Zappos Return Policy

365 days

Yes

Free both ways

None

Not specifically extended (already 365)

Final sale items, hazardous materials

Zappos gives you a full 365 days to return most items — that's an entire year from the date of purchase. This applies to virtually everything in their catalog, so there's no scrambling to beat a 30- or 90-day deadline. Free return shipping is included, so you're not paying a dime to send things back. The only exceptions are final sale items and hazardous materials, which can't be returned at all. For everyday shoes, boots, sandals, and apparel, you have plenty of breathing room to decide if the purchase is working for you.

Since Zappos is an online-only retailer, your order confirmation email and account history serve as your receipt. You don't need a paper receipt — your purchase is tied to your account automatically. When you initiate a return through your Zappos account, the system pulls up your order details directly. If you checked out as a guest, you'll need your order number and the email address used at checkout to look up the transaction. Either way, there's no fumbling around for a physical slip of paper.

No, Zappos does not charge a restocking fee. You get your full purchase price refunded with no deductions for processing or handling. Combined with free return shipping both ways, this means returning an item costs you absolutely nothing out of pocket. This is one of the more consumer-friendly policies in retail — plenty of other footwear and apparel sites tack on 10–20% restocking fees or deduct return shipping from your refund. At Zappos, what you paid is what you get back, assuming the item qualifies for return.

Yes — Zappos explicitly allows returns on gently worn items within the 365-day window. This is a big deal for shoes specifically, because you often can't tell if a pair truly fits until you've walked around in them for a bit. The key word is "gently" worn: items that show heavy wear, damage, or obvious signs of extended use may be declined. Final sale items cannot be returned regardless of condition. For most everyday purchases though, trying on and lightly wearing shoes before deciding to return them is perfectly acceptable under Zappos's policy.

Zappos doesn't publish a specific holiday return extension — but here's the thing: they don't need to. The standard return window is already 365 days, which covers any holiday purchase by default. Whether you buy something in November for a December gift or receive an item during the holiday season, you'll have a full year to decide if it's a keeper. There's no separate holiday policy to track down or worry about. The year-round 365-day window with free return shipping is already more generous than most retailers' extended holiday policies.

Zappos operates as an online-only retailer and does not have physical store locations, so in-store returns are not an option. All returns are processed through their website, which generates a prepaid return shipping label at no cost to you. The process is straightforward: log into your account, find the order, select the items you want to return, print or download the label, and drop off the package at the appropriate carrier. Zappos does not have a brick-and-mortar presence, so the mail-back process is the only return route available.

Zappos's military discount policy is not publicly published in their standard policy documentation. They have historically offered promotions through various channels, but a formal, permanent military discount program with verified details isn't something Thrifle's current data confirms. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's worth contacting Zappos customer service directly or checking their site for any active promotional programs. Military members should also check whether their military benefits network (like ID.me or similar platforms) includes any Zappos offers.

Zappos's price-match policy is not publicly published in their standard policy documentation, and Thrifle's current data doesn't confirm an active price-match guarantee. Zappos does run its own sales and VIP loyalty programs, but whether they'll match a competitor's lower price on the same item isn't something we can confirm with specifics right now. Your best move is to contact Zappos customer service directly before purchasing if you've spotted a lower price elsewhere — policies like this are sometimes handled on a case-by-case basis even when not formally advertised.

If you received a Zappos item as a gift, the original purchaser's account holds the order details. Zappos does offer gift returns — the recipient can typically initiate a return using the order number found on the packing slip included in the shipment. Without a packing slip or order number, you'll need to contact Zappos customer service directly and provide whatever details you have about the purchase. Refunds for gifts may be issued as store credit to avoid notifying the original buyer. Reaching out to Zappos's customer service team is the fastest way to sort out the specifics for your situation.

If your Zappos order arrives defective or damaged, the return process is the same as a standard return — but faster and even more in your favor. Log into your account, find the order, and initiate a return, selecting "defective" or "damaged" as the reason. Free return shipping is already included, so there's no cost to you. Given the 365-day return window, you're covered even if a defect shows up months after purchase. For items that arrive visibly damaged in shipping, contacting Zappos customer service right away with photos is the best first step to get a quick resolution.