You’ve found the same pair of shoes on both Zappos and DSW. The brand is the same, and the price looks almost identical. So, which retailer actually gives you the better value? The answer goes beyond the price tag. Return policies, shipping fees, sizing support, customer service, and membership perks can all affect your overall shopping experience. In this Zappos vs DSW comparison, I’ve broken down every key factor to help you choose the best place to buy shoes online without second guessing your decision.
Zappos vs DSW: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zappos | DSW |
| Free Shipping | Yes, all orders | Yes, VIP members |
| Return Window | 60 days (cash refund) 1 year (store credit) | 60 days standard 365 days VIP Elite |
| Free Returns | Always free | Free in store $8.50 mail fee (non Gold members) |
| Rewards Program | Zappos VIP (points based) | DSW VIP (4 tiers) |
| Physical Stores | Online only | 500+ US stores |
| Best For | Wide selection, hassle free returns | Value deals, in store shopping |
What Is Zappos?
Founded in 1999 and owned by Amazon, Zappos is an online only shoe and apparel retailer known for its wide brand selection and customer first shopping experience. It offers popular brands like Nike, UGG, New Balance, and Vans, along with detailed sizing support, free shipping on every order, and hassle free returns, making it a popular choice for buying shoes online.
What Is DSW?
Founded in 1991, DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) is a leading shoe retailer with more than 500 physical stores and a full featured online shopping platform. It carries popular brands like Adidas, Nike, Cole Haan, and Brooks, often at competitive prices. DSW also offers a tiered VIP rewards program that helps frequent shoppers save more on shoes through exclusive discounts, points, and membe only benefits.
Brand Selection & Variety
Both Zappos and DSW offer a wide selection of popular footwear brands, but they cater to slightly different shopping preferences.
- Zappos stands out with a larger, more curated collection that includes premium brands, exclusive styles, and hard to find sizes. If you’re looking for a specific shoe model or need extended sizing options, Zappos is often the better place to shop.
- DSW focuses on well known brands at budget friendly prices. Its extensive clearance section regularly features thousands of discounted shoes, making it a great option for shoppers who want the best deals on everyday footwear from trusted brands.
Pricing & Deals
Neither Zappos nor DSW consistently offers the lowest shoe prices. However, DSW often stands out with more noticeable discounts, especially through its clearance section and VIP rewards program. If your priority is saving money on name brand shoes, DSW usually provides better opportunities to find deals.
- Zappos prices are competitive but rarely the cheapest. The platform focuses on value through free shipping and returns rather than lowest sticker price.
- Zappos VIP members earn points that can be redeemed for promotional codes and also receive free expedited shipping.
- DSW runs regular clearance sales and promotional events. Furthermore, stacking VIP rewards with sale pricing can bring costs down significantly for frequent shoppers.
- DSW credit card holders may receive additional rewards and promotional offers, depending on current card benefits. worth considering if you buy shoes regularly.
Overall, if you’re purely looking the lowest price on a specific pair, DSW will often win. However, factor in return shipping costs before assuming the savings are real.
Shipping & Returns
This is where the two platforms genuinely separate.
Zappos Returns
Zappos offers fully free returns on every order no membership required. You get 60 days for a full cash refund, and up to one year to return for store credit (account holders only).
Additionally, Zappos now offers a label free, box free return option at all Whole Foods Market locations nationwide. You simply bring the item in its original product packaging, show a QR code at the customer service desk, and an employee handles the rest. No printer needed, no packing, no hassle.
For UPS drop offs, you can also use a QR code instead of printing a shipping label. Simply show the QR code at the UPS location, and the associate will print the label and process your return on the spot.
DSW Returns
DSW’s return policy varies depending on your membership tier.
- Standard / VIP Club members: $8.50 mail in return fee, deducted from your refund
- VIP Gold members (spend $200/year): Free return shipping by mail
- VIP Elite members (spend $500/year): Free returns + 365 day return window.
In store returns are always free for all customers and are usually the fastest option. If you live near a DSW store, this helps you avoid any return shipping fees entirely. However, for online only shoppers, the $8.50 return deduction can be a real hidden cost to keep in mind when calculating overall value.
Which Platform Is Better for Sizing and Fitting?
Zappos: Sizing & Fit
Zappos makes it easier to shop for wide and extended sizes through dedicated width filters and a larger selection.
- Zappos offers narrow, wide (2E), and extra wide (4E) sizes across many brands and styles.
- It lets you filter shoes by width, which makes it easier to find the right fit.
- It provides a size conversion tool for US, UK, EU, inches, and centimeters.
- It includes detailed size charts with half sizes for better accuracy.
- It also helps people with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and neuropathy by offering specific filters.
DSW: Sizing & Fit
DSW mainly focuses on standard sizing options.
- DSW offers good availability of regular shoe sizes.
- It has fewer wide and extra wide options, especially online.
- Size availability can vary from store to store.
- It works well for standard feet but is less consistent for special width needs.
Therefore, if you have wide feet, half sizes, or need a specific width, Zappos is the more reliable choice.
Who Should Shop Where?
Shop Zappos if you
- Want completely free, no hassle returns every time
- Need wide, narrow, or extended sizing options
- Value a huge brand selection in one place
- Prefer the Whole Foods or UPS QR drop off return convenience
- Are a teacher, student, or military member (Zappos offers a 10% discount)
Shop DSW if you
- Live near a DSW store and prefer in person browsing or returns
- Are a frequent buyer who can reach VIP Gold or Elite status
- Want to hunt clearance deals on popular name brands
- Prefer stacking rewards points for long term savings
FAQs
Q1. Are DSW shoes good?
Ans. Yes. DSW sells well known brands like Nike, Adidas, Cole Haan, and Brooks. The shoe quality depends on the brand, not DSW. DSW is good for deals, especially in the clearance section.
Q2. Is DSW a good place to buy shoes?
Ans. Yes, especially if you want good prices. DSW offers fair deals and a wide selection in stores. You can save more in store or with VIP membership. Online returns may have a fee, but in store returns avoid it. Overall, it is a good option for everyday shoes
Q3. Are shoes on Zappos cheaper than DSW?
Ans. DSW often offers lower effective prices through clearance events, member rewards, and promotional code and upto 80% off sales discount, though prices vary by brand and model.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, the better choice depends on what matters most to you. If you value free shipping, hassle free returns, a wider selection of brands and sizes, and a smoother online shopping experience, Zappos is hard to beat. On the other hand, if you’re focused on getting the best deals, shopping clearance sales, earning rewards, or making easy in store returns, DSW offers excellent value. Neither retailer is better for everyone, but choosing the one that matches your shopping style will help you get the most for your money.
Reviewed by Rachel Lee, Footwear & Style Reviewer at Candid Discoveries.
