Short Answer
JCPenney will let you return unworn shoes at any time, with or without the box. You’ll receive a full refund to the original form of payment if you have your receipt and a partial refund to a store merchandise card if you do not.
JCPenney Shoe Return Policy Explained
JCPenney accepts shoe returns as long as the shoes have not been worn, a corporate customer service representative said.
There is no set time limit on returns, though you will need to show your receipt to get a full refund to your original payment method.
We confirmed this information by contacting JCPenney stores in Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, and South Carolina.
Return Requirements
You don’t necessarily need the original shoebox or tags to make a return at JCPenney, but you will need to provide proof of purchase.
Without the receipt, you will need to show a valid photo ID, and JCPenney will not issue a full refund. JCPenney tracks non-receipted returns and may deny your return or exchange if you have a history of making frequent returns without the receipt.
If you’ve lost or misplaced your receipt, a JCPenney store associate may be able to look up your transaction history.
Defective/Damaged Shoe Returns
If you have unworn, defective shoes, you can get a full refund. Shoes that are damaged or prove defective after they’ve been worn are not eligible for a return, a JCPenney representative said.
However, we were told that customers always have the option to bring a worn pair of shoes to a JCPenney store for an assessment. A return or exchange may be allowed at the store manager’s discretion.
Refunds at JCPenney
Your refund method at JCPenney will depend on whether or not you have your receipt.
With a receipt, JCPenney will issue the refund immediately to the original method of payment unless you used PayPal.
PayPal refunds will either be issued to your PayPal account or as a mailed check to your billing address. Check refunds may take seven to 10 days to arrive.
Without your receipt, your refund will be for the lowest selling price during the past 45 days and will be in the form of a merchandise return credit.
For online purchases, JCPenney does not refund shipping charges unless the item arrived damaged or defective.