Merrell Return Policy: 30 Days Unworn, Free Returns & Exchanges

Bought Merrell hiking shoes that don't fit, or received a pair as a gift? Merrell's US return policy is fairly simple, but the details matter: shoes must be unworn, the clock starts when the order ships, and exchanges are limited. Here's how it works, based on Merrell's official returns page. For other retailers, see our return policy guides.

How long do you have to return Merrell items?

You can return or exchange unworn items for free within 30 days of when they were shipped ¹. The clock starts when your order ships, so count from the ship date ¹.

Pack the item in its original shoebox or apparel bag ¹. Online returns are accepted only for purchases made through merrell.com ¹.

Holiday returns for 2026

For the holiday season, orders placed between October 1 and December 31, 2026 can be returned through January 31, 2027 ¹. The unworn rule still applies ¹.

What you can't return

• Gift cards can't be returned or refunded ¹.
• Final-sale items can't be returned or refunded ¹. Merrell's Final Sale section notes that those items can't be exchanged or returned ¹.
• Gifts with purchase are free, limited-time items that can't be returned or exchanged ¹.
• Original shipping charges aren't refundable ¹.

How to return an online order

Start your return on Merrell's returns page, then choose one of three ways to send it back ¹:

1. Box-free drop-off. Drop off the item in its original shoebox or apparel bag, with no other packaging or printing needed ¹. You find a drop-off location and download a QR code ¹.
2. Printerless return. Bring the item already packaged to a FedEx location; no printing required ¹.
3. Print a label. Print your label and ship with FedEx; this option needs a printer and packaging ¹.

Returning to a Merrell store

Corporate Merrell stores accept returns and exchanges ¹. Bring your order confirmation email and the original form of payment ¹. Stores can't process returns or exchanges for purchases paid with third-party methods such as PayPal, so use the online process for those ¹.

Exchanges: what's allowed

• You can only exchange for the same product in a different size or color ¹.
• Exchanges can't be made for a different width ¹.
• If the size or color you want is out of stock, follow the returns process for a full refund ¹.
• Merrell accepts one exchange per product; if the new pair still doesn't work, it has to be returned ¹.
• If your exchange shipment isn't received within 21 days of submitting it, the exchange is canceled automatically ¹.

Refunds: how and when

Merrell processes returns within two weeks and emails you a confirmation ¹. The refund goes to your original payment method, typically within two billing cycles ¹.

Every return is checked. If the item sent back doesn't match what you bought, is missing or has been substituted, Merrell can refuse the return, withhold or reverse the refund, and recover money from your original payment method ¹.

Returning a gift

To return or exchange a gift, you need both the order number and the billing ZIP code from the original purchase ¹. Ask the gift giver for those before you start.

Damaged or defective products

If something arrives damaged or has a defect, fill out Merrell's defective product form; you'll get a case number by email and a customer service member will follow up ¹.

Merrell footwear bought from an authorized dealer in the US is covered for defects in original, unaltered materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase ¹. That coverage doesn't include ¹:

• Normal wear and tear, improper care, misuse, accidents, neglect or the natural breakdown of materials
• Products from unauthorized dealers or aftermarket sources, such as auction sites, liquidators, consignment shops, private sellers, sales samples, promotional products and final sale or warehouse sales
• Laces, lace hardware and insoles

Quick tips

• Try shoes on indoors on a clean floor so they stay unworn and returnable ¹.
• Mark your calendar 30 days from the ship date, or January 31, 2027 for holiday 2026 orders ¹.
• Keep the original shoebox; you need it for any return method ¹.
• Paid with PayPal? Return by mail, since stores can't process those purchases ¹.
• See the Merrell store page for other Merrell policies.