The Nike Return Policy Made Simple

If you’ve ever read through the Nike return policy, you probably had a lot of unanswered questions. Nike returns are pretty standard compared to other retailers, but you’ll stumble upon your fair share of gray areas. Like, can you return purchases to Nike Clearance stores? Nike’s return policy says no, but it doesn’t mention anything about Factory Outlet stores. We called multiple Nike Factory stores and confirmed that you can, in fact, return items within 60 days.

Before you shop at Nike, make sure you’re clear on the important stuff: Do you need a receipt? Will you get a full refund? Are returns different for Nike Members? We dug through the messy parts and pulled out the Nike return policy info you really need to know.

Looking for ways to save on future Nike purchases? Check out these Nike Factory store hacks and see all the latest Nike deals available now!

 

Nike Return Policy Overview

You have 60 days to return Nike items for a full refund.

This 60-day policy goes for all Nike items, including those “Nike By You” sneakers you decked out. Your items must be unwashed, unworn, and have the tags attached to qualify for a full refund.

The Nike Customer Service rep we spoke to said there isn’t much flexibility after the 60-day mark, but that doesn’t mean you’re totally out of luck. There’s a small loophole to this policy, which we’ll dive into next.

 

Nike shoes and apparel have a 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Technically, Nike lets you return items after 60 days — but only if there’s a product defect or flaw. If that’s the case, you can return your item for a replacement or refund within two years of your purchase. The manufacturer’s guarantee even covers washed or worn Nike items.

 

You need a receipt to return purchases you made at a Nike store.

Hold onto those receipts after you shop in store. Since you don’t get an order number or confirmation email when you check out, your receipt is the only proof of purchase you have. Without a receipt, you can only return items for store credit.

Nike Members are the only exception to this rule. If you gave the cashier your membership email or scanned your Nike Pass at checkout, they can probably look up your order and give you a full refund.

 

You don’t need a receipt to return purchases from Nike.com or the Nike app.

Online or app purchases are a bit easier to return. As long as you have your barcode or order number handy, you’re good to go.

 

 

How to Return Nike Items

In-store returns are always free at Nike.

Not only are in-store returns free, but it’s also your easiest return option. Bring your items to a Nike store and show your barcode or order number to an associate. You can find your barcode at Nike.com/orders or in the Nike app (iOS / Android).

 

Mailed returns are free for Nike Members.

Here’s how to process a Nike Member return by mail:

1. Sign in to your Nike Member profile and visit your order history.
2. Find the order you’re returning and select “View or Manage,” then “Start Return.”
3. Select the items you want to return and indicate the reason for your return.
4. Submit your return and choose your return method (QR code or prepaid label)
5. Drop off your return package at a UPS store location near you.

 

Guests have to pay for mailed returns.

Nonmembers (or as Nike calls them, “Guests”) don’t have the same return perks as Nike Members. You can choose your preferred shipping carrier, but you’ll have to cover the cost of shipping yourself.

Here’s how to process a Nike Guest return by mail:

1. Go to Nike.com/orders and enter your order number and email address.
2. Select the items you want to return and indicate the reason for your return.
3. Submit your return to see the return shipping address.
4. Package your return securely and drop it off at a shipping location near you.

 

 

Nike Return Policy Exceptions

You can only exchange Nike items at the store.

Need a different color, size, or fit? Bring your item to a Nike store to exchange it for something else. If the store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, contact Nike Customer Service to set up an exchange.

 

You’ll only have 14 days to return Apple Watches to Nike.

For whatever reason, Nike’s 60-day return policy doesn’t cover Apple Watches. You have 14 days to return your Apple Watch to Nike, but the timing is a bit different for online purchases versus in-store purchases.

Nike.com purchases:

If you bought an Apple Watch online, the 14-day countdown starts the day your item arrives, not the day you made the purchase.

Nike store purchases:

If you bought an Apple Watch from a Nike store, the 14-day countdown starts the day you made your purchase. Remember, you need a receipt to return purchases made in store.

 

You can’t return Nike items that are washed, worn, or without tags.

If you want, you can try your luck with a Nike Customer Service rep, but you probably won’t get a full refund unless your item has a product defect. Your best bet is to play it safe. Don’t remove the tags unless you’re sure you want to keep the item. If you’re on the fence, keep your item clean and in its original packaging while you decide.

 

You can’t return Nike Clearance store purchases.

It’s important to note that Nike Clearance stores and Nike Factory stores are not the same. There are only about 20 clearance stores in the U.S., but factory stores are far more common. While you can’t return items to Nike Clearance stores, you can return items to Nike Factory stores.

 

Nike gift cards can’t be returned.

Once you buy a Nike gift card, it’s yours to keep. Spend it on a friend or sell it on Raise.com.

 

You’ll only get store credit for gift returns.

Unfortunately, Nike doesn’t issue refunds for gift returns. You can either exchange the item or get store credit for the amount on the gift receipt.

 

 

Nike Return Policy Refunds

Nike will typically process your refund within 10 days.

They issue your refund as soon as your return arrives, but it can take up to 10 days for it to process. The timing depends on the destination of your refund and the bank or credit card you use.

If you paid with a Nike gift card or voucher, you’ll get your refund within 24 hours.

 

Returning your items in store is the fastest way to get your refund.

The cashier issues your refund right away for in-store returns. On the other hand, it can take five to seven business days for mailed returns to arrive at Nike. Add up to 10 days for processing, and you’re looking at a long wait time. So if you’re itching for a refund, take your return to a Nike store instead.

 

You can check the status of your return online.

Where in the world is your return package and refund? You can get an idea by checking the status of your return online. Nike Members can sign in to their member account to see the status of their return. Guests can type in their order number and email address on Nike’s Order Lookup page.

 

Nike Return Policy FAQ

Can you return custom Nike shoes?

Yes, you have 60 days to return “Nike By You” custom shoes.

 

What is the Nike Outlet return policy?

If you made your purchase at a Nike Factory store, you can return it to a Nike Factory store within 60 days. Bring your receipt and make sure all items have the tags attached. Keep in mind: You can’t return Nike Factory purchases to a regular Nike store and vice versa.

 

What if my item is damaged or defective?

If it’s been less than 60 days since your purchase, you can return the defective item to Nike for a full refund. If it’s been more than 60 days, contact Nike Customer Service to discuss your return options.

 

---

Read Up on More Return Policies

If combing through return policy fine print makes your eyes glaze over, don’t miss our comprehensive guide to return & exchange policies. We dug through the heavy text and laid out all the important return policy details at your favorite stores.

---