Vagabond Return Policy: 30-Day Returns & Free Shipping

Vagabond Return Policy: Complete Guide (2026)

If you are looking to return a pair of boots or a dress, you need to know exactly which "Vagabond" store you bought from. The Vagabond return policy differs drastically depending on whether you shopped at the famous Swedish shoe brand (vagabond.com) or the independent Vagabond Apparel Boutique.

Most shoppers searching for this policy are looking for Vagabond Shoemakers, which offers a generous 30-day return window and free returns for many regions. However, if you bought from the Apparel Boutique, the rules are much stricter-including a "no refund" policy.

This guide breaks down the eligibility rules, fees, and steps for all Vagabond entities, helping you get your money back without stress.

Quick Comparison: Which Vagabond Did You Shop At?

Before packing your box, check your receipt. The return rules are completely different for these stores.

Note: This guide primarily focuses on Vagabond Shoemakers (vagabond.com) as it is the most common search, but we have a dedicated section below for Vagabond Apparel Boutique.

Vagabond Return Policy (Shoemakers)

Return Window & Eligibility

For purchases made at vagabond.com, you have 30 days from the date you receive your order to register your return.

If you are in the EU, this policy aligns with the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal but extends it to 30 days for better customer service.

Condition Requirements: To qualify for a full refund, your items must meet these standards:

• Unused Condition: Shoes can be tried on indoors (on a carpet) to check the fit. If they are worn outdoors, scuffed, or creased, they are considered "used."
• Original Packaging: Footwear must be returned in the original, undamaged Vagabond shoe box.
• Tags Attached: Do not remove any hangtags or labels until you are sure you are keeping the item.
• Clean: Items must be free of odors, pet hair, or stains.

Important: Vagabond reserves the right to deduct money from your refund (depreciation deduction) if the product is returned in a condition that reduces its value, such as damaged packaging or signs of wear.

How to Return Items to Vagabond (Shoemakers)

Vagabond.com uses a digital registration system to streamline the process. You cannot return online orders to physical retail stores; they must be mailed back.

Step 1: Register Your Return Online

1. Go to the Vagabond website and locate the Returns page (usually in the footer).
2. Enter your order number and email address.
3. Select the item(s) you wish to return and choose the reason (e.g., "Too small," "Changed mind").
4. Submit the form to notify the warehouse.

Step 2: Get Your Return Label

• EU Customers: A pre-paid return label is often included inside your original package. If not, one will be emailed to you after registration.
• Non-EU Customers (USA, UK, etc.): After you register the return online, Vagabond will email you a prepaid return label and a commercial invoice (if needed for customs). This usually arrives within 24 hours.

Step 3: Pack and Ship

1. Place the shoes back in their original box.
2. Put the shoe box inside a protective shipping carton or bag (do not tape the label directly to the shoe box).
3. Attach the prepaid shipping label to the outside.
4. Drop the package off at the carrier specified on the label (usually DHL, UPS, or a local post partner).
5. Keep your receipt with the tracking number until your refund is processed.

Refund Methods & Processing Time

Once you drop off your package, the waiting game begins. Here is what to expect regarding your money.

• Processing Time: Vagabond states that refunds are processed "no later than 30 days" from when you submit your return notification. However, in practice, refunds are usually issued within 14 days of the warehouse receiving your package.
• Refund Method: The money is credited back to your original payment method.
• Klarna Users: If you paid via Klarna, your invoice will be updated automatically. If you already paid the invoice, Klarna will process a refund to your bank account.
• Original Shipping Costs:
  • If you return your entire order, Vagabond typically refunds the standard original shipping cost.
  • If you keep some items and return others, the original shipping cost is not refunded.

Vagabond Apparel Boutique Return Policy

If you purchased clothing from Vagabond Apparel Boutique (a separate entity), the policy is much stricter. Please read this carefully to avoid losing money.

• Return Window: You have strictly 14 days from receipt to postmark your return.
• No Refunds: This store offers Store Credit only. They do not issue refunds to credit cards.
• Shipping Fees: You are responsible for paying your own return shipping costs. Original shipping fees are non-refundable.

How to Return to Vagabond Apparel:

1. Ensure items are unworn, unwashed, and have all tags attached.
2. Include your original receipt in the package.
3. Mail the item back to the address listed on their website using a trackable method (UPS/FedEx).
4. Once received, you will be emailed a code for store credit.

Final Sale Items (Non-Returnable):

• Sale/Markdown items
• Swimwear and Bodysuits
• Jewelry and Sunglasses
• Lingerie

Fees, Deductions & Exceptions

Understanding the hidden costs can help you decide if a return is worth it.

1. Return Shipping Fees

• Vagabond Shoemakers (EU): Generally free.
• Vagabond Shoemakers (Non-EU): A prepaid label is provided. In most cases, this is free, but check the specific terms on the label email as policies can vary by region.
• Vagabond Apparel: The customer pays 100% of the return shipping.

2. Depreciation Fee If you return shoes to Vagabond.com with a damaged box (e.g., you used duct tape on the shoe box itself) or scuffed soles, they may deduct a percentage of the refund to cover the loss of value.

3. Exchange Policy

• Vagabond.com: Does not offer direct exchanges. If you need a different size, you must return the unwanted pair for a refund and place a brand-new order.
• Vagabond Apparel: Allows exchanges, but you may have to pay shipping for the new item.

Holiday & Extended Return Policies

Vagabond Shoemakers typically offers an extended return window during the holiday season to accommodate gift-giving.

• 2025/2026 Holiday Policy: Items purchased between December 1 and December 18, 2025, can be returned until January 25, 2026.
• Standard 30-day terms apply to orders placed outside these dates.

Check The Return Guide's Holiday Section for comparisons with other major footwear brands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the most common questions shoppers ask about the Vagabond return policy.

Can I return items to Vagabond without a receipt?

For online orders at Vagabond.com, you do not need a paper receipt as long as you have your order number and email address to register the return online. For the Apparel Boutique, a receipt or proof of purchase is required.

How long does a refund from Vagabond take?

Vagabond generally processes refunds within 14 days of receiving the return at their warehouse. During high-volume periods (like January), it can take up to the legal maximum of 30 days.

Can I return online orders in-store?

No. Items purchased on vagabond.com cannot be returned to physical retailers or department stores. They must be mailed back to the central warehouse using the online registration process.

Does Vagabond provide free return labels?

Yes, for most European countries, a pre-paid label is included. For the USA and other non-EU markets, Vagabond will email you a prepaid label after you register the return online.

What items are non-returnable at Vagabond?

For the shoe brand, you cannot return items that are worn, dirty, or missing the original box. For the Apparel Boutique, final sale items, jewelry, sunglasses, and swimwear cannot be returned.

How do I return a damaged item?

If your shoes arrive damaged or develop a manufacturing fault, do not use the standard return form. Instead, contact Vagabond Customer Support immediately with photos of the defect. This is handled as a warranty claim ("complaint") rather than a standard return.

Can I exchange my shoes for a different size?

Vagabond.com does not support direct exchanges. You must return the item for a refund and purchase the correct size in a new transaction.

What if I lost my return label?

If you are missing the label, simply log back into the Vagabond returns portal or contact their customer care team. They can email you a new PDF label to print at home.

Customer Support & Contact Information

If you have a specific issue not covered here, you can reach out to the brand directly.

Vagabond Shoemakers Support:

• Online Form: Available on the "Contact Us" page at vagabond.com.
• Response Time: Typically 24–48 hours (business days).
• Phone: Check the website for regional office numbers (available during CET business hours).

Tips for Faster Support:

• Have your order number ready (e.g., usually starts with V-…).
• If reporting damage, attach clear photos of the defect and the sole of the shoe.

For more information on returning footwear, compare this policy with our guides on the Chaco Return Policy or the Sam Edelman Return Policy.

Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official Vagabond website or with your local store. Information verified December 2025.

Found this helpful? Bookmark this page for the latest Vagabond return policy updates and check our other guides before your next purchase.