Does DSW Sell Fake Shoes – Are They Legit In 2023?

DSW is a well-known shoe store that offers many different types of shoes from many different manufacturers. Despite DSW’s good reputation, some customers have doubts about the legitimacy of the shoes the store sells. 

DSW assures that all of its shoes are real and purchased directly from the companies it carries. But they sometimes fail in some points like quality control, customer service, etc. And, their low price point also makes users think that they’re getting fake shoes.

This article seeks to answer this question by analyzing the available evidence. Other issues that customers have brought up about DSW’s offerings will also be investigated.

Does DSW Sell Fake Shoes - Are They Legit In 2024

Does DSW Sell Fake Shoes? are dsw shoes real?

No, DSW doesn’t sell fake shoes. However, due to their low costs, they have been suspected by some buyers of peddling counterfeit shoes. 

DSW’s business model necessitates that they offer merchandise at prices below both the MSRP and the prices offered by their competitors. DSW is in a unique position to make its items more affordable to more people because of its warehouse store model.

DSW’s smart business model allows them to provide lower prices on their shoes. They sell overstocked, discontinued, and out-of-season shoes from brands and retailers in warehouse stores. This allows them to sell the shoes to clients at a lower cost.

Furthermore, word-of-mouth marketing, customer loyalty programs, and social media are all ways in which DSW has been able to reduce its marketing and advertising expenses. 

Some shoppers, however, have doubts about the legitimacy of the shoes sold by DSW because of the store’s low costs. 

DSW says they don’t sell fakes, although buyers have complained about the quality of some of its shoes. This raises concerns about DSW’s reliability as a supplier of consistently high-quality items.

On their receipts, DSW adds numerous statistics for the purpose of providing transparency to their consumers. 

These numbers include the price that was paid, the price that was offered by competitors for the identical shoe, and the difference between the two prices to demonstrate the amount of money that was saved. 

Customers who have doubts about DSW’s goods should check the quality and authenticity by comparing them to known originals or consulting an expert authenticator.

Overview of DSW

DSW, or Designer Shoe Warehouse, is a popular footwear retailer in the United States. It has a long history rooted in the Schottenstein family’s business empire, dating back to the first store opened by Ephraim L. Schottenstein. 

Guided by values such as Passion, Accountability, Collaboration, and Humility, DSW strives to be America’s top choice for shoes.

The company’s flagship concept, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, offers a wide range of shoe styles and brands, ensuring that customers can find what they’re looking for. 

DSW is committed to providing excellent value every day, offering competitive prices without compromising on quality. DSW’s mission is to make fashionable and comfortable footwear accessible to all. 

By combining an extensive selection, attractive pricing, and a focus on customer satisfaction, DSW has become a leader in the retail industry. The company remains dedicated to its goal of becoming the number-one destination for shoes in America.

Why Does DSW Remain Unreliable to Customers?

Customers have expressed a variety of issues over the years regarding DSW, despite the fact that the retailer has a stellar reputation in the shoe industry. The following are some of the primary issues associated with DSW:

Quality Control:

Customers of DSW have expressed concerns regarding the company’s quality control procedures for their items. Some of the most significant issues are defective shoes, low-quality materials, irregular sizes, and deceptive product descriptions.

Here are some reviews from Trustpilot.com,

These shortcomings might frustrate and disappoint DSW customers who expect high-quality products. Customers should check their orders thoroughly and contact DSW’s customer service department if there are any problems.

Customer Service:

Some consumers have complained about the poor customer service provided by DSW, including long wait times and employees who were unable to assist them. 

Even if not all clients have had this experience, it is something that a number of them have brought up as a cause for concern.

Limited Sizing Options:

Customers have shared their observations that the sizing options at DSW are restricted, particularly for shoe sizes that are larger or lower. When going shopping at DSW, it is important to keep this in mind, despite the fact that not all customers are concerned about it.

Before making any purchases, it is critical for customers to be aware of these issues and conduct their own independent study on the topic.

Return Policy of DSW

DSW has a generous return policy that prioritizes customer happiness. You have 90 days from the date of purchase to request a refund or replace a product if you are unhappy with it. This is a longer grace period for returns than what most stores provide.

You can bring your item back to a local DSW location or send it back to one of their warehouses if you need to return or exchange it. Shipping costs will be $8.50 if you decide to return your purchase. However, returns shipping is on the house for DSW VIP members.

Please give DSW 7-10 days to complete your return after receiving the goods.

Some Alternatives to DSW

There are a few alternatives to DSW for shoppers looking to purchase shoes. Among these many alternatives are:

  • Zappos

Zappos is an online store that carries a large variety of shoe brands and styles. Zappos is an attractive alternative to DSW because it, too, allows for free shipping and returns.

  • Foot Locker

Retailer Foot Locker carries well-known sportswear and footwear labels like Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Although Foot Locker has a smaller selection than DSW, it is still a solid choice for those in the market for athletic shoes.

  • Nordstrom Rack

The selection of shoes at the bargain department store Nordstrom Rack is extensive. Customers wishing to save money have another option in Nordstrom Rack, which, like DSW, sells reduced luxury products.

  • Famous Footwear

Famous Footwear is a store that sells a wide variety of name-brand and designer shoes at competitive pricing. Even though it doesn’t have as many styles as DSW, it’s a great choice for those on a tighter budget.

When compared to DSW, these stores provide similar selections of brands and styles, prices, and shipping/returns policies, and are therefore regarded as DSW alternatives. 

If you’re unhappy with DSW because of poor customer service, shoddy products, or anything else, try one of these stores instead.

are dsw shoes authentic? How to Identify Fake Shoes?

A fake shoe is counterfeit footwear that is designed to appear like an authentic branded shoe but is manufactured using less expensive supplies and mediocre manufacturing techniques. Although it may be difficult, there are some obvious indications that a pair of shoes is a fake:

  • Examine the packaging and labeling:

High-quality footwear is usually sold in attractively packaged with clear labels that list the manufacturer, style, width, and other relevant details. 

Check that the shoes you’re looking at have the same markings and packaging as the real deal. Keep an eye out for incorrect or poorly printed labels.

  • Inspect the stitching:

Authentic footwear will typically feature stitching that is both uniform and straight. Closely inspect the shoe’s stitching for telltale evidence of low quality or counterfeit status, such as loose threads, inconsistent stitching, or glue marks.

  • Check the materials:

Premium materials like leather and suede are commonly used to craft high-end footwear. Compare the materials used in the fake shoes to the ones used in the real ones. Indicators of fake footwear include the use of cheap, synthetic materials and an overall feeling of flimsiness.

  • Look for unique details:

Authentic footwear will often feature design elements that aren’t found on knockoffs, such as logos, patterns, or colors. Compare these specifications to the real thing to make sure they add up.

  • Purchase from a reputable retailer:

Buying from a reputed merchant is the only way to know for sure that the shoes you’re getting are authentic. You should not buy shoes from random people on the street or from untrustworthy websites.

Doing your homework according to these guidelines can greatly improve your chances of spotting fake shoes and protecting yourself from fraud.

FAQ about are dsw shoes lower quality?

How many DSW locations are there?

There are more than 500 DSW locations in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico as of 2023. Customers can also shop for footwear and accessories on their website.

Why doesn’t DSW carry Nike products?

DSW is not currently one of Nike’s approved merchants despite the fact that Nike is a widely recognized and beloved brand. 

Nike’s preferred method of product distribution is through the company’s own stores and approved retailers who fulfill the company’s high standards for product quality and customer service. 

Does DSW offer free shipping?

Standard delivery is free on all domestic orders over $75 at DSW. They have a free in-store pickup for online purchases, in addition to paid expedited delivery alternatives.

Does DSW offer a rewards program?

Yes, DSW has an incentive scheme called DSW VIP. In addition to free shipping and returns, members also have access to exclusive promotions and benefits for making purchases. 

Club, Gold, and Elite members enjoy progressively better perks over time. Customers can sign up for free memberships either in-store or on the website.

Our verdict on are dsw shoes lower quality?

In conclusion, while customers have doubts regarding the legitimacy of the shoes supplied by DSW, the available evidence indicates that this is not the case. 

However, consumers should be cognizant of the quality issues voiced by some customers and pick their footwear carefully, both in terms of brand and quality. 

If a consumer isn’t satisfied with their purchase, they have plenty of time to return or exchange it, and DSW makes it easy for them to do so. Overall, DSW is still a respected and trusted name in the shoe retailing industry.

Want more articles like this? Here are other related articles you might like:

How helpful was this article?

Leave a Comment