I'm eyeing these 32 best back-to-school shoe sales from Hoka, Crocs, Adidas and more

CNN

14 hours ago

One routine I always looked forward to when returning to elementary school, high school or college was shoe shopping. Normally, I'd only pick out a stylish sneaker and a running shoe to replace the worn-out kicks I'd run down, but with today's back-to-school deals across brands like Hoka, Crocs, Nike and more, you may want to stray and snag multiple pairs. Coming from someone who covers sales and deals for a living, I curated the best back-to-school sales, so you can optimize your haul (and potentially spend leftover cash on clothing too).
The German-founded brand synonymous with its three-stripe marked running shoes and sneakers is offering up to 40% off as part of its back-to-school sale.
Adidas Women's Gazelle Bold Shoes
Give your ensembles a bit more height with these rubber gum sole, platform street sneakers. Starting at $84, they come in vivid color combinations and neutral designs like this tan suede with maroon accents.
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes
Striking a great balance of comfort and versatility, these cushy sneakers work for low-impact activities. They're discounted in men's and women's sizes.Read our review
Adidas Women's VL Court 3.0 Shoes
Closely resembling the popular Sambas, the VL Court 3.0 shoes tap into the same aesthetics but provide more cushion through the sole. My sister owns this blue pair, and I can't help but steal them from time to time.
Adidas Men's Grand Court 2.0 Shoes
If you prefer a more streamlined, classic shoe, it doesn't get more so than the Grand Court 2.0. They're emblazoned with the brand's iconic stripes, and they pair well with anything from jeans to shorts. In prep for the busy school season ahead, the major footwear retailer kicked off its Big-Deal Brands, offering up to 25% off New Balance, Crocs, Reebok, Hey Dude and more. Plus, if you're stocking up on multiple pairs, unlock free shipping on orders $75 and up with code FREESHIP.
Reebok Women's Club C 85 Sneakers
Leaning into retro aesthetics, the popular Club Cs make a great go-to white sneaker. Style them with a pair of baggy jeans to let their low profile peek out underneath. A bonus: They're marked down by $20 at DSW.
Crocs Women's Dylan Clogs
These platform clogs may be a little out there, but they became fast favorites among our editors. They adopt a faux leather texture that make them look more expensive than their under-$50 sale price.
New Balance Men's CT300 v3 Court Sneakers
While New Balance is known for their on-trend Dad sneakers, they also offer more streamlined Court sneakers that add a fun touch to 'fits. Take this discounted pair for example.
Hey Dude Men's Welsh Grip Boat Shoes
We've been seeing Hey Dudes crop up more and more. So if you're heading to a college with warmer temps year-round, these boat shoes suit those subtropical regions well. From Dad sneakers to shoes for girls and boys, New Balance can outfit your entire family for the back-to-school season. A few select styles and colors are on sale, so I've done the vetting for you, allowing you to check off your supply list next.
New Balance 1906R Sneakers
Available in half sizes for men and women, these sneakers are a crowd pleaser. I appreciate its chrome accents and intertwining lines, which lend it a retro feel.
New Balance 2002R Shoes
From purple palettes to moss green pairs like this one, the 2002Rs are on sale in a variety of options. They make a good go-to sneaker to throw on as you trek across campus.
New Balance 471 Shoes
Make your mark on the first day of school with these statement-making shoes. They feature a colorful fuzz with suede overlays that help them standout.
New Balance Kid's FuelCell Play Bungee Shoes
Tons of kid's styles are 25% off with code NBLEARN. That includes these sneakers with an easy bungee-cord lace and velcro strap. Save up to 50% during Nike's back-to-school sale when you use code SPORT, which stacks an extra 20% off select on-sale styles like Nike Air Force 1s and Nike Dunks.
Nike Women's Air Max Excee Shoes
Inspired by the bestselling Nike Air Max 90, the Excees reinvents the classic shoe adds an elongate toe and contrasting lines on the upper. For those who may be in between sizes can choose from half sizes.
Nike Women's V2K Run Shoes
My sister owns these Nike sneakers, so I've gotten to see the silver accent details in person. I love that the added chromed elevates an otherwise plain chunky sneaker. They're ideal for running errands or getting you from class to class.
Nike Women's Dunk Low Retro Shoes
These eye-catching Dunks will certainly turn heads on campus. The titular street sneakers comes in men's and women's sizes as well as an array of color-blocked options for $100.
Nike Men's Air Max 270 Shoes
Whether you're hitting the campus gym, nailing the Pacer test or taking part in recreational sports, these shoes with a sock upper are designed to feel lightweight and airy on your feet. A new school year means new deals. You'll find discounts sitewide at Nordstrom Rack, bringing fresh savings on popular name brands. That spans comfy sneakers from Adidas and Vans to running shoes from Hoka and Brooks.
Hoka Women's Challenger 7 Running Shoes
Hoka running shoes have won over our expert testers time and time again. If you're looking to invest in a pair of athletic shoes, look no further than these Challenger 7s on sale at Nordstrom Rack.
Birkenstock Women's Boston Cord Clogs
My Boston Clogs have served me well. I slide them on whenever I'm taking out the trash, checking the mail or doing laundry. Nordstrom Rack has this cute red corduroy pair for $100.
Vans Men's Asher Sneakers
Skaters and students alike can reach for this pair of discounted Vans. They adopt a brown checkered pattern that brings more visual interest than the typical white and black options we see.
Brooks Men's Revel 7 Hybrid Running Shoes
I'm an owner of two Brooks running shoes, and I much prefer them over other brands out there. Like the pairs I own, these feature a thick, bouncy sole and mesh upper to keep your steps altogether breathable and comfy. Calling all teachers or aspiring professionals: Rothy's Final Few Sale is filled with Mary Janes, loafers, ballet flats and more. Be ready to take on interviews and presentations while looking polished and feeling confident with the brand's comfortable footwear.
Rothy's The Double Buckle Mary Janes
You can't go wrong with a Mary Jane. These feature a pair of secure buckles and a square toebox, toeing the line of sophisticated and comfortable.
Rothy's The Loafer in Ecru
These no-frills loafers pair well with just about anything in its on-sale tan color. It's made with a flexible upper that won't hinder your steps throughout the day.
Rothy's The Double Bit Drivers
Incorporating a horsebit detail, these drivers exude luxurious. Choose from four on-sale options, like refined checkered patterns and versatile plain colors.
Rothy's The Point II Flats
Bring a bit more fun to 'fits with these signature ballet flats that come in discounted flower patterns and pastel colors. Their pointed toe peeps out from under long hems. One of our favorite outdoor apparel retailers is hosting its slate of footwear deals, timed perfectly for the busy shopping season. On top of hiking boots and trail shoes, running shoes, sandals and more are also marked down at REI.
Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandals
If you prefer wearing comfortable sandals to and fro, these activewear shoes keep feet on lock and your tread slip-free. Score four different colors for under $100.
Teva Men's Universal Trail Sandals
A classic men's sandal for any water adventures, these Tevas will come in handy whenever you have downtime and are attending school on the coast.
Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoes
Hit the trails in between study sessions or during long weekends with one of the most stylish hiking shoes I've come across. Even better, they just dropped below $85 at REI.
Merrell Men's Moab Edge 3 Hiking Shoes
Go sport mode with these adventure-ready hiking shoes from Merrell. They boast a shock-absorbing lug sole and a breathable mesh liner. Tick off your back-to-school footwear checklist while sandals, sneakers, ballet flats and more are discounted at the shoe destination. Zappos is also exclusively knocking down prices on Crocs and Converse.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers
When I think of the back-to-school shoe, it's Converse. These classic high-tops never go out of style. Available in a variety of on-sale options, you can pick a fun pop of color to liven up your closet.
Crocs Classic Clogs
Hitting the dorm showers? Rule number one is to bring a good pair of shower shoes. These Crocs hold up to water and rinse easily. Their bouncy EVA construction and heel strap also helps deliver better stability.
On Running Women's Cloudeclipse Shoes
Those who have goals to up their step or running count may appreciate these On Running shoes. They tout a design made for interval training on hard, pavement surfaces.
New Balance Classics 574 Shoes
If you like the vintage look, these New Balance 574s for their pointed silhouette, rubber details and mixed textures. It's discounted in over 10 colors so you can really take your pick based on what suits your wardrobe. One of the best times to snag new footwear is during the back-to-school season. Retailers know that parents and kids alike will be flocking to different apparel brands to revamp their wardrobes for the season ahead. In kind, many destinations, specifically large retailers like DSW, Nordstrom Rack and Zappos, reliably knock down prices on a selection of shoes, typically fashionable sneakers and running shoes. You'll find that most of the affordable picks above fall under $100.
Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted pieces from Lululemon to the best picks from Target's back-to-school sale, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.