Nike's Top 10 Back-to-School Shoes of 2023

How to take advantage of Nike's back-to-school shoes sale.
Nike's Top 10 Back-to-School Shoes of 2023
Nike's Top 10 Back-to-School Shoes of 2023 /

Our regular readers know how important we take back-to-school shopping. Taking on a new school year with a fresh pair of kicks is just as important as getting into the same classes as your best friends.

Luckily for online shoppers, Nike is running an online sales event through Friday, August 5. Students (or sneakerheads) can purchase shoes and apparel for up to 60% off. Earlier this month, we listed the top ten back-to-school sneakers with contributions from every brand.

With time running out until Nike's sale is over and school is back in session, we have listed the top ten back-to-school shoes that are discounted on Nike's website. We placed an emphasis on style, versatility, and affordability. Check out the full list below.

Air Jordan 1 High

Side view of a black and white Air Jordan sneaker.
Nike

It has been almost four decades since Michael Jordan's legendary Air Jordan sneaker line took flight, and it still hasn't come back down to earth. The Air Jordan 1 has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most popular models from the line.

The Air Jordan 1 High usually costs $180 in adult sizes but is currently marked down by 20% online. Online shoppers looking for even more affordable options can consider the Mid-top version, which has also been discounted. There are options for the whole family on Nike's website.

Air Jordan 1 Low

Side view of a black and red Air Jordan 1 Low sneaker.
Nike

The Air Jordan 1 Low perfectly complements its high-top counterpart. The low-cut model is both sleeker and more affordable. Even better, the Air Jordan 1 Low comes in a variety of styles and colorways for people of all ages.

The Air Jordan 1 Low usually costs between $110-$140 in adult sizes, but it is marked down by 20% in select colorways. Back-to-school shoppers can take advantage of the rare sale by shopping for Air Jordan 1 Low sneakers on the Nike website.

Nike Air Max

Side view of a pink and white Nike Air Max shoe.
Nike

The Nike Air Max is one of the brand's most recognizable silhouettes and gains a new fanbase with each passing generation. There are currently eight versions of the iconic lifestyle sneaker discounted online, all of which are perfect for school-age kids.

Online shoppers can save upwards of 60% off Nike Air Max sneakers in select styles and colorways as part of the major sales event. Consumers should have no problem finding a style they like at an affordable price on the Nike website.

Nike Air Force 1

Side view of a white and pink Nike Air Force 1 shoe.
Nike

The Nike Air Force 1 has been a staple of American sneaker culture for decades. After making its start on the basketball courts, the shoe has evolved with the times to become one of the most popular lifestyle models year after year.

Sure, songs have been written about the Nike Air Force 1, but arguably no generation loves the model more than Gen-Z. Online shoppers can find the already affordable shoe at a discount in most styles and colorways on the Nike website.

Nike Waffle One

Side view of a white and black Nike running shoe.
Nike

Nike's running line is known for its iconic waffle pattern outsole. That running heritage serves as the inspiration for the Nike Waffle line. Thanks to its classic yet sleek design, the Nike Waffle line is one of our favorite options for back-to-school shoes.

Online shoppers should have no problem finding a style and colorway from the Nike Waffle line for well below $100 in adult sizes before discounts are applied. Our fellow Nike Waffle fans can check out the full selection on the Nike website.

Nike Air Cross Trainer 3

Side view of a white, orange, and black Nike shoe.
Nike

Basketball sneakers from the 1990s often soak up all the limelight, but we cannot forget about the trainers from that era. The Nike Air Cross Trainer 3 Low is back in three colorways, all of which have been discounted online.

The beefy sneakers are best used for casual wear nowadays but arguably look better in the wild anyway. Originally priced at $125 in adult sizes, online shoppers can purchase the Nike Air Cross Trainer 3 Low for under $100 on the Nike website for a limited time.

Nike Vapormax

Side view of a black and white Nike shoe.
Nike

As our list transitions from old-school sneakers to more modern kicks, we must start with the Nike Vapormax. The futuristic-looking lifestyle sneaker is beloved by people of all ages who enjoy its superior comfort and cushion.

There are only three versions of the Nike Vapormax available for a discount online, but the potential savings are staggering. Back-to-school shoppers can purchase the Nike Vapormax at a major discount in select styles on the Nike website.

Nike Pegasus 40

Side view of a black and pink Nike running shoe.
Nike

Parents who need to invest in one pair of shoes for the school year should go with the Nike Pegasus 40. Technically considered a running shoe, the model is neutrally-balanced and better for everyday use than logging miles (speaking from experience).

The Nike Pegasus 40 is comfortable enough for any activity: recess, gym, or class. Online shoppers can choose between several colorways in full-family sizing at a discount on the Nike website.

Nike Freak 4

Side view of a green and white Nike basketball shoe.
Nike

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has one of the best signature sneaker lines in the NBA. The Nike Freak line always comes in low-top silhouettes with top-notch technology at an affordable price. It also treats fans to exciting colorways every year.

Nike recently launched Antetokounmpo's fifth signature sneaker, which means the savings on the Nike Freak 4 are out of this world. Online shoppers can scoop up a pair of the performance basketball shoes at a major discount on the Nike website.

Nike LeBron 20

Side view of a grey and blue Nike LeBron basketball shoe.
Nike

We started our list with Jordan and ended it with LeBron James. In addition to breaking the NBA's all-time points record, James also celebrated two decades with Nike in style. The Nike LeBron 20 rejuvenated James' signature line with its design and colorways.

The Nike LeBron 20 hit shelves with a hefty price tag but has slowly become more affordable over time. Thanks to Nike's online sales event, frugal shoppers can finally save big on the performance basketball shoes. We encourage our readers to check out James' 20th signature sneaker on the Nike website before supplies run out.

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Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.