Mum 259795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know that everyone raves about Nordstrom and their great return policy, but honestly if I felt that it were my own negligence (not wearing them around the house, *hoping* they might work out even when uncomfortable in the store) I would not feel right about returning them. I will be honest and say that your reasoning for wanting to return does not seem right to me. When we buy shoes, we need to take into account what socks we want to wear with them. When they seemed hard to get on in the first place, I would have not worn them outside until I worked out that issue. But, like others have said, Nordies will take them back, no questions asked... and I won't judge you for it. I will just hope that they don't resell them to me as new shoes