Black Friday at DSW is always a good opportunity to knock off a few items without paying full price. Here’s everything you might want to know—from expected dates, types of discounts, what’s typically included, and how to shop it smartly—based on how things have played out in recent years.

---

When the Black Friday 2025 Sale is Likely to Start

Based on DSW’s timing in 2024, the 2025 Black Friday Sale will probably begin on Saturday, November 22, 2025, for DSW VIP members. That’s almost a full week before Black Friday itself (which falls on November 28 this year). If you’re not a VIP member, you can still get in on the action, just a few days later—probably around Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week.

DSW usually gives its loyalty members early access to big promotions, and it doesn’t cost anything to sign up. So, if you’re not already a member, it might be worth it just for that early shopping window. It’s free and simple—just an email and you’re in.

---

How Long the Sale Will Last

You can expect the main Black Friday promotion to run through Friday, November 28, 2025. But don’t worry if you miss it. In the past, DSW has come back almost immediately after with a Cyber Monday event, which typically features new promo codes, different markdowns, and sometimes even better online-exclusive deals.

Sometimes, the Cyber Monday discounts feel like an extension of Black Friday, just with a different banner on the homepage. Still, some items do sell out fast during Black Friday week, especially popular sizes and brands. If you’ve got your eye on something specific, it’s best not to wait too long.

---

What Kind of Discounts to Expect

DSW tends to keep things pretty straightforward during Black Friday. Last year, they offered 30% off nearly everything in stock with a simple promo code—BLACKFRIDAY30.

There were some brand exclusions, of course (Nike, UGG, and a few others tend to be limited or excluded altogether), but most of the everyday inventory qualified. That included a mix of boots, sneakers, dress shoes, flats, and even handbags.

You can probably expect something similar this year:

• 30% off most full-price and sale items sitewide

• Promo code likely required (last year’s was BLACKFRIDAY30)

• Some brand exclusions will apply

• Deal applies both online and in-store

In addition to the main discount, DSW tends to quietly bulk up their clearance section, offering up to 60% off. These aren’t always prominently advertised, but if you go digging, you can find some deep markdowns.

---

Shopping In-Store vs Online

Both in-store and online shopping at dsw.com options are usually available during DSW’s Black Friday event, which is convenient depending on how you like to shop. That said, online is typically the better option if you’re trying to get the best selection, especially in terms of size availability.

Physical locations may have slightly different stock depending on what they have on hand. If you’re after a specific style or brand, or you wear a less common shoe size, you’ll probably have better luck on the website.

---

Examples of What Was on Sale Last Year

To give you an idea of what to expect in terms of actual inventory and prices, here are a few examples of sale items from DSW’s Black Friday event in 2024:

• Steve Madden Troopa Combat Boots – Regularly $89.99, down to around $62.99 with the 30% off code

• Adidas Grand Court Sneakers – Originally $70, after discount came to about $49

• Dr. Scholl’s Madison Slip-Ons – On sale for $59.99 before promo, then dropped to $41.99

• Kelly & Katie Crossbody Bags – Around $40 before discount, just $28 after

• UGG-style shearling boots from Koolaburra by UGG – Already marked down to $79.99, and with the extra discount, around $56

In the clearance section, prices went even lower. Some shoppers reported finding shoes for as little as $12 to $20 in certain sizes and brands, especially in women’s flats, seasonal sandals, and off-season boots.

Again, the key with clearance is size availability. If you’re a common size like women’s 7–8 or men’s 10–11, things can sell out fast.

---

Rewards Program and Stacking Deals

If you’re a member of DSW’s free VIP program, you might be able to stack the Black Friday discount with rewards you’ve earned previously. For example, if you’ve got a $5 or $10 reward saved up, you can apply that on top of the 30% promo.

Members also occasionally get exclusive access to limited-time flash deals or extra coupons—though those are usually sent via email or app notification, so it’s a good idea to stay logged in and keep notifications on if you’re actively shopping.

---

Things to Keep in Mind

Like most Black Friday sales, there are always a few catches to watch out for:

• Brand Exclusions: High-demand brands like Nike, Birkenstock, and sometimes UGG are either excluded from sitewide codes or have minimal discounts.

• Final Sale Items: Some clearance items may be marked as final sale, especially anything under 70% off. Make sure you check the return policy if you’re unsure.

• Inventory Moves Fast: Sizes and colors can sell out quickly. If you’ve got something in your cart, don’t sit on it too long.

• Code May Be Required: Last year you had to manually enter BLACKFRIDAY30 to trigger the discount. Keep an eye out for the updated promo code when the sale goes live.

---

Cyber Monday: What Happens Next?

After the Black Friday event ends on November 28, DSW usually doesn’t leave much of a gap. Cyber Monday kicks off right away, usually starting Sunday night or Monday morning (December 1, 2025).

In past years, the Cyber Monday sale sometimes mirrored the Black Friday offers, but with a new code and occasionally an added bonus, like free shipping or a BOGO offer on accessories. Occasionally, the clearance section gets an extra refresh, too, so it’s worth checking back if you didn’t find what you wanted during Black Friday.

---

Last Year’s Black Friday Ad

---

DSW’s Black Friday Ad History

What was the featured doorbuster deal at Designer Shoe Warehouse’s Black Friday sale last year? What about two or three years ago? Follow the archive links below to find out more.

• 2024: Page 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• 2023: Page 1 and 2.
• 2022: Page 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• 2021: Page 1.
• 2020: Page 1.
• 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
• 2018: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
• 2017: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
• 2016: Page 1.
• 2015: Page 1, 2 and 3.

---

Questions & Comments

Which pair of shoes are you planning on getting this Thanksgiving weekend at Designer Shoe Warehouse? Or maybe you’ve found a coupon code that you can share with everyone? Let us know in the comments below.