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Fall is around the corner, which means it’s also time to start the back-to-school shopping.
To ease the stress for those returning to the classrooms, we’ve compiled a list of sneakers that are perfect for any rotation. When considering sneakers to purchase for back to school, some of the criteria we looked at include affordability, comfort, as well as what fits the current footwear trends. This list also features a diverse group of brands and styles, including a mix of classic silhouettes to the latest offerings from top footwear brands.
Scroll on for our Ultimate Sneaker Back-to-School Buying Guide for 2025.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may collect a share of sales from the links on this page if you decide to shop them.
Where to Buy: Salomon.com
Price: $140
Salomon continues to make waves in the footwear space thanks to its signature trail-inspired designs that can also double as a lifestyle sneaker. One of the most notable styles is this XT-Whisper silhouette. Some of its standout elements are the Quicklace system, plush OrthoLite insoles, and grippy Contagrip outsoles.
Where to Buy: Nike.com
Price: $145
The Nike Ava Rover is one of the newest models to garner a spot on this list. The sneaker features tech that’s featured in Nike’s performance footwear, specifically the ReactX midsole designed for all-day comfort. You also can’t go wrong with this sleek all-black colorway.
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $120
As confirmed in StockX’s latest Big Facts mid-year report, Asics was among the best-selling sneakers on the resale platform for the first half of this year. A retro mesh runner like the Gel-DS Trainer 14 here is versatile and can be worn in a range of everyday activities.
Where to Buy: Adidas.com
Price: $160
Another newly released silhouette that would certainly help you stand out as you return to the classroom is Adidas’ futuristic Climacool sneaker. The key design element of the model is the 3D-printed construction throughout the shoe, which provides breathability throughout the entire foot.
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $100
After originally releasing in 1999, the Puma Speedcat has seen a resurgence in recent months, and for good reason. It’s a simple low-top silhouette that goes well with practically any fit, including in the classroom.
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $195
One of the more unique silhouettes on this list is the Oakley Factory Team Edge Boot for those looking to stand out from the crowd this school year. This brown colorway provides a minimalistic yet futuristic aesthetic, featuring a mesh and suede upper and chunky but wavy midsole design.
Where to Buy: Newbalance.com
Price: $100
Running sneakers from the ’70s have recently seen a resurgence in the footwear space, which makes the New Balance 471 a perfect addition to any back-to-school rotation. This ’70s running sneaker-inspired model is equipped with nylon, mesh, and suede on the low-cut upper and coupled with a thinner midsole below.
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $200
Somehow we managed to include a collaboration on this list in the form of grime rapper Skepta’s Puma Skope sneaker. On the surface, this pair features an all-black colorway but it features hidden iridescent accents that appear when light hits the surface.
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $95
There’s no sneaker on this list that can beat the value you’re getting with Vans. Not only did the design of its Old Skool sneaker stand the test of time, but iterations like this tiger camo pair give the model a more modern look as well. And for less than $100, it’s hard to beat.
Where to Buy: On.com
Price: $160
Not only has On dominated in the performance space with its innovative running sneakers in the last few years, but its lifestyle sneakers are not to be slept on. This Roger Advantage sneaker, for example, still features the brand’s top tech, like the Helion foam used in the midsoles for comfort.
Where to Buy: Nike.com
Price: $96
Adding the Nike Dunk Low to a list of the best back-to-school sneakers seems like an easy choice here. The classic silhouette can be dressed up or dressed down, and numerous colorways go well with plenty of outfits. Best of all, Nike is currently running a sale where readers can buy them for 20 percent off their retail price with code “Sport.”
Where to Buy: Nordstrom.com
Price: $130
This brown Adidas Gazelle Indoor is a perfect choice to go with fall fits. It features a more premium textile upper contrasted by sail hits on the Three Stripes branding and heel tab. The semi-translucent outsole also gives the shoe an additional level of detail.
Where to Buy: Saucony.com
Price: $110
A lot has changed within the last few years in what’s “hot” in the sneaker space, including the recent boom surrounding Sauconys. One of the pairs that should be on your radar is the Ride Millennium, which is a mesh runner inspired by models in the Y2K era. The all-black colorway is a nice touch as well. You can shop for more Sauconys on Complex.
Where to Buy: Nike.com
Price: $164
We would be remiss not to include at least one Air Jordan sneaker on this list, and while Jordans are typically on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, the “Pure Money” Air Jordan 3 is currently on sale through Nike for 20 percent off with the code “Sport.”
Where to Buy: Complex Shop
Price: $165
The Strawberry Gyatt sneaker shown here is essentially the brand’s version of the classic German Army Trainers. It’s a timeless design but this version sports a vibrant two-tone green color scheme to help you stand out amongst the crowd.
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