Purpose: Analyze the possibility of carrying out reverse logistics in the footwear production chain, with a specific focus on the post-consumer return stage.   Theoretical background: In order to build the theoretical lens to interpret the empirical data, the authors reviewed the scientific literature that deals with waste from the footwear manufacturing process, as well as reverse logistics in the Brazilian footwear industry.   Method/design/approach: A single case study strategy was chosen, in one of the largest shoe manufacturers in Brazil, a qualitative approach, data collection through semi-structured interviews with managers of the investigated organization, directly linked to processes related to the reverse logistics of the product, in addition to a documentary survey, based on internal industry records and non-participant systematic observation.   Results and conclusion: The research results showed that the reverse logistics of footwear, in the post-consumer stage, would be feasible to be implemented, but with high initial investment and maintenance costs, which could not be supported by the industry.   Research implications: As managerial contributions, the set of empirical evidence that points to the technical viability of reverse logistics in the analyzed sector stands out, which can induce more academic research and thus benefit society.   Originality/value: This is a study that is still little explored in the scientific literature.