Is DSW Legit or Fake? Latest Review by Experts (2025)

People are asking, is DSW legit or fake? It’s understandable, too. No one wants to fall for a scam and waste their money.

So, we decided to buy shoes from DSW to find out if they are real or not. We also got in touch with the company to find out more about them. On top of that, our team also reads customer reviews on platforms like Reddit.

Here’s what we found:

DSW is 100% legit. It's a real, trusted store owned by Designer Brands Inc. with hundreds of retail locations and real brand partnerships. Just avoid sketchy sites claiming to be DSW—they're not the real thing.

Curious to know more?

Here, we are sharing:

• Why DSW is legit

• What problems do people face shopping there

• Comparison with Zappos, KicksCrew, Foot Locker, and StockX.

Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• DSW is a legit retailer, owned by Designer Brands Inc., a public company with billions in revenue.

• They operate over 500 stores in the U.S. and Canada and sell real, branded shoes.

• Their DSW VIP rewards program gives discounts, points, and free shipping perks.

• Some customers face shipping delays and slow customer service responses.

• The return policy is fair, but shoes must be unworn and original packaging is required.

• DSW’s social media presence and app ratings prove it’s a reliable brand.

• Prices are affordable, especially when you stack sales with rewards.

• DSW is great for everyday shopping, while stores like StockX and KicksCrew are better for rare sneakers.

Is DSW Legit or Fake? (Site Review)

DSW is 100% legit. It’s a real, trusted shoe store owned by Designer Brands Inc, a big public company that was founded in 1969. Their website is safe and customer service is responsive. Plus, their return policy is clear and payments are secure.

We’ve personally bought from DSW online and in-store many times, and every single time, the shoes were real. Similarly, according to customer reviews, the brands are authentic and the service is reliable.

Here are the top 10 reasons why DSW is a legitimate platform:

Established Corporate Ownership

DSW is legit and not a random online store that popped up last year. It’s owned by Designer Brands Inc., a publicly traded company that’s been around since 1969. That alone gives it major credibility. We don’t see scam sites being backed by billion-dollar public companies.

When we first looked into this, we saw that Designer Brands trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DBI. That’s huge. You can’t just be fake and get listed like that. It’s not even possible. They have to go through government checks, financial audits, and constant reporting.

We checked their 2024 reports and found they made around $3 billion in sales. For us, this level of profit makes DSW extremely legitimate.

Public Financial Transparency

Another reason DSW is a reliable company is that it believes in transparency. What impressed us even more is how they’re open about everything — profits, losses, and even how much they gave back to investors.

In 2024, they returned $79 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. That’s not something shady companies do. That’s what real, well-run businesses do.

When a company is this open about its numbers, it builds confidence.

In our experience, transparency like this is rare. And when it exists, it tells us the business is real, professional, and confident.

Extensive Retail Presence

You can trust DSW because you can actually walk into one of their stores. Over 500 of them, in fact. You don’t get that from a fake store. If you’re ever unsure, visit a store. That alone will tell you this place is legit.

For us, the physical stores gave DSW instant credibility. We’ve been to DSW stores in different states. They’re big, well-stocked, clean, and always full of top-brand shoes. This isn’t some online-only setup where you can’t track where your money is going. DSW has a real physical presence, and that matters.

When we shop there, we see popular brands like Nike, Crocs, Birkenstock, New Balance, and UGG all in one place. And every pair of shoes we’ve bought came in original packaging, looked brand new, and felt high quality.

Proper Social Media Presence

DSW.com is a legit site and it’s social media dominance is the evidence of this. Before buying anything online, people usually check their social media. A strong presence means real customers, real feedback, and real engagement.

DSW’s social media is active and huge:

Fake stores can’t build that kind of online community. They either post generic stuff or barely have any followers at all.

Brand Partnerships and Product Offerings

DSW is reliable, and one big reason is its partnerships with bigger brands. You can buy shoes there from big names like Adidas and Nike. But that’s not all. They also carry their own private-label brands, like Audrey Brooke, Kelly & Katie, and Lulu Townsend.

And let us tell you — these aren’t low-quality knockoffs. We’ve tried their private brands and were honestly surprised. Comfortable, stylish, and affordable. In some cases, better than some big-brand shoes we’ve owned.

Also, when we ordered brands like New Balance and UGG from DSW, they came with original boxes, tags, and product IDs.

Customer Loyalty Program

DSW runs a rewards program called DSW VIP, and honestly, we think it’s one of the better loyalty programs out there. We’ve used it ourselves and seen real benefits, not just tiny discounts that barely matter.

Here’s what we noticed: the more we shop, the more perks we unlock. Even at the basic level, members get points for every dollar spent, and those points turn into rewards. We’ve gotten free shoes just from points alone.

What we also love is the free shipping perk. Once we hit VIP Gold, our orders shipped free (no matter the price). We didn’t have to worry about minimums. That made online shopping feel way easier and more worth it.

Plus, DSW often sends out exclusive offers. We’ve gotten birthday rewards, double points events, and even special access to new arrivals. It feels like they really value repeat customers.

And here’s something important — the program is free to join. We didn’t pay anything, and still got decent rewards just by shopping normally.

For us, this VIP program is a big green flag. Scams don’t invest in long-term customer perks.

Community Engagement and Services

DSW is not a scam, and the proof is their community services. Many DSW locations now offer a shoe donation program. We brought in a few pairs of sandals we no longer wore, and they made it so simple to donate.

We’ve also used the in-store pickup option. It’s a lifesaver because there are no shipping delays.

What made us like DSW even more is their military and student discounts. We’ve had friends use these, and they were easy to apply at checkout.

Scam sites don’t run donation drives or support service members. Real businesses with real values do.

Positive Online Ratings

DSW is a legit site and has received positive ratings on a lot of online platforms. On the App Store, DSW has a crazy high rating of 4.9 out of 5, with over 770,000 reviews. That tells us two things: a lot of people are using the app, and most of them love it. We downloaded it ourselves and had a smooth, easy experience.

Here’s the DSW review table:

Now, it’s not all perfect. Sitejabber gives DSW just 1.8 stars, and BBB has them at 1 star from 56 reviews. Most complaints are about returns, wrong items, or customer support delays.

We’ve had one late delivery from DSW ourselves. It was annoying, but they made it right with a refund and an apology.

So yes, DSW isn’t flawless. But when we weigh all the platforms, most people are happy. And so were we.

Clear Return Policy

Thousands of people have called DSW a real site only because of their return policy. We’ve tested DSW’s return policy multiple times. It’s straightforward, but there are a few details you need to know.

If you return something in-store, it’s completely free. We’ve done this more than once and had no issues. Just bring the item back within 60 days, with the receipt, and it’s done. If the item is unworn, you get your money back to the original payment method, including PayPal.

Online returns are also easy, but if you use their prepaid return label, they take $8.50 from your refund. We used this once when we didn’t feel like driving to the store.

DSW accepts returns without receipts too, but instead of a refund, they’ll give you store credit. We did that once, and it was smooth — just needed a valid ID. The only catch is that they track returns, so don’t try to return stuff too often without a receipt.

You can also exchange items, but only for a different size or color of the same item. We’ve done this through the online portal and got free shipping on the replacement.

And get this: items bought through DoorDash can be returned, but only for store credit. And you need the original DoorDash receipt.

Overall, we think DSW’s return policy is fair. It’s not perfect, but it’s clear. Just make sure you’re within the 60-day window, and you’re good.

Easy to Contact DSW

DSW is not a scam site because you can contact it at any time you want. Their customer service line is 1.866.379.7463. And for less urgent stuff, emailing CUSTOMERSERVICE@DSW.COM works fine. They usually respond in about 24 hours.

Live chat is faster, but only during business hours. We sent a message to their live chat at 12:30 pm and got a reply within two minutes. Ian was helpful and gave us proper replies. Here’s the screenshot of our chat with DSW:

We asked about a missing order, and they tracked it and refunded the shipping fee.

Here’s the contact info of DSW:

We also used their live chat, and that’s faster during the day. We recommend it over email if you’re in a hurry.

DSW’s service hours are pretty generous. Monday to Friday, they’re available from 7 AM to 10 PM ET. Even weekends are covered. And they clearly list their mailing address, which means they take customer service very seriously.

3 Problems With DSW (Complaints)

DSW is legit, but it’s not perfect. Some customers face issues, especially with customer service, shipping delays, and return problems. We’ve had both good and frustrating experiences ourselves.

If you plan to shop at DSW, it helps to know what might go wrong:

Poor Customer Service Experience

We’ve contacted DSW customer service several times. While some interactions went smoothly, others left us frustrated. The biggest issue? Response time. When we used email, it sometimes took over 24 hours to get a reply.

And the phone line? We’ve waited as long as 20 minutes during peak times.

What really bothered us once was when we received the wrong size. It was clearly a mistake on their end. But getting it fixed took three emails, a call, and over a week. That shouldn’t happen when the error isn’t the customer’s fault.

Other shoppers have shared similar stories. On BBB and SiteJabber, complaints mostly focus on how slow or unhelpful support can be. Some say they never got a resolution at all.

To avoid issues, we recommend calling during off-peak hours — mornings usually work best. And if your issue isn’t urgent, live chat has been the most consistent for us.

Shipping and Delivery Delays

We’ve had both fast and slow deliveries from DSW. Sometimes our shoes arrived within 3 days, which was great. Other times, we waited more than a week, once, even 12 days. That’s a problem when you need shoes for an event or trip.

Moreover, People have complained on Reddit that DSW’s tracking info isn’t always updated quickly either. We also once had a package marked as shipped, but the tracking didn’t move for four days. It made us wonder if it was even sent.

Some DSW reviews we’ve read mention the same thing. Delays during sales or holidays are especially common. If you need your shoes fast, don’t rely on standard shipping. We’ve had better luck with express options, though they cost more.

And be careful with split shipments. DSW sometimes sends items separately, which can cause confusion.

Returns and Refund Frustrations

Returning items to DSW is usually easy in-store. But online returns can sometimes be a hassle. We once returned shoes by mail using their prepaid label, and it took over two weeks to see the refund. That delay left us worried.

Other customers have reported similar issues, especially if they used PayPal or Venmo. Refunds with those methods take longer.

Another common frustration is DSW’s return shipping fee. If you use their prepaid label, they deduct $8.50 from your refund. We’ve been caught off guard by that before. It’s clearly stated in their policy, but easy to overlook.

The return policy also requires items to be unworn and in original packaging. If DSW believes you wore the shoes, they might reject the return or only offer store credit.

So here’s our advice: keep your packaging, keep the receipt, and if you’re unsure, return in-store.

How Do I Contact DSW Customer Service?

There are a few ways to contact DSW’s customer service. The easiest method is their live chat. It’s available on the website and usually connects you to a rep within a few minutes, especially during weekday mornings.

What we do is try chat first, then call if that doesn’t help. And for anything minor, we just email.

Here are other ways to contact DSW customer service:

Overall, DSW has multiple ways to reach them, but your patience might be tested depending on when you try.

Can You Return Shoes Worn Once to DSW?

DSW’s return policy clearly says shoes must be unworn and in original condition. That said, it depends. If the shoes look brand new and show no signs of wear, you might get away with it.

We once returned a pair after trying them on at home — only indoors — and it was accepted without a problem.

But if you take them outside, even just for an hour, there’s a good chance DSW will spot the wear and refuse the refund. Their staff check soles, insoles, and even smell sometimes. Sounds weird, but they’re trained to check for return abuse.

The best approach is this: test the shoes indoors only. Walk on clean floors. Don’t go outside. If they don’t fit or feel right, box them back up with all the tags and try to return them quickly.

Are DSW Shoes Expensive?

DSW is not expensive, but it depends on what you're buying. We’ve found shoes there for under $40, and also seen premium brands priced at $200+. The good news is that DSW has something for every budget.

For everyday wear, we’ve bought sandals, sneakers, and boots at super affordable prices. Their clearance section is gold — we once grabbed a pair of Adidas running shoes for $29.99, which was almost half off the brand’s main site price.

Where DSW really shines is in offering brand-name shoes for less. You can get Nike, New Balance, Crocs, and UGG at lower prices than most retail stores.

They also run regular promotions. We’re on their email list and often get 20–30% off codes, plus rewards from their VIP program. We even used a birthday reward once to knock $10 off a pair of boots.

DSW Locations: Where are the Stores?

DSW has over 500 stores across the United States and Canada. We’ve visited locations in New York, Chicago, and even smaller cities like Columbus, Ohio, and each one felt consistent in layout and product availability.

To find a location near you, we usually go to their website and use the store locator tool.

Most DSW stores are in shopping centers or malls. That makes it easy to swing by while running other errands. Parking has never been an issue for us, and most locations have in-store pickup available if you order online first.

Does DSW Sell Fake Shoes?

No, DSW does not sell fake shoes. DSW is a large, reputable retailer that works directly with well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and many others. All the products you find on their website or in their stores come from official sources.

In short, they do not deal in unauthorized or counterfeit goods.

DSW also has customer service you can contact if you’re unsure about any product. They are open about where their products come from. Moreover, they have a long track record of being a trusted seller. If fake products were involved, it would have come out long ago.

Does DSW Sell Used or Old Shoes?

No, DSW does not sell used or old shoes. Everything they sell in-store and online is brand new. The shoes come directly from manufacturers or official distributors. These shoes are not pre-worn or refurbished.

DSW has a return policy, and when customers return shoes, those items are inspected. If the shoes are worn, the company does not put them back on the shelf.

If the shoes are clearly unused, in original condition, and in their box, they can get restocked. But that’s standard retail practice everywhere.

DSW also works with a nonprofit called Soles4Souls. Customers can bring in their gently used shoes and drop them in donation bins located in DSW stores. These shoes are sent to people in need or to programs in developing countries.

DSW vs Zappos: Comparison

We’ve shopped from both DSW and Zappos, and honestly, both are great.If you're looking for deals and rewards, DSW wins. If customer service and fast shipping matter more, Zappos stands out.

DSW vs KicksCrew

This one’s easy — DSW is a mainstream retailer. KicksCrew is a sneaker marketplace. If you want authentic hype sneakers, go to KicksCrew. But for everyday wear and casual styles, DSW is more affordable.

DSW vs Foot Locker

Both are giants in the shoe game, but DSW offers more variety, including dress shoes and heels. Foot Locker is more sports-focused and sneaker-heavy.

DSW vs StockX

StockX and DSW are completely different. DSW is retail. StockX is resale.

Conclusion

So, is DSW legit or fake? From everything we’ve seen, bought, and experienced ourselves, DSW is absolutely legit. It’s not perfect, but it’s a safe place to shop if you know how to avoid a few common problems.

Here’s a quick recap to remember:

• DSW sells real shoes from real brands, and the prices can be amazing.

• Their return policy works, but you need to follow the rules.

• Customer service is hit or miss, so try chat first.

• Always shop from the real site and beware of fake lookalikes.

We hope this helped you shop smarter. And honestly? If you love great shoes at a better price, DSW is worth checking out.

People are asking, is DSW legit or fake? It’s understandable, too. No one wants to fall for a scam and waste their money.

So, we decided to buy shoes from DSW to find out if they are real or not. We also got in touch with the company to find out more about them. On top of that, our team also reads customer reviews on platforms like Reddit.

Here’s what we found:

DSW is 100% legit. It's a real, trusted store owned by Designer Brands Inc. with hundreds of retail locations and real brand partnerships. Just avoid sketchy sites claiming to be DSW—they're not the real thing.

Curious to know more?

Here, we are sharing:

• Why DSW is legit

• What problems do people face shopping there

• Comparison with Zappos, KicksCrew, Foot Locker, and StockX.

Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways

• DSW is a legit retailer, owned by Designer Brands Inc., a public company with billions in revenue.

• They operate over 500 stores in the U.S. and Canada and sell real, branded shoes.

• Their DSW VIP rewards program gives discounts, points, and free shipping perks.

• Some customers face shipping delays and slow customer service responses.

• The return policy is fair, but shoes must be unworn and original packaging is required.

• DSW’s social media presence and app ratings prove it’s a reliable brand.

• Prices are affordable, especially when you stack sales with rewards.

• DSW is great for everyday shopping, while stores like StockX and KicksCrew are better for rare sneakers.

Is DSW Legit or Fake? (Site Review)

DSW is 100% legit. It’s a real, trusted shoe store owned by Designer Brands Inc, a big public company that was founded in 1969. Their website is safe and customer service is responsive. Plus, their return policy is clear and payments are secure.

We’ve personally bought from DSW online and in-store many times, and every single time, the shoes were real. Similarly, according to customer reviews, the brands are authentic and the service is reliable.

Here are the top 10 reasons why DSW is a legitimate platform:

Established Corporate Ownership

DSW is legit and not a random online store that popped up last year. It’s owned by Designer Brands Inc., a publicly traded company that’s been around since 1969. That alone gives it major credibility. We don’t see scam sites being backed by billion-dollar public companies.

When we first looked into this, we saw that Designer Brands trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DBI. That’s huge. You can’t just be fake and get listed like that. It’s not even possible. They have to go through government checks, financial audits, and constant reporting.

We checked their 2024 reports and found they made around $3 billion in sales. For us, this level of profit makes DSW extremely legitimate.

Public Financial Transparency

Another reason DSW is a reliable company is that it believes in transparency. What impressed us even more is how they’re open about everything — profits, losses, and even how much they gave back to investors.

In 2024, they returned $79 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. That’s not something shady companies do. That’s what real, well-run businesses do.

When a company is this open about its numbers, it builds confidence.

In our experience, transparency like this is rare. And when it exists, it tells us the business is real, professional, and confident.

Extensive Retail Presence

You can trust DSW because you can actually walk into one of their stores. Over 500 of them, in fact. You don’t get that from a fake store. If you’re ever unsure, visit a store. That alone will tell you this place is legit.

For us, the physical stores gave DSW instant credibility. We’ve been to DSW stores in different states. They’re big, well-stocked, clean, and always full of top-brand shoes. This isn’t some online-only setup where you can’t track where your money is going. DSW has a real physical presence, and that matters.

When we shop there, we see popular brands like Nike, Crocs, Birkenstock, New Balance, and UGG all in one place. And every pair of shoes we’ve bought came in original packaging, looked brand new, and felt high quality.

Proper Social Media Presence

DSW.com is a legit site and it’s social media dominance is the evidence of this. Before buying anything online, people usually check their social media. A strong presence means real customers, real feedback, and real engagement.

DSW’s social media is active and huge:

Fake stores can’t build that kind of online community. They either post generic stuff or barely have any followers at all.

Brand Partnerships and Product Offerings

DSW is reliable, and one big reason is its partnerships with bigger brands. You can buy shoes there from big names like Adidas and Nike. But that’s not all. They also carry their own private-label brands, like Audrey Brooke, Kelly & Katie, and Lulu Townsend.

And let us tell you — these aren’t low-quality knockoffs. We’ve tried their private brands and were honestly surprised. Comfortable, stylish, and affordable. In some cases, better than some big-brand shoes we’ve owned.

Also, when we ordered brands like New Balance and UGG from DSW, they came with original boxes, tags, and product IDs.

Customer Loyalty Program

DSW runs a rewards program called DSW VIP, and honestly, we think it’s one of the better loyalty programs out there. We’ve used it ourselves and seen real benefits, not just tiny discounts that barely matter.

Here’s what we noticed: the more we shop, the more perks we unlock. Even at the basic level, members get points for every dollar spent, and those points turn into rewards. We’ve gotten free shoes just from points alone.

What we also love is the free shipping perk. Once we hit VIP Gold, our orders shipped free (no matter the price). We didn’t have to worry about minimums. That made online shopping feel way easier and more worth it.

Plus, DSW often sends out exclusive offers. We’ve gotten birthday rewards, double points events, and even special access to new arrivals. It feels like they really value repeat customers.

And here’s something important — the program is free to join. We didn’t pay anything, and still got decent rewards just by shopping normally.

For us, this VIP program is a big green flag. Scams don’t invest in long-term customer perks.

Community Engagement and Services

DSW is not a scam, and the proof is their community services. Many DSW locations now offer a shoe donation program. We brought in a few pairs of sandals we no longer wore, and they made it so simple to donate.

We’ve also used the in-store pickup option. It’s a lifesaver because there are no shipping delays.

What made us like DSW even more is their military and student discounts. We’ve had friends use these, and they were easy to apply at checkout.

Scam sites don’t run donation drives or support service members. Real businesses with real values do.

Positive Online Ratings

DSW is a legit site and has received positive ratings on a lot of online platforms. On the App Store, DSW has a crazy high rating of 4.9 out of 5, with over 770,000 reviews. That tells us two things: a lot of people are using the app, and most of them love it. We downloaded it ourselves and had a smooth, easy experience.

Here’s the DSW review table:

Now, it’s not all perfect. Sitejabber gives DSW just 1.8 stars, and BBB has them at 1 star from 56 reviews. Most complaints are about returns, wrong items, or customer support delays.

We’ve had one late delivery from DSW ourselves. It was annoying, but they made it right with a refund and an apology.

So yes, DSW isn’t flawless. But when we weigh all the platforms, most people are happy. And so were we.

Clear Return Policy

Thousands of people have called DSW a real site only because of their return policy. We’ve tested DSW’s return policy multiple times. It’s straightforward, but there are a few details you need to know.

If you return something in-store, it’s completely free. We’ve done this more than once and had no issues. Just bring the item back within 60 days, with the receipt, and it’s done. If the item is unworn, you get your money back to the original payment method, including PayPal.

Online returns are also easy, but if you use their prepaid return label, they take $8.50 from your refund. We used this once when we didn’t feel like driving to the store.

DSW accepts returns without receipts too, but instead of a refund, they’ll give you store credit. We did that once, and it was smooth — just needed a valid ID. The only catch is that they track returns, so don’t try to return stuff too often without a receipt.

You can also exchange items, but only for a different size or color of the same item. We’ve done this through the online portal and got free shipping on the replacement.

And get this: items bought through DoorDash can be returned, but only for store credit. And you need the original DoorDash receipt.

Overall, we think DSW’s return policy is fair. It’s not perfect, but it’s clear. Just make sure you’re within the 60-day window, and you’re good.

Easy to Contact DSW

DSW is not a scam site because you can contact it at any time you want. Their customer service line is 1.866.379.7463. And for less urgent stuff, emailing CUSTOMERSERVICE@DSW.COM works fine. They usually respond in about 24 hours.

Live chat is faster, but only during business hours. We sent a message to their live chat at 12:30 pm and got a reply within two minutes. Ian was helpful and gave us proper replies. Here’s the screenshot of our chat with DSW:

We asked about a missing order, and they tracked it and refunded the shipping fee.

Here’s the contact info of DSW:

We also used their live chat, and that’s faster during the day. We recommend it over email if you’re in a hurry.

DSW’s service hours are pretty generous. Monday to Friday, they’re available from 7 AM to 10 PM ET. Even weekends are covered. And they clearly list their mailing address, which means they take customer service very seriously.

3 Problems With DSW (Complaints)

DSW is legit, but it’s not perfect. Some customers face issues, especially with customer service, shipping delays, and return problems. We’ve had both good and frustrating experiences ourselves.

If you plan to shop at DSW, it helps to know what might go wrong:

Poor Customer Service Experience

We’ve contacted DSW customer service several times. While some interactions went smoothly, others left us frustrated. The biggest issue? Response time. When we used email, it sometimes took over 24 hours to get a reply.

And the phone line? We’ve waited as long as 20 minutes during peak times.

What really bothered us once was when we received the wrong size. It was clearly a mistake on their end. But getting it fixed took three emails, a call, and over a week. That shouldn’t happen when the error isn’t the customer’s fault.

Other shoppers have shared similar stories. On BBB and SiteJabber, complaints mostly focus on how slow or unhelpful support can be. Some say they never got a resolution at all.

To avoid issues, we recommend calling during off-peak hours — mornings usually work best. And if your issue isn’t urgent, live chat has been the most consistent for us.

Shipping and Delivery Delays

We’ve had both fast and slow deliveries from DSW. Sometimes our shoes arrived within 3 days, which was great. Other times, we waited more than a week, once, even 12 days. That’s a problem when you need shoes for an event or trip.

Moreover, People have complained on Reddit that DSW’s tracking info isn’t always updated quickly either. We also once had a package marked as shipped, but the tracking didn’t move for four days. It made us wonder if it was even sent.

Some DSW reviews we’ve read mention the same thing. Delays during sales or holidays are especially common. If you need your shoes fast, don’t rely on standard shipping. We’ve had better luck with express options, though they cost more.

And be careful with split shipments. DSW sometimes sends items separately, which can cause confusion.

Returns and Refund Frustrations

Returning items to DSW is usually easy in-store. But online returns can sometimes be a hassle. We once returned shoes by mail using their prepaid label, and it took over two weeks to see the refund. That delay left us worried.

Other customers have reported similar issues, especially if they used PayPal or Venmo. Refunds with those methods take longer.

Another common frustration is DSW’s return shipping fee. If you use their prepaid label, they deduct $8.50 from your refund. We’ve been caught off guard by that before. It’s clearly stated in their policy, but easy to overlook.

The return policy also requires items to be unworn and in original packaging. If DSW believes you wore the shoes, they might reject the return or only offer store credit.

So here’s our advice: keep your packaging, keep the receipt, and if you’re unsure, return in-store.

How Do I Contact DSW Customer Service?

There are a few ways to contact DSW’s customer service. The easiest method is their live chat. It’s available on the website and usually connects you to a rep within a few minutes, especially during weekday mornings.

What we do is try chat first, then call if that doesn’t help. And for anything minor, we just email.

Here are other ways to contact DSW customer service:

Overall, DSW has multiple ways to reach them, but your patience might be tested depending on when you try.

Can You Return Shoes Worn Once to DSW?

DSW’s return policy clearly says shoes must be unworn and in original condition. That said, it depends. If the shoes look brand new and show no signs of wear, you might get away with it.

We once returned a pair after trying them on at home — only indoors — and it was accepted without a problem.

But if you take them outside, even just for an hour, there’s a good chance DSW will spot the wear and refuse the refund. Their staff check soles, insoles, and even smell sometimes. Sounds weird, but they’re trained to check for return abuse.

The best approach is this: test the shoes indoors only. Walk on clean floors. Don’t go outside. If they don’t fit or feel right, box them back up with all the tags and try to return them quickly.

Are DSW Shoes Expensive?

DSW is not expensive, but it depends on what you're buying. We’ve found shoes there for under $40, and also seen premium brands priced at $200+. The good news is that DSW has something for every budget.

For everyday wear, we’ve bought sandals, sneakers, and boots at super affordable prices. Their clearance section is gold — we once grabbed a pair of Adidas running shoes for $29.99, which was almost half off the brand’s main site price.

Where DSW really shines is in offering brand-name shoes for less. You can get Nike, New Balance, Crocs, and UGG at lower prices than most retail stores.

They also run regular promotions. We’re on their email list and often get 20–30% off codes, plus rewards from their VIP program. We even used a birthday reward once to knock $10 off a pair of boots.

DSW Locations: Where are the Stores?

DSW has over 500 stores across the United States and Canada. We’ve visited locations in New York, Chicago, and even smaller cities like Columbus, Ohio, and each one felt consistent in layout and product availability.

To find a location near you, we usually go to their website and use the store locator tool.

Most DSW stores are in shopping centers or malls. That makes it easy to swing by while running other errands. Parking has never been an issue for us, and most locations have in-store pickup available if you order online first.

Does DSW Sell Fake Shoes?

No, DSW does not sell fake shoes. DSW is a large, reputable retailer that works directly with well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and many others. All the products you find on their website or in their stores come from official sources.

In short, they do not deal in unauthorized or counterfeit goods.

DSW also has customer service you can contact if you’re unsure about any product. They are open about where their products come from. Moreover, they have a long track record of being a trusted seller. If fake products were involved, it would have come out long ago.

Does DSW Sell Used or Old Shoes?

No, DSW does not sell used or old shoes. Everything they sell in-store and online is brand new. The shoes come directly from manufacturers or official distributors. These shoes are not pre-worn or refurbished.

DSW has a return policy, and when customers return shoes, those items are inspected. If the shoes are worn, the company does not put them back on the shelf.

If the shoes are clearly unused, in original condition, and in their box, they can get restocked. But that’s standard retail practice everywhere.

DSW also works with a nonprofit called Soles4Souls. Customers can bring in their gently used shoes and drop them in donation bins located in DSW stores. These shoes are sent to people in need or to programs in developing countries.

DSW vs Zappos: Comparison

We’ve shopped from both DSW and Zappos, and honestly, both are great.If you're looking for deals and rewards, DSW wins. If customer service and fast shipping matter more, Zappos stands out.

DSW vs KicksCrew

This one’s easy — DSW is a mainstream retailer. KicksCrew is a sneaker marketplace. If you want authentic hype sneakers, go to KicksCrew. But for everyday wear and casual styles, DSW is more affordable.

DSW vs Foot Locker

Both are giants in the shoe game, but DSW offers more variety, including dress shoes and heels. Foot Locker is more sports-focused and sneaker-heavy.

DSW vs StockX

StockX and DSW are completely different. DSW is retail. StockX is resale.

Conclusion

So, is DSW legit or fake? From everything we’ve seen, bought, and experienced ourselves, DSW is absolutely legit. It’s not perfect, but it’s a safe place to shop if you know how to avoid a few common problems.

Here’s a quick recap to remember:

• DSW sells real shoes from real brands, and the prices can be amazing.

• Their return policy works, but you need to follow the rules.

• Customer service is hit or miss, so try chat first.

• Always shop from the real site and beware of fake lookalikes.

We hope this helped you shop smarter. And honestly? If you love great shoes at a better price, DSW is worth checking out.