Nike vs New Balance Return Policy

Nike

• 60-day return window from date of purchase for all items bought from Nike.com, the Nike App, or Nike retail stores
• Worn and used items ARE accepted within the 60-day window — Nike encourages a genuine 'wear test' (you can run, train, and play in the shoes and still return them on day 59)
• This wear-test policy applies to ALL Nike items, not just shoes — apparel and accessories included
• After 60 days, items must be unworn, unwashed, and in new condition with tags attached to be eligible for return
• Original box/packaging is preferred but not strictly required for returns within 60 days
• Nike Members do not need a paper receipt — purchase history is tracked in the Nike App and online account
• Non-members need the original receipt or order confirmation for returns
• Without a receipt, unworn/unwashed items may be returned for store credit at the current selling price (manager approval required)

New Balance

• Merchandise must be in new condition, in the state you received them.
• Items must be unworn, clean, and free of damage.
• Original labels must be attached to apparel items.
• Footwear must be returned in the original shoebox.

Nike

• Gift cards: final sale, not returnable or refundable once purchased
• Items marked 'Final Sale' at checkout: not returnable under any circumstances
• Nike By You (custom/personalized products): conflicting sources — Nike's official site states they are returnable within 60 days even if customized; however, heavily personalized items (custom jerseys with names) may be non-returnable. Check the product page at time of purchase for the specific item's return eligibility
• Apple Watch Nike: subject to Apple's 14-day return policy, not Nike's 60-day policy
• Items marked 'nonreturnable' on the product page: not eligible for return
• Products with specific guarantees or warranties: handled through warranty process, not standard returns
• After 60 days: Nike is increasingly strict — items must be completely unworn/unwashed/new with tags; many returns after 60 days are now being rejected

New Balance

• Customized or personalized products cannot be returned.
• Items marked as 'non-returnable' or 'final sale' cannot be returned.
• Defective items require contacting Customer Care for authorization before returning.
• New Balance Reconsidered items marked 'final sale' are not eligible for return.
• Eligible sports bras (RC Bra, NB Essential Run Bra, NB Define Train Bra, NB Essential Train Bra, NB Harmony Yoga Bra, NB Essential Yoga Bra, Klutch X NB Racerback Bra) can be returned within 45 days, even after tags are removed and used.

Nike

• Original payment method (default for all returns with proof of purchase)
• Nike gift card: issued for gift returns or returns without receipt
• Refund processing: 2-3 business days after Nike processes the return
• Additional time for bank/card processing varies by financial institution (typically 3-7 additional business days)
• Gift card purchases are refunded back to a Nike gift card
• In-store credit available as alternative for in-store returns

New Balance

• Refunds are credited to the original form of payment.
• Refunds include the purchase price and any applicable taxes.
• Shipping fees are not refunded.
• Online returns for non-members are subject to a $5 restocking fee, deducted from the refund.

Nike

• Nike.com and Nike App orders: initiate return through your Nike account or the Nike App
• Prepaid return shipping label provided — free for Nike Members
• Non-members may have to pay return shipping fees for online orders
• Box the item and drop off at any UPS location with the prepaid label
• Nike does not do direct online exchanges — you must return the item for a refund and place a new order for the replacement
• Returns processing begins when Nike receives the package at their return center

New Balance

• Returns can be initiated online by entering your order number or logging into your membership account.
• A prepaid UPS return label is provided.
• Items should be placed in the original package or a suitable alternative, with shoes in their original shoebox.
• Attach the prepaid return label over or in place of the original delivery label.
• Drop off the package at a UPS drop-off point or schedule a collection.
• Online returns are free for members.

Nike

• Nike.com orders can be returned at any Nike retail store or Nike Factory Store
• Nike retail store purchases can be returned at any Nike retail store or Nike Factory Store (systems are integrated)
• Nike Factory Store purchases can be returned at Nike retail stores and vice versa
• In-store returns are immediate — bring the item and receipt/order confirmation
• In-store exchanges: staff can swap sizes/colors on the spot if stock is available
• Without receipt: store credit at current selling price (manager approval required)

New Balance

• Items purchased at a store should be returned to the store where they were purchased.
• Online orders can be returned to any New Balance or New Balance Factory Store for an immediate refund within 45 days of the purchase date.
• For in-store returns, bring your items (no need to repack) and the packing slip or order confirmation email.
• All in-store returns are free.

Nike

• Gifts purchased from Nike.com can be returned for Nike.com store credit or exchange within the 60-day window
• Gifts returned in-store receive Nike store credit (gift card) for the purchase amount
• Gift recipient needs the order number, gift receipt, or the original purchaser's information
• Gift returns for items purchased from Nike.com get a Nike eGift card

New Balance

• For returns purchased with a Gift Card, contact Customer Care with your order number and desired exchange style/size/width to receive a free return label and facilitate a new order.

Nike

• Nike Membership is free to join and provides significant return benefits
• Nike Members get free return shipping on all Nike.com and Nike App orders (non-members may pay return shipping)
• Nike Members do not need a paper receipt — the Nike App and online account track all purchases (in-store too, if you scan your member pass at checkout)
• Nike Members receive early access to new products and exclusive colorways
• Member purchase history makes returns seamless — no digging for receipts

New Balance

• Members receive free online returns (no $5 restocking fee).
• Members get early access to promotions and exclusive offers.
• Membership allows for easier order tracking and faster checkout.

Nike

• Defective items within the 60-day window: return for full refund or exchange through standard return process
• Nike offers a 2-year manufacturer's warranty on defective shoes (check the manufacture date on the shoe tag to determine eligibility)
• Warranty claims after 60 days: contact Nike customer service directly with photos of the defect and the manufacture date
• Warranty defects include: sole separation, stitching failure, material breakdown under normal use
• Warranty does NOT cover: normal wear and tear, improper use, or cosmetic damage

New Balance

• New Balance will refund items damaged in transit and/or containing a manufacturer's defect.
• To authorize the return of a defective item, contact Customer Service first.
• Defective items sent back without approval will not be reimbursed.
• For New Balance Reconsidered, if an item arrives damaged or misrepresented, a refund can be requested by visiting the returns page and sending photos. If verified, a shipping label will be provided.

Nike

• Nike does not offer a formal post-purchase price adjustment policy
• If an item drops in price within the return window, you could return the item and repurchase at the lower price
• Nike Members may receive exclusive promotional pricing and early access to sales

New Balance

Not available

Nike

• In-store: direct exchanges available if stock is available — swap sizes, colors, or different items
• Online: Nike does not process direct exchanges — return the item for a refund and place a new order
• Exchange value is based on the original purchase price
• Nike App makes it easy to initiate a return and immediately reorder the correct item

New Balance

• A new order can be placed at any time for a more desirable size, width, or color, implying returns are processed for a refund and a new purchase is made.

Nike

• Nike's 60-day wear test is one of the most generous in the footwear/apparel industry — you can genuinely test products in real-world conditions
• Nike retail stores and Nike Factory Stores share integrated return systems — cross-returns are accepted
• Some Nike Factory Store items may be marked 'Final Sale' — these cannot be returned
• Nike is tightening enforcement on returns after 60 days — complete returns within the window to avoid issues
• The 2-year manufacturer's warranty on defective products is separate from the 60-day return window
• Nike Membership is free — signing up before purchasing provides receipt tracking and free return shipping
• Converse (owned by Nike) has a separate return policy and is not covered under Nike's policy

New Balance

• New Balance reserves the right to refuse worn or damaged merchandise.
• New Balance reserves the right to not refund or return to sender any orders that do not meet the specified conditions.