What Rack Room Shoes is and how to shop there
Rack Room Shoes is a discount shoe retailer with physical stores across the United States and an online shopping site. The company sells brand-name shoes, boots, sandals, and athletic wear at prices lower than full-price department stores, typically by buying overstock inventory and last season's styles. You can shop in person at a Rack Room location or order online for delivery to your home or to a store for pickup.
The store carries mainstream brands like Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Clarks, and New Balance, along with house brands. Rack Room also runs periodic sales and clearance events where prices drop further. If you shop regularly, you can join their rewards program to earn points on purchases.
Unlike some discount retailers, Rack Room does not require a membership fee to shop. You walk in or visit the website without signing up for anything first. The rewards program is optional and free to join.
Key Takeaways
- Rack Room Shoes sells brand-name footwear at discount prices both in stores and online, with no membership required.
- The store's inventory changes frequently because it buys overstock and previous-season styles, so what you see one week may not be there the next.
- You can return shoes within a set timeframe if they do not fit or you change your mind, but the exact policy depends on whether you bought in store or online.
- The free rewards program lets you earn points on purchases and receive member-only discounts, though it is optional.
- Shoe sizes and widths vary by brand, so trying on in person or checking the brand's size chart before ordering online reduces the chance of a poor fit.
How inventory and pricing work at Rack Room
Rack Room buys shoes that other retailers did not sell — last season's colors, overstock from warehouses, and discontinued styles. This is why the selection changes constantly and why you might find a shoe one visit and not see it again. It also means prices are lower than you would pay at a full-price shoe store, but the trade-off is less predictability in what is available.
The store runs sales and clearance events throughout the year. These are advertised in their weekly email, on the website, and sometimes in local newspapers. Clearance sections in stores and online often have the deepest discounts, though sizes and styles are more limited. If you find a shoe you like, buying it sooner rather than later increases the chance it will still be in stock in your size.
Prices are the same in store and online for the same shoe. Shipping costs explore to online orders unless you choose in-store pickup, which is free. Some online orders may have access to for free shipping during promotional periods.
Returning shoes and the return policy
Rack Room allows returns, but the timeframe and conditions differ based on how you bought the shoes. In-store purchases can typically be returned within 30 days with a receipt and the shoes unworn and in original packaging. Online purchases have a similar window, though you will need to initiate the return through the website or contact customer service to arrange a return label.
Shoes that show signs of wear, damage, or have been used outdoors are usually not returnable. The store may also refuse returns on clearance or final-sale items, so check the label or product page before buying. If you are unsure whether a shoe qualifies, ask a store associate before you leave or contact customer service before opening the box.
Refunds are issued to the original payment method once the store receives and inspects the returned shoes. This process typically takes one to two weeks. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your next statement.
Finding the right size and fit
Shoe sizes vary between brands. A size 10 in one brand may fit differently than a size 10 in another, especially across athletic shoes, casual shoes, and dress shoes. Rack Room's website shows the brand's size chart for each shoe, which helps if you are ordering online. Many brands also offer narrow, wide, and extra-wide widths, though not all styles come in every width.
If you shop in person, store associates can measure your foot and help you find the right size. This is especially useful if you have not bought shoes in a while or if you are shopping for a child. Trying on shoes before buying eliminates guesswork and reduces the chance you will need to return them.
When ordering online, read the product reviews — customers often mention whether a shoe runs large, small, or true to size. If a shoe is not available in your size online, you can check if a nearby store has it in stock by using the store locator on the website.
Using the rewards program and finding deals
Rack Room's rewards program is free to join and earns you points on every purchase, both in store and online. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Members also receive early notice of sales and exclusive member-only discounts via email.
To join, you provide your name, email, and phone number in store or on the website. You do not need to join to shop, but members typically save money if they buy shoes regularly. The program has no annual fee and no expiration date on points, though the company may change the terms.
Beyond the rewards program, Rack Room advertises sales through email newsletters, in-store signs, and their website. Signing up for email alerts is the fastest way to learn about clearance events and limited-time discounts. The store also runs seasonal sales around back-to-school, holidays, and end-of-season clearance.
Shopping online versus in store
In-store shopping lets you try on shoes when ready, see the full selection available that day, and walk out with your purchase. You also avoid shipping costs and return shipping. The downside is that inventory is limited to what the store has physically received, and you are limited to store hours.
Online shopping offers a wider selection because you can browse shoes from all Rack Room locations at once. You can shop any time of day and have shoes delivered to your home or picked up at a store. The downside is that you cannot try on shoes before buying, and if they do not fit, you have to return them. Shipping can also add to the total cost unless you choose in-store pickup.
Many shoppers use both methods: they browse online to see what is available and check prices, then visit a store to try on shoes they are interested in. This approach reduces the risk of ordering the wrong size.
What to know about shoe quality and durability
Rack Room sells brand-name shoes, so the quality depends on the brand, not on Rack Room itself. A Nike shoe sold at Rack Room is the same shoe sold at other retailers. The discount comes from the store buying overstock or previous seasons, not from lower quality.
That said, clearance and final-sale shoes may have minor cosmetic flaws or be discontinued because the brand is moving to a new model. These shoes are still wearable, but they may not last as long as a current-season shoe from the same brand. If durability is important for your use — for example, running shoes for training — you may want to buy a current-season model rather than a clearance shoe.
Shoe durability also depends on how you use and care for them. Shoes worn daily wear out faster than shoes worn occasionally. Cleaning and storing shoes properly extends their life regardless of where you bought them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return shoes to a Rack Room store if I bought them online?
Most Rack Room locations accept online returns in store, but policies vary by location. Call the store or check your order confirmation email for return instructions. Some stores may require you to use a prepaid return label instead. Contacting customer service before you go ensures you have the right process.
Does Rack Room have a physical store near me?
Use the store locator on the Rack Room website to find locations near you. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows store addresses, hours, and phone numbers. You can also call customer service to ask about the nearest location.
What brands does Rack Room carry?
Rack Room carries major brands like Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Clarks, New Balance, Puma, and Reebok, along with house brands and regional brands. The exact selection changes based on what overstock is available, so you may not find every brand every time you visit.
Do I have to pay for shipping if I order online?
Shipping costs explore to most online orders delivered to your home, though the amount varies. In-store pickup is free. During sales events, Rack Room sometimes offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Check the website or your email for current shipping promotions.
What if a shoe I want is out of stock in my size?
Use the store locator to check if another Rack Room location has the shoe in your size. You can also ask a store associate if they can order it from another location for you, though this service varies by store. If the shoe is not available anywhere, it may be sold out for the season.