Foot Locker Return Policy: As Easy as 1-2-3

Foot Locker is a go-to destination for sneakers, athletic gear, and streetwear. But what happens if your new kicks don’t fit or you change your mind? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I read through the entire Foot Locker return policy so you don’t have to.

Below is a simple breakdown of everything you need to know to make a return, get a refund, or swap your item.

Foot Locker Return Policy Overview

How Long Do I Have to Return an Item?

You have 45 days from the original shipment date to return or exchange items. This applies to both in-store and online purchases. If you miss that window, your return will be rejected and the item sent back to you.

Tip: Don’t wait too long—especially during holidays or busy seasons when shipping delays can cut it close.

What Items Can Be Returned?

To get a refund or exchange, your item must meet these rules:

• Unworn and in new condition
• Original tags and packaging included
• Returned in original boxes or bags

If your item looks used, missing tags, or isn’t in its original packaging, it will likely be sent back to you without a refund.

How to Return an Item

You’ve got two ways to return your Foot Locker item: in-store or by mail. Let’s look at both.

1. Return In-Store

• Bring the item and receipt to any Foot Locker location.
• You can ask for a refund or exchange on the spot.
• For in-store purchases, exchanges are best handled in-store. Refunds for these purchases (if done by mail) will be sent by check, not to your card.

🔎 Use the store locator to find the nearest location.

2. Return by Mail Using ReadyReturns

You can also ship your return back. Here’s how:

1. Visit the ReadyReturns portal.
2. Enter your order info and select either refund or exchange. The screenshot of the ready returns portal shared below

3. Print the prepaid return label and drop your package off.

Don’t forget:

• Include your receipt, especially for in-store purchases.
• Pack the item carefully in the original packaging.
• Keep your tracking number handy.

Important: Foot Locker does not accept COD (Cash on Delivery) returns. If you send a return using COD, it will be rejected and sent back to you. Always use a prepaid shipping method or the ReadyReturns label.

Are Returns Free?

That depends.

So if you’re not an FLX member, consider joining—returns alone could make it worth it.

Can I Exchange Instead of Return?

Yes! Exchanges are available in-store or through the ReadyReturns portal.

• If your requested item is in stock, Foot Locker will ship it out for free.
• If it’s out of stock, they’ll refund you instead.
• Exchanges ship via standard delivery (3–5 business days).

Heads-Up:

• For items originally shipped to a store, exchanges will also ship to that store unless you ask for a different address.
• Online returns can’t handle exchanges for in-store paid items. You’ll need to go to a store for that.

How Long Do Returns, Refunds, and Exchanges Take?

If you’re wondering when you’ll see your refund or get your new item, here’s what to expect from start to finish.

Return Shipping Time

• If you’re using Foot Locker’s ReadyReturns label, it usually takes 5–6 business days for your return to arrive at their facility.
• Keep in mind: holidays, back-to-school season, and bad weather can slow things down.

Refund Processing Time

Once your return is delivered, allow up to 2 weeks for Foot Locker’s Returns Department to process it.

Here’s how long the actual refund will take after that:

Tip: Only the product cost and tax are refunded—shipping fees are only refunded if the item was defective or incorrect.

Exchange Processing Time

Exchanges take about the same amount of time:

• Expect up to 2 weeks after the return is delivered for Foot Locker to process it.
• Once the exchange is approved, you’ll get an order confirmation email within 24 hours.
• Your new item will ship with standard 3–5 business day delivery.

If the item you want is out of stock, they’ll automatically issue a refund instead.

Heads-Up: An exchange request might trigger a refund on your original order and create a new charge for the exchange item—so keep an eye on your bank or PayPal alerts.

Refunds: How and When You’ll Get Your Money Back

Here’s how long it takes for your refund to show up, depending on how you paid:

Important Notes:

• Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
• Once your return arrives, processing can take up to 2 weeks.
• If you paid with Klarna, your payment schedule will update based on the refund amount. You’ll still be responsible for any remaining balance unless it’s fully refunded.

What to Know About Klarna Refunds

Used Klarna’s “buy now, pay later” option? Here’s what happens when you return something:

• Your refund will apply to the value of the returned item.
• Klarna will adjust your payment plan accordingly.

Two scenarios:

1. You overpaid (refund is more than what you already paid): Klarna sends the difference back to your original payment method.
2. You underpaid (refund is less than the total cost): You’ll still owe Klarna the remaining balance.

Processing time: 3–7 business days for Klarna to restore the funds. You’re still responsible for any scheduled payments while waiting for the refund.

If Foot Locker accidentally refunds to a different payment method (not Klarna), Klarna will still charge you—and you’ll have to pay them directly to clear your balance.

What About Defective or Wrong Items?

If you receive a defective, worn, or incorrect item, report it to customer service right away and return it within 45 days.

Foot Locker will:

• Waive the return shipping fee
• Refund your original shipping cost
• Inspect the item to confirm the defect before processing the refund

If a defect shows up after use, Foot Locker may still accept it—but only if their Returns Team agrees it’s a manufacturing defect.

Special Notes for In-Store Purchases

If you bought something in-store and want to return it by mail, there are a few things to know:

• Exchanges are not handled online. You must visit a store.
• Refunds will be sent by check via mail, not returned to your card.
• Always include your original receipt in the return package. If not, the return will be rejected and sent back.

A Note on International Returns

Unfortunately, Foot Locker does not accept international returns. All returns must be made from within the contiguous U.S. using the ReadyReturns system or by visiting a store.

How to Contact Foot Locker for Help

Need help with a return or have questions? You have options:

Chat

• Click the “Chat With Us!” button on the Foot Locker help page.
• If the bot can’t help, you’ll be connected to a live agent.
• Available 7 AM – 9 PM CST, 7 days a week.

Phone

• Call 1-800-991-6815
• Available 6 AM – 11:59 PM CST, 7 days a week

Foot Locker Help Page

Common Questions

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Foot Locker Returns

Even if you never plan to return something, it helps to be ready just in case. Here are some of my favorite tricks:

1. Don’t Throw Away the Box: Foot Locker requires original packaging for returns. No box = no refund.
2. Take Photos Before Sending It Back: Snap pics of the item, tags, and shipping label. This way, you’ll have proof if anything goes wrong.
3. Be Quick, Especially During Busy Seasons: Returns take longer during holidays and back-to-school time. Give yourself extra wiggle room.
4. FLX Members Win Big: If you shop here often, it’s worth joining FLX Rewards. Free returns, early access, and more perks.
5. Always Include the Receipt for In-Store Returns by Mail: Forget the receipt? Your return will come right back to you.

Final Thoughts

Foot Locker return policy is pretty fair as long as you stick to the 45-day window and keep your items in brand-new condition. Whether you’re buying online or in-store, you have good options for returns or exchanges. Just remember—original packaging, receipts, and prompt action go a long way.

Have a return experience with Foot Locker? I’d love to hear how it went—drop a comment below!

Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Foot Locker website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Foot Locker Customer Service directly is the best resource.