Adidas Return Policy

Understanding the adidas return policy is the first step to a stress-free shopping experience. Whether you bought the wrong size or just changed your mind, knowing the rules helps you get your refund or exchange quickly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover time limits, condition requirements, and the different ways to send items back. You’ll also learn about exceptions for special items and how to start your return online or in a store.

The core adidas return policy gives you 30 days to send back items for a refund or exchange. The clock starts from the day you receive your order. It’s a pretty standard window, but it goes by fast, so don’t let those new shoes sit in the box for too long.

Your return must meet a few simple conditions. The item needs to be in its original state. That means unworn, unwashed, and with all the tags and labels still attached. The original packaging is a big plus, too.

Adidas offers free returns for most orders, which is a nice perk. You can usually send things back by mail or drop them off at a participating adidas store. We’ll get into the specifics of each method in a moment.

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Most products you buy from adidas directly are covered. This includes shoes, clothing, and accessories. As long as you follow the 30-day and condition rules, you should be fine.

There are some important exceptions, however. You need to check the policy for certain product categories.

Face Covers & Masks: For hygiene reasons, these items are final sale and cannot be returned.
Gift Cards: These are non-returnable and non-refundable, as is typical with most retailers.
Personalized/Customized Items: Products made just for you, like some miadidas shoes, usually cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
Underwear & Swimwear: For obvious hygiene concerns, these must have the original hygiene seal intact to be eligible.

Always double-check the product page before buying if your item falls into a special category. It can save you a headache later.

Condition of Returned Items

This is where many returns get rejected. “Original condition” is the golden rule. Think about it from the store’s perspective: they need to be able to resell the item as new.

Here’s what “original condition” really means:

Unworn: No signs of wear on the soles, no creases on the uppers, no dirt or stains.
Tags Attached: All original adidas tags, including the hangtag and size label, must be fixed to the item.
Original Packaging: The shoebox is part of the product. Try to return shoes without the box, and you’ll likely be denied. Keep the box in good shape.
All Parts Included: If the item came with extra laces, a dust bag, or a special booklet, everything needs to go back in the box.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to start the return process sooner rather than later. Don’t take off the tags until you’re certain you’re keeping it.

How Long Do Refunds Take?

Once adidas receives your return, it takes them some time to process it. Typically, you can expect your refund to be issued within 14 days of them getting the package. This is a pretty common timeframe.

The refund will go back to your original payment method. So if you paid with a credit card, the money returns to that card. If you used a gift card, a new e-gift card will be issued to you.

Remember, your bank or card issuer might then take a few additional business days to post the credit to your account. So don’t panic if you don’t see it immediately after adidas processes it.

Step-by-Step Return Process

Returning an item to adidas is designed to be straightforward. Here is the simplest way to do it, starting from your computer or phone.

Starting Your Return Online

This is the main method for returns. Follow these steps to get your return label and instructions.

Go to the Returns Page: Visit the adidas Returns Center on their website. You’ll need your order number and the email address used for the purchase.
Select Your Items: Choose which items from your order you want to send back. You’ll be asked to select a reason for the return from a dropdown menu.
Choose Your Method: Pick between a mail return or an in-store drop-off. For mail returns, you’ll get a prepaid return label to print.
Pack Your Item: Securely pack the item in its original packaging, include the return form if you printed one, and seal the box.
Ship or Drop Off: Attach the label and either hand the package to a carrier (like UPS) or drop it at a designated location. For in-store, just bring the item and your order email to the register.

Always get a drop-off receipt or tracking number. This is your proof that you sent the package back in case anything gets lost.

Returning Items in an adidas Store

This is often the fastest option. You can walk out with an exchange or have the refund started right away.

Not all adidas stores accept returns for online orders, so you should use the store locator on their website and check the “Returns” filter. This will show you which locations near you are able to process your return.

When you go to the store, make sure you bring a few things with you:

The item in its original, perfect condition with all tags.
The original packaging (especially the shoebox).
Your order confirmation email or the packing slip.
The payment card you used, if possible (this can speed up the refund).

The store associate will check the item and process the return. Your refund will typically be issued on the spot if you paid by card, or you can choose an exchange for something different.

Returning Items Without the Original Box

This is a tricky situation. For shoes, the box is considered essential. Returning shoes without the original box will almost certainly result in a rejected return or a delayed processing while they investigate.

For apparel, it’s a bit more flexible but still not recommended. The safest bet is to always use the original packaging. If you’ve accidentally thrown it away, contact adidas Customer Service before sending the item back. They can advise you on what to do, but be prepared for the possibility that the return may not be accepted.

Exchanges and Special Cases

Sometimes you don’t want your money back—you just want a different size or color. Here’s how exchanges work and what to do in special situations.

How to Request an Exchange

Adidas typically handles exchanges through a “return and repurchase” process. This means you return the original item for a refund, and then you place a new order for the item you want.

Why do they do it this way? It’s often faster and ensures you get the correct item from current stock. During high-demand releases, the size you want might sell out if they tried to hold it during a traditional exchange.

To do an exchange:

Initiate a return for the item you have following the online steps.
Once the return is accepted and processed, you’ll receive your refund.
Immediately place a new order online for the correct size or color.

If you are doing an exchange in-store, it can be more direct. The store can often process the return and let you pick a new item off the shelf in the same transaction.

Returning Faulty or Defective Products

The 30-day return policy is for “change of mind” returns. If your product is faulty—like a seam ripping immediately or a sole separating—you have more rights.

Adidas will cover returns for defective items well beyond the standard 30 days under their warranty. You should contact Customer Service directly for these issues.

Have your proof of purchase ready and be prepared to describe or show photos of the defect. They will usually provide a prepaid label and guide you through a specific process for quality issues. The refund or replacement for a genuine fault is normally handled without any problems.

Returning Gifted Items

If you received an adidas item as a gift and need to return it, the process is slightly different. You’ll need the gift receipt that hopefully came with the present.

With a gift receipt, you can typically return the item for store credit in the form of an adidas e-gift card. You usually won’t be able to get a cash refund, as the original payment was made by the gift-giver.

Without any receipt, returns are very difficult. The store may offer an exchange for a similar item at the current selling price, but this is at their discretion. It’s always best to ask the person who gave you the gift for the receipt if you think you might need to make a change.

International Returns and Orders

Ordering from a different country’s adidas website complicates things. Policies and procedures can vary depending on where you are and where the order shipped from.

Generally, you must return the item to the country it was purchased from. If you bought from adidas.com in the US but live in Canada, you’ll likely need to ship it back to a US address. This can involve custom forms and higher shipping costs that you might have to cover.

Always check the “Help” or “Returns” section of the specific country’s website you ordered from. The time limits and conditions might be slightly different. For example, some European countries have longer mandatory return windows by law.

Due to the complexity, contacting customer service for your region before initiating an international return is a very smart move. They can confirm the exact steps and costs involved so there are no surprises.

Tips for a Smooth Return Experience

A little preparation makes the whole process effortless. Here are some pro tips based on common issues people face.

Act Quickly: 30 days is less than you think. Don’t wait until the last week to decide.
Preserve Everything: When trying on clothes or shoes, do it on a clean carpet. Avoid removing tags until you’re 100% sure.
Use the Right Label: If you’re returning multiple orders, don’t mix up the labels. Each return authorization is unique to an order.
Track Your Package: Once you drop it off, use the tracking number to follow its journey back to the warehouse.
Know the Sale Item Rules: Sale items are usually returnable under the standard policy, but final sale items will be clearly marked. Always check the product description for notes.

Following these tips will help ensure your return is processed without any delays or issues. It’s all about being mindful from the moment you open the package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is adidas’ return window?

Adidas gives you 30 days from the delivery date to return items for a refund or exchange.

Does adidas have free returns?

Yes, adidas provides free return shipping for most orders when you use their online return portal to generate a label.

Can I return adidas items to a store?

Yes, you can return online orders to participating adidas retail stores. Use the store locator on their website to find a store that accepts returns near you.

How long does an adidas refund take?

After adidas receives your return, it takes up to 14 days to process the refund. It may then take additional days for your bank to show the credit.

What if my adidas product is defective?

Contact adidas Customer Service immediately. Defective items are covered under warranty and have a different return process outside the standard 30-day window.

Can I return customized adidas products?

No, personalized items like miadidas shoes are generally final sale and cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or faulty.

Do I need the box to return adidas shoes?

Yes, the original shoebox is required for shoe returns. Returns without the original box are often rejected.

What is adidas’ return policy on sale items?

Sale items follow the same standard return policy unless they are specifically marked as “Final Sale” on the product page.

Understanding the adidas return policy gives you confidence to shop. You know you have a clear path if something isn’t quite right. Remember the key points: 30 days, original condition with all tags and packaging, and free return options. By following the steps outlined here and keeping your proof of purchase, you can handle any return smoothly and get back to finding the perfect gear.