Let’s face it, summer is coming to an end. The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting cooler, and much of the population needs to go back to school. With the return just around the corner, we thought now would be a good time to remind our readers of the important preparations that lie ahead. No, we don’t mean getting mentally prepared for the rigors of academic life. We mean getting the fit right – especially with your sneakers.
To help with that, some of the Complex staff have selected shoes that we think are appropriate for back-to-school: things that are fresh, accessible, and interesting. We’ve left out hot, trending collaborations here, but feel free to spend your money on those if that’s what you like. (If you’re spending your money on representatives of those shoes, though, leave us out of the conversation.) We hope these make your back-to-school experience a little less painful and a little more sure-footed.
All products are independently selected by our editors. Complex may receive a share of sales from links on this page if you choose to purchase those products.
Reebok Club C
Price: 90$
Anyone who knows me knows that nine times out of ten when I see myself outside the house, I’m wearing a pair of Reebok Club Cs. In fact, I’m wearing them right now as I write this. They’re as versatile as sneakers get: you can dress them up with a collared shirt and slacks if you want something to wear for the first day of school, or you can just as easily make them more casual with a pair of jeans or sweatpants. Plus, you can always snag a pair in basically any color combination for $90, and they’ll be right back in stock when you wear through the pair you’re wearing now. —Ben Felderstein
Shop Reebok Club C inventory from Reebok here.
Nike Air Max 90
Price: 170
Launched to celebrate Air Max Day 2024, the Nike Air Max Dn was touted as a shoe featuring Nike’s latest cushioning innovation. This technology might suggest that it’s a performance shoe, but this one was more for all-day comfort rather than hitting the best lap times. While it could be used for casual training, it’s much better suited for a long day at school. This version is reminiscent of the original “Hyper Blue” colorway of the Air Max Plus, a shoe that the Dn’s silhouette itself is inspired by. There’s no shortage of colorway options, though, including a USA-themed version that was recently seen on the 2024 Olympics winners’ podium. —Zac Dubasik
Shop Nike Air Max Dn stock from Nike here.
Asics GT-2160
Price: 130$
Mesh running shoes have become all the rage in recent years, and their popularity will likely continue as the upcoming school year begins. One of the more affordable and versatile options in this category is the Asics GT-2160. We can point to collaborations like the recent Kith x Marvel pairs boosting its popularity, but one sign that this silhouette is holding its own is that even the widely available colorways are selling out. Still, some models are still available at retail, including this vintage-inspired cream pair. —Victor Deng
Buy Asics GT-2160 stock here.
New Balance 1906R
Price: 155$
New Balance has been on a roll with mesh running shoes for decades, but has finally made them cool in the lifestyle space over the past few summers. It may be another mesh-boyz summer, but it’s OK to keep them on your feet as we transition into fall. The New Balance 1906R has been a standout shoe over the past two years, thanks in part to projects from the likes of Aime Leon Dore, Action Bronson, and Salehe Bembury, but there are also great inline colorways to snag. They’re arguably just as good as the limited-edition pairs, in fact. And they won’t crease if you wear them to school a few times a week. —Matt Welty
Buy the New Balance 1906R from New Balance’s inventory here.
Nike Air Max Sunder
Price: 180$
Nothing compares to that transitional period when summer ends and school starts. Yes, it’s always bittersweet, but for many of us, going back to school meant new clothes and, of course, new shoes. We’re past the classic Nike Air Force 1, and today’s kids want something new, so what’s better than the return of a 1999 Nike smash hit like the Sunder? You can choose from Canyon, Pink, and Volt colorways. The best thing about the Air Max Sunder is the comfort and convenience the shoe offers. The neoprene upper adds softness, while the center zipper provides overall stability, so whether you’re walking to school or running down long walls, the Sunder will make you look and feel good. PS: I’m not here to teach you how to style the shoe, but the colors are bright, so less is more when wearing these. —Breeana Walker
Shop the Nike Air Max Sunder stock from Sneaker Politics here.
Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty in session
Price: 120 $
I remember wearing my first Fenty x Puma Creepers until I dropped when they launched nearly a decade ago. After a brief hiatus from releasing new models, Rhianna returned last year with the Creeper Phatty silhouette, an oversized, exaggerated counterpart to the original. For the 2024 back-to-school season Rhi delivers the Phatty In Sessionfeaturing textured corduroy that gives the shoe a cozier feel. My favorite colorway from the new release is this Triple Black – I’ll be wearing it throughout fall and winter and next year for the Fenty Creeper 10th anniversary. —YJ Lee
Shop Puma’s stock of the Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty In Session here.
New Balance 990v3
Price: 185$
We love colorful collaborations, but sometimes you just can’t beat the classics. If you’re looking for a sneaker that you can dress up or down with pretty much anything, look no further than the gray New Balance 990v3. Some people prefer the 990v4. Others might like the updated 990v6. But if you ask me, the 990v3, which came out in 2012, is the best of the bunch. Simply put, the silhouette just looks best on your foot. In my experience, these also tend to show creases at the toes the longest, which is very beneficial if you plan on wearing them once a day. That kind of longevity also justifies the rather hefty $185 price tag. Did I mention they’re incredibly comfortable? These aren’t as easy to get hold of right now as some others in the 990 series, but if you see them on the shelf, don’t hesitate. Some people hate wearing the same shoe more than once a week. If you have these, you cannot help yourself. —Mike DeStefano
Buy the New Balance 990v3 here at Snipes.
Hoka Clifton 9
Price: 145$
Unlike many of the sneakers that collectors love, Hokas are actually comfortable; they’re not reissues of an old silhouette made from the cheapest materials possible. That’s another reason why Hoka is so popular right now—their good shoes are new, not retros of things we’ve seen and experienced a million times before—it’s fulfilling to wear shoes that are from this century. We could point you to current trends like Satisfy’s Mafate Speed 4 Lite collaboration or the latest Tor, but more accessible and arguably just as good is the Clifton 9 in this Oat Milk/Alabaster colorway. The shoe is fine for running if you need to do that, but it’s also just a no-nonsense everyday pair that conveys that you have an appreciation for sneaker design that goes beyond the 1980s. —Brendan Dunne
Buy the Hoka Clifton 9 from Hoka’s inventory here.
Nike Air Max 90
Price: 180$
Regardless of where you have been on this list so far, congratulations, you have landed at The perfect sneaker for the start of school. The Air Max Plus (or TN) is currently trending (check), it is a return to an original color scheme (check), and there is even a global football inclination thanks to the affiliation through the Football equipment from Vini Jr and Co.. And the best part? You don’t need a StockX link to snag them, as they’re available everywhere in full size. The perfect shoe to set the (sun) tone for your school year. —Joe LaPuma
Shop Nike’s stock of the Nike Air Max Plus here.
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