Is Finish Line Legit? Latest Review (Screenshots Included)

veryone wants to make sure they are spending their hard-earned cash at a place that’s real and trustworthy. That’s why people often ask, Is Finish Line legit?

We wanted to know, too, so we decided to buy a lot of shoes from them. We ordered seven pairs and now know everything about the company.

Here’s what we found:

Finish Line is 100% legit. They’ve been in the athletic footwear business since 1976, which means they have decades of experience. They’re owned by JD Sports, a well-known global leader in sports retail. Finish Line is also an authorized seller of top brands like Nike and Adidas.

But wait. When we read Finish Line reviews, we also noticed a few complaints. Stay with us, we'll explain everything, including answering some of the most asked queries, along with what most people complain about the Finish Line.

Let’s begin.

Key Takeaways

• Finish Line is a legit retailer, owned by JD Sports since 2018.

• They sell authentic shoes from top brands like Nike and Adidas.

• They’ve been featured in big magazines like Forbes and Vogue.

• Finish Line has over 280 stores and also operates online.

• They accept returns within 45 days for most items.

• Common issues customers face are slow response from the team and shipping delays.

Is Finish Line Legit? Expert Review

Finish Line is absolutely legit. It’s a well-established retailer with a long history of selling real sneakers and athletic gear. Finish Line has physical stores in the U.S. and has official partnerships with big brands like Nike and Adidas.

Plus, it’s owned by JD Sports, which is a major global sportswear retailer.

Here are 11 big reasons why millions of people trust Finish Line:

Reason 1: Established History

Finish Line is legit and has been selling top-quality shoes for decades. It was founded way back in 1976, which means it’s been around for almost 50 years. Over the decades, Finish Line has grown from a small store to a big name in the sneaker world.

We also found that their staff often gets training on the latest sneaker tech. When we went to Finish Line in the mall a few years back, it felt like they really knew their stuff. The staff even recommended the best running shoe for our needs. They said they don’t want to ruin what the brand has accomplished.

Reason 2: Corporate Backing

Another reason we trust Finish Line is that it’s owned by JD Sports. JD Sports is a giant in the sportswear world, and they became even more popular when they bought Finish Line in 2018. That means Finish Line is part of a big family of well-known and trusted brands.

When a big company like JD Sports buys a retailer, it usually means the retailer is solid. We think it’s like having a stamp of approval.

Reason 3: Physical Presence

Finish Line is not a scam because they have over 280 stores all across the U.S. Plus, they’ve got branded sections inside more than 450 Macy’s stores. If a store is a scam, it wouldn’t have so many physical locations where you can walk in, try things on, and talk to real people.

We remember when we first stepped into a Finish Line store at our local mall. It felt just like any other big sneaker store. There were shelves full of shoes, and everything was clean and organized. Here's the picture we clicked:

We also like that Finish Line has a strong online presence. But if you ever have doubts about shopping online, you can always head to a store near you. Just search online!

Reason 4: Official Partnerships

Finish Line is legitimate as it is an authorized retailer for huge brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Keep in mind that these big brands are careful about who they work with. They don’t just partner with anyone because their reputation is at stake.

So, if Nike, Adidas, and Puma trust Finish Line, then we think we can too.

Here's a screenshot of all the brands that trust the Finish Line:

During our research, we also found that Finish Line even co-hosted a big event with Nike called "Rock the Lot" to celebrate the opening of a new concept store for young athletes. That’s not something you’d see with a fake or shady retailer. It shows a strong relationship between Finish Line and Nike.

We also learned that Finish Line worked with Adidas on exclusive releases like the PureBoost sneaker. That means you can sometimes get special products that you can’t find anywhere else.

Reason 5: Collaborative Events

Finish Line doesn’t just sell sneakers. They also host events with brands like Nike and Adidas.

For example, we found that Nike and Finish Line launched the "Nike Virtual View" tool, which lets you preview clothes on 3D models on Finish Line’s website. That’s a pretty modern shopping experience.

We think it’s awesome that Finish Line also does in-store activations with Adidas. They sometimes host one-day events to celebrate new stores. We love seeing that kind of thing because it shows the Finish Line is all about community.

Reason 6: Finish Line Has Been Featured in Big Media Houses

Finish Line is not fake, and one big reason is that it has been featured in some of the biggest media outlets out there. When a brand gets coverage in places like Forbes and Vogue, it tells us they’re a serious player in the retail world.

Forbes has written a lot about Finish Line. One article gave a detailed overview of the company, sharing:

• When it was founded

• Where it’s based

• Who runs it

Another article talked about how Finish Line has been moving into digital sales. That kind of coverage shows us that Finish Line is on the radar of some of the best business reporters out there.

In our opinion, all of this media attention shows that the Finish Line is reliable.

Reason 7: Positive Online Ratings

Another reason you can trust Finish Line is the online ratings they have received. The company has a 100 percent trust score on both ScamAdvisor and APIvoid. It means those platforms haven’t found anything sketchy about Finish Line. We think that’s a really good sign that Finish Line is safe to buy from.

We also checked the app stores. On the App Store, Finish Line has a 4.8-star rating from over 265,000 users. That’s amazing. On the Google Play Store, Finish Line has a 4.4-star rating from millions of users. These high ratings tell us that most people are really happy with their shopping experience.

We wanted to know what people who work there think, too. On Indeed, employees rate Finish Line at around 3.8 stars. That’s decent, especially for retail jobs. On Yelp, the score is lower at 2.7, but that’s not unusual. People often leave reviews when they’re upset, but not when they’re happy.

Reason 8: Social Media Presence Shows Trust

Finish Line has a huge presence on social media, and that’s another reason why we trust them. We checked out their pages and saw that they have a big community of fans.

In our opinion, a brand doesn’t get that kind of following unless it’s real and trustworthy.

Reason 9: Finish Line’s Clear Shipping Policy

We always check the shipping policy before we buy anything online. When we looked at Finish Line, we were happy to see that they’re really clear about how shipping works.

Note that Finish Line offers free shipping on orders over $75. If your order is less than $75, they charge a flat rate of $8.99. That’s fair and makes it easy to know what to expect at checkout.

We also saw that they spell out exactly which items are eligible for free shipping. Some special releases might not qualify, but they make that clear on their website. That way, you’re not surprised later.

They even have faster shipping options if you need your order quickly. You can pick two-day or overnight shipping for an extra fee. That’s perfect when you’re too excited to wait for your new sneakers. On top of that, Finish Line will give you updates on where your package is.

You'll also get the update when the package arrives at your doorstep. Check out this screenshot:

Finish Line also makes it clear which places they can’t ship to, like certain addresses in Alaska, Hawaii, or international locations. We like that they’re upfront about this, as it shows they care about setting the right expectations for customers.

Reason 10: Finish Line Has a Great Return Policy

We think Finish Line’s return policy is one of the reasons why it’s so easy to shop there. They let you return items for up to 45 days from when you bought them. That’s a lot of time to decide if you’re happy with what you got.

You can return things whether you bought them in-store or online. All they ask is that your items are unworn and in the same condition as when you bought them. If you got shoes, they need to be in the original box.

We like that they also accept returns if you lose the receipt sometimes. In that case, they give you store credit. The credit is for the lowest price the item sold for in the last 45 days. That’s helpful if you can’t find the receipt but still want to return it.

Returning online orders is easy, too. You can take them to any Finish Line store or any JD Sports store. If you’d rather mail the item back, they let you do that too. They even have a self-service return portal online where you can print a shipping label.

When we returned something in the store, the staff helped us right away. They started the refund right there. We got our money back fast, and the process was simple. That’s the kind of service that makes us feel confident shopping with them.

If you bought something at a Finish Line inside a Macy’s store, you need to return it to Macy’s. That’s just how their system works. Finish Line can’t accept those returns at their own stores. But if you follow their guidelines, the process is clear and fair.

Reason 11: You Can Easily Contact Finish Line

You can contact Finish Line easily, which is why people trust the company. Here’s how you can contact them if you have any questions:

We prefer the live chat method, as it is the most convenient one. Just click on the chat icon you see on the bottom right side to start the conversation. The Finish Line will first ask you whether you prefer to text in Spanish or English. We selected English.

We asked them about their nearest store and got the reply immediately. Here’s the screenshot:

Common Complaints About Finish Line

Even though Finish Line is a legit store, people still have some complaints. Some shoppers have said refunds can take too long. Others have received the wrong size or color in their order. Some people also said it’s tough to get help from customer service.

Delayed or Missing Refunds

One of the biggest issues with the Finish Line is waiting too long for refunds. Some customers said they returned items but had to wait weeks for their money. That’s not fun when you expect a quick refund.

We saw this complaint on sites like Reddit and the Better Business Bureau. People said they felt Finish Line was slow in giving money back.

Customer Service Challenges

Some people said it was hard to reach the Finish Line’s customer service team. We read reviews saying calls didn’t get answered. Some customers said that even when they got through, the help wasn’t very helpful.

When we called Finish Line once, we had to wait on hold for a long time. The person who finally helped us was nice, but it felt like they were too busy. We think the Finish Line should have more staff available to answer calls.

Shipping Delays

Some Finish Line customers said shipping took longer than promised. We saw reviews where people said they got a tracking number, but the order took days longer to arrive. That’s really annoying, especially when you’re excited about your new shoes.

When we ordered from Finish Line, it took about a week for the package to get to us. That was okay, but we’ve read that sometimes it takes even longer. We think the Finish Line could do a better job letting people know if there’s a delay.

Is Finish Line owned by Nike?

No, Finish Line is not owned by Nike. Finish Line is actually owned by JD Sports, a big British sportswear retailer.

Nike does partner with Finish Line to sell its products, but it does not own the company. Finish Line is an official retailer for Nike, which means they get real products directly from Nike and sell them in their stores and online.

In our opinion, Finish Line being owned by JD Sports makes it even more legit. It shows they have the support and resources of a big, experienced company.

Is Finish Line or Foot Locker better?

Both Finish Line and Foot Locker are popular for buying sneakers and sportswear. Finish Line often has better deals and special releases. Foot Locker sometimes has more variety and bigger stores. We think both are trustworthy and have real products.

Here’s a comparison:

How long does the Finish Line take to deliver?

Finish Line usually takes about four to six business days to deliver orders with standard shipping. This time starts after they process your order. If you need it faster, they offer upgraded shipping options like two-day or overnight delivery.

We ordered from them recently, and our package came in about a week. That included processing and shipping time. We think that’s reasonable for standard shipping.

Some customers have said their orders took longer than expected. Sometimes that’s because of high demand or special product launches. Finish Line usually sends a tracking number when your order ships.

We think it’s good that Finish Line explains their delivery times on their website. They also offer more expensive shipping if you need something quicker.

Why is Finish Line cheaper?

Finish Line often has better prices than other stores. That’s great for people like us who want deals on sneakers and clothes. Here’s why Finish Line is cheaper:

• Sale events: Finish Line runs regular sales and promotions.

• Clearance deals: They mark down older styles to make room for new ones.

• Coupon codes: Finish Line often shares discount codes for extra savings.

• Partnerships: They work closely with brands like Nike and Adidas, which sometimes means exclusive discounts.

• Online offers: Their website sometimes has lower prices than in-store.

Does Finish Line sell real Nike?

Yes, Finish Line sells real Nike products because they are an official partner. That means they get their shoes and clothes straight from Nike and sell them to customers.

We’ve shopped at Finish Line and always got real Nike items in their original boxes. The tags and packaging matched what you’d find at any other official retailer.

Are Finish Line shoes real?

Yes, the shoes at Finish Line are real and authentic. Finish Line works with big brands like Nike and Puma. They get their products straight from the brands and sell them to customers.

We always check that a store is an authorized seller before we buy. Finish Line is on the list of authorized retailers for Nike and other top brands.

When we buy from Finish Line, the shoes come in the original box with all the right tags.

Does the Finish Line price match?

No, Finish Line does not offer a price match policy. That means they won’t adjust the price if you find the same item cheaper at another store.

We asked Finish Line about this once, and they confirmed they don’t price match. It’s something to keep in mind before you buy.

Instead, Finish Line often has its own sales and coupons. We always look for promo codes before we shop.

Some other stores do price match, but Finish Line chooses not to. We think it’s still worth checking their site often.

Does Finish Line take Afterpay?

Yes, Finish Line accepts Afterpay. That means you can buy what you want now and pay for it over time. We love this option because it makes it easier to get new sneakers without paying all at once. Afterpay lets you split your payment into four equal payments, which is really helpful when you’re on a budget.

When you choose Afterpay at checkout, it’s super easy. Just select Afterpay, and they’ll handle the rest.

Does Finish Line have free returns?

Yes, Finish Line offers free returns on most items. That means you can send back something you don’t want without paying extra.

We think this is awesome because it makes shopping online feel safer. If something doesn’t fit, you can return it without worrying about extra costs. You have 45 days to make a return, and we think that’s plenty of time to decide.

Finish Line lets you return items in stores, too.

Does Finish Line have free shipping?

Yes, Finish Line offers free shipping on orders over $75. Finish Line’s free shipping is available for deliveries to most addresses in the U.S. They do have some exclusions. For example, orders to Alaska, Hawaii, or P.O. boxes might have different rates.

But for most shoppers in the continental U.S., free shipping is an option if you meet the minimum order amount.

When we shop at Finish Line, we always try to bundle our purchases to reach that $75 mark. That way, we get free shipping. It’s a simple way to save money on our orders.

If your order doesn’t meet the free shipping requirement, Finish Line charges a flat rate of $8.99 for standard shipping. That’s pretty reasonable.

Does Finish Line sell real Jordans?

Finish Line sells real Jordans. They’re an official retailer for Nike and Jordan Brand. That means every pair of Jordans at Finish Line is authentic.

We’ve even seen Finish Line offer special releases and limited-edition Jordans. Note that those usually sell out fast. But when we get them from Finish Line, we know they’re real and brand new.

Does Finish Line have a student discount?

Finish Line does offer a student discount. That’s great news for students who want to save on sneakers and clothes. Finish Line partners with a company called UNiDAYS. To get the discount, you just need to verify your student status through UNiDAYS.

Once you’re verified, you’ll get a special code you can use at checkout. The discount usually gives you 10 percent off your purchase. That’s a good deal, especially when you’re on a student budget.

We think this discount shows that Finish Line cares about making their products more affordable for students.

Does Finish Line offer a military discount?

Finish Line offers a military discount. This is a great way to say thank you to service members. Finish Line partners with a service called SheerID to verify military status. Once verified, you get a discount code to use online, which is usually 10 percent off.

We think this is a big deal because it shows the Finish Line supports the military community. The discount applies to most products, so you can save on sneakers, clothes, and gear.

When we checked out the program, it looked easy to use. You sign up, verify your status, and then shop like normal.

Finish Line vs Zappos

Both Finish Line and Zappos are popular places to buy shoes. They each have different strengths depending on what you’re looking for.

We think Finish Line is great for getting the latest athletic shoes and sportswear. Zappos is known for its huge selection of all kinds of shoes.

Here’s a comparison:

Finish Line vs KicksCrew

If you’re deciding between Finish Line and KicksCrew, it depends on what you want. We think Finish Line is better for everyday sneaker shopping and trusted service. KicksCrew is good for finding rare shoes, but it can take longer to ship.

Finish Line vs StockX

Both Finish Line and StockX sell sneakers, but they work very differently. Finish Line sells new, authentic shoes at retail prices. StockX is a marketplace where people buy and sell sneakers, often at resale prices.

We think Finish Line is a better pick for buying new releases and everyday sneakers. StockX is great for getting sold-out styles or limited-edition releases.

Conclusion

Shopping at Finish Line has been a great experience for us, and we think it can be for you too. Here’s why we trust them and think you should too:

• Finish Line is owned by JD Sports, a respected name in retail.

• They sell only authentic products from brands we all love.

• You can learn about their fair and easy return policy on their website.

• They offer free shipping on most orders over $75.

• They give you plenty of ways to save, from student discounts to Afterpay.

Happy shopping!