As a kid, few things were more exciting than shopping for a new backpack and school supplies ahead of the new school year. For those of us who aren’t returning to classrooms this season, who says that the kids get to have all the fun?! The seasonal switch-up offers an opportunity to refresh our wardrobes, beginning with brand-spanking-new shoes. Fortunately for both kids and us kidults, 2024 back-to-school shoe sales are well underway to help start the season on the right foot and save some cash.
Stylish sneakers, arch-supportive loafers, cozy boots—you name it, and it’s on sale from brands like DSW, Zappos, and more. Also in the mix are end-of-season sales, which conveniently coincide with the return to school. This means a slew of summer-friendly shoes are up for grabs at a fraction of the normal price, perfect for the late August/early September heat that’s bound to stick around before the temps really drop.
The best part? You don’t need a student ID to enjoy the discounts. Scroll to shop the best back-to-school shoe sales now.
Shop these best back-to-school shoe sales
Birdies
Score up to 40 percent off on select shoes at Birdies, including Well+Good-beloved styles like The Goldfinch, The Kiwi, and many more.
Our pick:
Birdies The Starling — $90.00
Normally $150
The Starling has the timelessness of a loafer but offers the breathability of a summer-friendly shoe. It has perforated uppers to provide optimal airflow, plus layers of comfortable cushioning underfoot. What’s more, it received a 5-star overall rating from over 25,000 shoppers, including W+G contributing writer Rebecca Norris. “From the moment I slipped my feet into these surprisingly lightweight leather flats, I’ve been a fan,” she wrote in a review.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Colors: 27
Clarks
At Clarks, summer isn’t over yet. With the promo code EXTRA40, you can score—surprise, surprise—an additional 40 percent off on cute, comfortable, and podiatrist-approved sneakers, sandals, and more.
Our pick:
Clarks Wallabee — $78.00
Normally $130
The Wallabee, one of Clarks’ most popular shoe designs, is as timeless as it is relevant. Its boxy silhouette sits atop a durable rubber sole that offers some lift, resulting in a uniquely charming pair, if a little offbeat. Call the shoes what you will, but there’s no denying that the pair—which is available in over a dozen colors—makes a statement.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-10.5
Colors: 14
Converse
Until August 13, save up to $50 at Converse when you purchase a backpack, socks, and select shoes using the promo code AUGUSTSALE at checkout. While you’re at it, visit the sale section, where you’ll find lots of its fan-favorite styles.
Our pick:
Converse Chuck 70 Sneakers — $70.00
Normally $90
The Chuck 70s are as classic as they come. Compared with their cousins, the OG Chuck Taylors, these have a chunkier silhouette and cushier soles. However, both options are as ideal for everyday wear as they are for more strenuous activities (particularly weightlifting). This pair comes in five seasonal colors, including primary hues and fun brights.
Sizes: Women’s 5-15
Colors: 5
DSW
DSW offers shoes at affordable prices, but from now until August 14, you can save even more on brand-name footwear. Score up to 25 percent off on shoes from Adidas, New Balance, Crocs, and more, and up to 60 percent off on summer sandals.
Our pick:
New Balance 997H Sneaker — $71.00
Normally $95
The New Balance 997Hs offer comfort and style, making it the perfect everyday sneaker for most people. Board-certified podiatrist Bruce Pinker, DPM previously told Well+Good that, “it is great for walkers and for runners who put on low to moderate mileage.” Well+Good contributing writer Natalie Arroyo Camacho has also attested to its cool comfort, which she owed to the cushy foam midsole and mesh-paneled upper.
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Colors: 3
G.H.Bass
Find mules, boots, and fan-favorite Weejuns at G.H.Bass’ last-chance sale. Select selects are up to a whopping 75 percent off, plus each purchase includes free shipping. No promo code needed.
Our pick:
G.H.Bass Wynn Shearling Mule Weejuns — $100.00
Normally $175
Bass Weejuns are a classic, and this pair has been fluffed up for fall. It’s lined with shearling to keep your feet warm (but not sweaty), and it’s as easy to slip on as your favorite slippers. The shoes manage to balance casual and dressy, lending it versatility for almost any situation. Quick bodega run? Yes. Coffee date? Yep. A jaunt through the city? You betcha.
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Colors: 2
Nike
Nike’s back-to-school sale is offering shoppers a rare opportunity to score an extra 25 percent off on a slew of fresh shoes, ranging from sneakers to slides. Just enter the promo code SPORT25 at checkout.
Our pick:
Nike Free Metcon 5 — $85.00
Normally $103
There isn’t any one sneaker that can do it all, but the Nike Metcon 5s is as versatile as they come. It works for cardio exercise as it does for strength training. Plus, it has received approval from both personal trainers and the Well+Good team. This is for good reason: It’s comfortably supportive, and it also comes replete with a wide toe box and breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool—no matter how sweaty your workout.
Sizes: Women’s 5-15
Colors: 6
Puma
Puma is having a not-so-private sale, where shoppers can score up to 60 percent off on a wide selection of shoes for movement and everyday wear.
Our pick:
Puma Serve Pro Lite Sneakers — $34.00
Normally $65
White sneakers transcend seasonal trends, and Reebok’s Serve Pro Lite is one such pair that will see you through the years. The shoe has a low profile and leather uppers for the right amount of visual flair, making it a true closet chameleon. It plays well with casual outfits as well as slacks and flowy dresses. Plus, it’s well-cushioned and supportive to boot.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11
Colors: 2
Rothy’s
Rothy’s end-of-season sale has discounts of up to 30 percent off on its entire assortment of summer sandals and more, including sneakers and flats—which, ICYDK, are all machine washable.
Our pick:
Rothy’s The Ballet Flat — $79.00
Normally $145
Rothy’s ballet flats are a steal for under $80. The shoes feature In Love Insoles that will keep you comfortably upright. Norris has attested to this: “I’ve been able to wear them for longer stints, including an entire day of errands,” she wrote in a review. A bonus: the pair is also sustainably made; the knit uppers are spun from water bottles.
Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Colors: 17
Vans
Vans is also kicking off the back-to-school season with a sale. Save up to 50 percent off on hundreds—yes, hundreds—of its sneakers, slip-ons, and more.
Our pick:
Vans Mary Jane Shoe — $55.00
Normally $60
It’s hard to find a Mary Jane that offers the comfort of a sneaker, but Van’s interpretation of the style is up to the challenge. It combines design elements of the classic silhouette with its signature waffle sole. All together, it adds up to a shoe that is cute and comfortable in equal measure. What’s more, it comes in over 10 colorways to suit your personal aesthetic.
Sizes: Women’s 5-11.5
Colors: 11
Vionic
Vionic’s end-of-season sale boasts a varied assortment of sandals, sneakers, and fall-friendly loafers for up to 50 percent off. In addition to steep discounts, you’re promised comfortable support with any one of its shoes.
Our pIck:
Vionic Kimmie Perf Sneaker — $90.00
Originally $130, now $90
Vionic Kimmie slip-ons are synonymous with ease and comfort. The pair is not only easy to slip on and off, but also comes with an EVA footbed that pads your every step. If that isn’t enough to convince you of its comfort, it also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which means that it’s been found to promote good foot health. Shop the shoe in four colors, including black, brown, blue, and slate (pictured above).
Sizes: Women’s 5-13
Colors: 4
Zappos
Zappos’ back-to-school sale is for the kids, but its sale section is rife with footwear for adults. Find shoes under $50 from Dr. Scholl’s, Skechers, Koolabura by UGG, and more.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.