Birkenstock Return Policy (Guide): Returns, Exchanges & Exceptions Explained

Whether you’re shopping for classic Arizona sandals, supportive Boston clogs, or comfy trainers on birkenstock.com, knowing the return policy before you buy can save you time and stress if you need a different size, style, or simply change your mind.

Birkenstock’s return rules vary by country and sales channel (online vs in-store), but the core principles are similar in many regions: there’s a defined return window, items must be in resalable condition, and customized products aren’t usually refundable. Below you’ll find a clear, detailed breakdown of Birkenstock’s return policy across major markets, how returns work, when exchanges are offered, and tips to make your return go smoothly.

Key Points: Birkenstock Return Policy at a Glance

Return window: Most regions offer a set number of days from delivery to return products bought online (typically 30 days in the US and UK/EU, with some regional variations).
Condition: Items must be in original, unworn, unwashed condition with original packaging, dust bags, accessories and tags still attached.
No direct exchanges online: Birkenstock generally requires you to return the item for a refund or store credit, then place a new order for the replacement size or style.
Customized products: Personalized or customized products are usually non-returnable unless defective, though some regions provide alternatives like resizing or store credit.
In-store purchases: Items bought in a Birkenstock retail store follow that store’s return policy (often 30 days for unused products with receipt).
Non-returnable items: Final sale products, gift cards, and parts/accessories that are consumed by use are typically not returnable.
Return shipping: For online returns, you often pay for return shipping unless Birkenstock provides a prepaid label as part of a region-specific returns program.
Refund timing: Once Birkenstock receives and inspects your return, refunds are issued back to the original payment method within a defined timeframe (often 7–14 business days after processing).

Birkenstock Return Policy — United States (birkenstock.com/us)

Return Window & Eligibility

For orders placed on the official Birkenstock US website:

You can return most eligible products within 30 calendar days of delivery for a refund.
Returns must be initiated online through the Birkenstock returns portal and shipped back (Birkenstock may or may not provide a prepaid return label depending on promotions or return channel guidelines).
The policy applies to footwear, apparel, and accessories that are unused and complete with original packaging.

Condition & Packaging Requirements (US)

To receive a full refund:

Products must be unworn and without dirt, marks, creases from outdoor use or signs of wear.
All original packaging must be included, such as:
- The shoe/box and any inserts
- Dust bags or accessory packaging
- Hang tags and labels
Footwear should be tried on indoors on a clean surface.
Birkenstock reserves the right to reject returns that do not meet these conditions or to issue a partial refund.

How to Start a Return (US)

Visit the official Birkenstock returns page and enter your order number and email address.
Select the items you want to return and your reason for return (e.g., wrong size, changed mind, etc.).
Birkenstock gives you return instructions – this may include a prepaid return label or guidance to arrange your own shipping.
Pack the items securely, attach the label, and take the package to the specified carrier.
Keep your tracking number until you see your refund.

Return Shipping & Costs (US)

Birkenstock’s standard position is that return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless a prepaid label is provided or unless the return is due to an error (e.g., incorrect item sent or defective product). The portal will specify costs:

If you use Birkenstock’s prepaid label where offered, the cost may be deducted from your refund (if not part of a free return promotion).
If you arrange your own return shipping, you pay the carrier, and Birkenstock refunds only the product cost after the return is received and inspected.
Original shipping charges from your order are typically non-refundable unless Birkenstock made an error.

Refund Timing (US)

Once Birkenstock receives and inspects your returned items, they generally process refunds within about:

7–14 business days after receipt.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
Your bank or card issuer may take additional days before the refund appears on your statement.

Exchanges (US)

Birkenstock does not typically process direct exchanges for online orders. To “exchange” for a different size or style:

Return the original item for a refund within the return window.
Place a new order for the desired size or style on the Birkenstock website.

Non-Returnable Items (US)

Final sale products: Clearly marked on the product page or during checkout.
Gift cards and certificates.
Customized or personalized products (e.g., custom footbeds, engraved items), unless defective.
Products that are worn, damaged, or incomplete when returned.

Birkenstock Return Policy — Canada (birkenstock.ca)

For orders placed on the official Birkenstock Canada website, the return framework is similar to the US with local nuances:

Return window: Usually 30 days from delivery for eligible products.
Condition: Products must be new, unworn, and in original packaging with tags attached.
Return shipping: You may be responsible for return shipping unless a prepaid label is provided; original shipping fees are normally non-refundable unless Birkenstock’s error.
Refunds: Issued to the original payment method once the return is received and processed.
Exchanges: Handled as separate orders plus returns — no direct online exchanges.
Non-returnable items: Customized products, final sale items, and gift cards remain non-returnable.

Birkenstock Return Policy — United Kingdom (birkenstock.com/uk)

In the UK, Birkenstock offers online returns of eligible products, typically within:

30 calendar days of delivery for footwear, apparel, and accessories ordered from the official UK site.
Customers must return items in original, unused condition with tags and packaging.
Returns are free via the Birkenstock UK returns portal and selected carrier labels (e.g., via DPD/collect systems), but if you choose your own shipping, you pay that carrier cost.
Exchanges: As with other regions, direct online exchanges aren’t provided — you return and reorder.
Refund timing: After Birkenstock receives the return, refunds are processed within roughly 7–14 working days and credited back to the original payment method.
Non-returnable items: Customized products and final sale items.

Birkenstock Return Policy — European Union (EU)

For customers in EU member states buying from a Birkenstock local online shop (e.g., Germany, France, Spain):

Return window: Typically 30 days from delivery for returns under Birkenstock’s voluntary returns policy.
This sits alongside statutory consumer rights (often a 14-day legal cancellation right for distance sales, depending on the country), which are separate from Birkenstock’s own return timeline.
Condition: Return items must be unworn, undamaged, with all original packaging and tags.
Free returns: Birkenstock usually provides a returns label or allows certain free return options via carrier partners, but specifics can vary by country.
Refund timing: Once the return arrives and passes inspection, refunds are typically processed within 7–14 working days.
Direct exchanges: Not offered; you return first and reorder.

Other Regions — Australia, Asia, Latin America & Others

Birkenstock’s online return policies in other markets generally follow these regional patterns:

Australia: Online orders can usually be returned within 30 days of delivery for eligible products that are unworn and in original condition; return shipping is often at the customer’s expense unless otherwise stated.
Asia-Pacific: Many countries (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.) set a 14–30 day return window, require original, unworn condition, and may require you to cover return postage unless Birkenstock provides a label.
Latin America: Return timelines vary (often 30 days), and shipping costs for returns are typically covered by the customer unless there was a mistake by Birkenstock.
Middle East & Africa: Birkenstock regional sites usually offer a defined return period (often 30 days) for online purchases, subject to the unworn condition and original packaging requirement.

Condition & Packaging Rules (Universal Requirements)

Across all regions, Birkenstock emphasizes that returned products must be in a condition suitable for resale:

Unworn: Footwear and sandals should be tried on indoors on a clean surface; outdoor wear typically voids the return eligibility.
Original packaging: Include shoe boxes inside a shipping box when applicable, all dust bags, accessories, tags, and promotional materials.
Clean and undamaged: Items with marks, deformation, or signs of wear may be refused or refunded partially.
Customized products: Personalized or custom-built products (e.g., special footbeds, engravings) are generally non-returnable unless defective; check local terms before ordering customization.

Gift Cards & Final Sale Items

Gift cards and final sale items are usually non-returnable. Final sale status is clearly indicated on the product page and during checkout. Birkenstock does not refund gift card purchases.

How to Pack and Ship Your Return

To help ensure your return isn’t delayed or rejected:

Repack items in their original boxes and include all tags and materials inside a larger shipping carton if necessary.
Avoid writing on the original product box — place the return label on the outside shipping box instead.
Use protective padding to prevent damage in transit.
Retain your tracking number until the refund is processed.

Tips for Smooth Birkenstock Returns

Start returns early: Begin your return as soon as you decide you won’t keep the items; return windows are strict.
Check size guides first: Using Birkenstock’s size and fit tools can reduce the need for returns.
Inspect items upon arrival: Look for defects or mistakes within the first few days so you have plenty of time to return.
Follow carrier instructions: Use the return label and carrier specified by Birkenstock to ensure tracking and proper routing.

Birkenstock Return Policy – Quick FAQ

How long do I have to return Birkenstock products?

Most regions offer a return window of around 30 days from delivery for eligible products ordered online. In some places like the US and Canada, it’s typically 30 days; in others like EU countries and the UK, it’s 30 days plus statutory cancellation rights. Always check the local Birkenstock site for your exact deadline.

Are returns free?

It depends on the region and whether Birkenstock provides a prepaid return label. In many markets, you are responsible for return shipping unless Birkenstock’s returns portal specifically provides a prepaid label as part of their process or promotion. Original shipping charges are usually non-refundable unless Birkenstock made an error.

Can I exchange an item directly?

No. Birkenstock generally does not offer direct online exchanges. To get a different size, style, or colour, return your original order within the return window and then place a new order for the replacement item.

What condition must returned items be in?

Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags and packaging intact. Shoes should only be tried on indoors. Birkenstock may refuse or partially refund returns that show signs of outdoor wear or damage.

Can I return customized products?

Customized or personalized items are usually non-returnable under Birkenstock’s standard policy, except in cases where they are defective or there was a manufacturer’s error. Check your local site’s customization terms before ordering.

How quickly will I get my refund?

Refunds are typically processed within about 7–14 business days after Birkenstock receives and inspects your return. Your bank/credit card provider may take additional days to post the credit.

Can I return items bought in a Birkenstock store?

Yes — items purchased in a Birkenstock retail store are returned under that store’s in-store policy, which is often around 30 days if the product is unused and you have the original receipt. Check with the specific store for details.