What return window should I expect when buying shoes on Bash?

We commonly see return periods between 7 and 30 days in South Africa, so check the seller’s listed ‘return period’ before you buy and start a return promptly if needed; this aligns with the guidance we follow for clear policy language .

Can I return shoes if I change my mind, and what condition do they need to be in?

Change-of-mind returns depend on the merchant: most require unworn shoes, original packaging and tags to accept a return, while faulty or incorrect items are handled under consumer-protection rules and have different requirements .

How should I assess fit before ordering to reduce the chance of returns?

We recommend measuring your foot length and width at the end of the day, comparing those measurements to the product’s size chart rather than your usual number, and reading product notes for cues like ‘narrow last’ or ‘wide fit’ and photos showing the shoe on a real foot .

What are reasonable return costs for shoes within South Africa?

Return shipping and restocking fees vary by seller: some include free returns while others ask you to cover postage or a modest fee, and as a rule of thumb return postage might be roughly R50-R150 depending on courier and parcel size (this is an estimate and will vary) .

Return and fit policies for online shoe shopping: what we expect and how to decide

Practical guidance on returns, sizing, costs and consumer rights for buying shoes online in South Africa. Steps to choose size, try at home and return correctly.

Published:July 11, 2026

Updated:August 18, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Ox Street on Pexels

Know the return window

Why clear return and fit policies matter for shoes online

Buying shoes online removes the try-on moment - and with it comes two practical worries: will the shoes fit my foot shape and will returning them be simple if they don’t? We’ve built this guide from real customer situations so you can shop with fewer surprises. It explains the common policy language you’ll see, how to assess fit before you buy, and which expectations are reasonable when buying footwear through a marketplace like Bash.

Key policy terms to know

Return period - the number of days you have to start a return. In South Africa this commonly ranges from 7 to 30 days.
Change-of-mind vs faulty - change-of-mind returns are merchant-specific and may include a fee; faulty or incorrect items are covered by consumer protection rules.
Original condition - many sellers require unworn shoes, original packaging and tags for a successful change-of-mind return.
Return postage - some sellers include free return shipping, others ask you to pay; we recommend checking this before checkout.

How to assess fit before you buy

We treat fit as a system: your foot measurements, the shoe’s listed dimensions, and the product notes. Here’s a short checklist we use when deciding whether to order a pair.

Measure your foot length and width at the end of the day when feet are slightly larger.
Compare your measurements to the product’s size chart rather than relying on your usual numeric size; sizes vary between brands.
Read the product notes for shape cues: “narrow last”, “wide fit”, “roomy toe box” - these tell you how the shoe shapes around your foot.
Look for photos showing the shoe on a real foot and check the model’s size and measurements where provided.

Try-at-home etiquette and protecting the return

Most sellers allow a short, careful try-on at home. That means avoiding outdoor use (no walking on pavements or grass), keeping the original box and all tags, and using a clean surface. If you test shoes indoors and they’re unworn, you’ll keep your right to a change-of-mind return with the vast majority of sellers.

Where to start on Bash for shoe options

If you want to browse sizes and compare fits, our Shoes collection is a helpful place to begin. For sportier options, the Sneakers section groups models that tend to have clearer size guidance and cushioning details. Both pages include filters to narrow by width, brand, and return policy hints right on product cards.

Shoes • Sneakers

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Practical steps when a pair doesn’t fit

If the shoes don’t fit, act quickly. Open a return in the seller or order portal, follow the stated return steps, and keep records (photos, tracking numbers). Here’s a clear path we recommend:

Check the product’s return window and whether change-of-mind returns are accepted.
Prepare the shoes in the original box, photograph them from several angles to show condition, and include proof of purchase.
Choose the return reason that best matches the issue - “doesn’t fit” or “wrong size” - and follow the seller’s instructions for shipping or collection.

Costs and realistic expectations in South Africa

Return shipping and any restocking fees vary. Some sellers include free returns; others deduct a modest fee or require you to cover postage. As a rule of thumb, expect a small return cost for change-of-mind returns - for example, return postage might be in the order of R50-R150 depending on courier and parcel size, though this is an estimate and will vary by seller and region.

Faulty shoes and your rights

If a shoe is faulty (manufacturing defect or incorrect item), consumer protection typically requires a repair, replacement or refund - and the seller should cover return shipping. Keep photos and report the issue promptly; faulty-item claims don’t carry the same condition requirements as change-of-mind returns.

A few seller-side tips we use to reduce returns

Provide a clear size chart and explain the fit characteristics of the model.
Offer customer reviews that detail fit (e.g., "true to size", "go up half-size").
Label items with width guidance where relevant (narrow, regular, wide).

If you want to compare sizing notes across footwear types, our Sneakers articles and Shoes articles collections explain common sizing differences between athletic and casual models and how to adjust for them.

Sneakers articles • Shoes articles

When to repair, replace or return: practical examples

Example scenarios we see often:

New running shoes feel tight at the forefoot but otherwise fine - try a different size or a wider last if available; a return is reasonable within the change-of-mind window.
A leather heel separates after two wears - this is likely a fault; report it as faulty for repair or refund.
Colour looks different in sunlight versus studio photos - not a fault on its own; check return policy for change-of-mind rules and return costs.

Final thoughts: shop with a plan

We recommend one simple shopping plan: (1) check the seller’s return window and postage terms before buying; (2) compare your foot measurements to the product size chart; (3) try shoes carefully at home and keep the box; (4) if you need to return, act fast and document condition. When those steps are followed, returns and size swaps become straightforward.

Sources

National Consumer Commission South Africa
South African Government - Consumer Protection
Section27 / Consumer Rights Guidance - Returns and refunds explained
Shoes

Last updated: August 18, 2026

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Return and fit policies for online shoe shopping: what we expect and how to decide

Know the return window

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Measure, don’t guess

Document and act fast

Why clear return and fit policies matter for shoes online

Key policy terms to know

How to assess fit before you buy

Try-at-home etiquette and protecting the return

Where to start on Bash for shoe options

Practical steps when a pair doesn’t fit

Costs and realistic expectations in South Africa

Faulty shoes and your rights

A few seller-side tips we use to reduce returns

When to repair, replace or return: practical examples

Final thoughts: shop with a plan

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