Best time to buy shoes depends on understanding retailer markdown cycles. Most shoppers pay full price simply because they buy when they need shoes. Smart buyers plan ahead and save 30% to 70% on the same pairs. Shoe retailers follow predictable seasonal patterns year after year. End-of-season clearances happen like clockwork in January and July.
Holiday weekends bring sitewide sales from nearly every major shoe store. New model releases push last season’s styles into deep discount territory. This guide breaks down every major sale window across the calendar. You will learn exactly when to shop and which retailers offer the steepest markdowns. Knowing the best time to buy shoes can easily save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Best Time to Buy Shoes: Month-by-Month Deal Calendar
The best time to buy shoes varies by month and shoe type. January consistently delivers the deepest discounts of the year. Retailers slash prices 40% to 70% on winter boots and cold-weather styles. July and August bring steep markdowns on sandals and summer shoes. November remains the single best month for overall selection and savings.
| Month | Deal Quality | What to Buy | Typical Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Boots, sneakers, dress shoes | 40–70% off |
| February | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Previous-gen running shoes | 25–40% off |
| March | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Remaining winter clearance | 60–80% off |
| April | ⭐⭐⭐ | Sneakers, spring styles | 20–30% off |
| May | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Spring clearance, sandals | 30–60% off |
| June | ⭐⭐⭐ | DSW Semi-Annual Sale items | 30–50% off |
| July | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Summer shoes, premium fall styles | 30–50% off |
| August | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sandals, back-to-school sneakers | 30–50% off |
| September | ⭐⭐⭐ | Labor Day weekend deals | 30–55% off |
| October | ⭐⭐ | Limited promotions | 15–25% off |
| November | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Everything — broadest selection | 30–70% off |
| December | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Holiday sales, gift sets | 25–50% off |
The best time to buy shoes for winter boots is January through early March. Retailers need to clear shelf space for spring arrivals. Nordstrom, DSW, and Macy’s all participate in aggressive end-of-season clearances during this window. You can often find premium boots at half their original price or less.
Summer shoe shoppers should target late July through August. Sandals and open-toe styles drop 30% to 50% as fall inventory arrives. The best time to buy shoes for back-to-school is mid-August. Nike, Adidas, and Famous Footwear all run promotions targeting parents and students.
Holiday Weekend Sales and Expected Shoe Discounts
Holiday weekends are prime territory for finding the best time to buy shoes at major retailers. Memorial Day weekend in late May kicks off summer sale season. Adidas typically offers an extra 30% off select styles with a promo code. Zappos and DSW run sitewide events with 20% to 30% off. Nike drops clearance prices on spring inventory to make room for summer releases.
Labor Day weekend in early September delivers strong markdowns before fall. Merrell offers 30% off best sellers. Adidas extends Labor Day sales through the full week. Foot Locker and Finish Line feature 30% to 55% off across sneaker categories. This is an excellent best time to buy shoes for athletic and casual styles before prices firm up for the holiday season.
Black Friday through Cyber Monday remains the undisputed champion of shoe deals. Nike offers 30% to 50% off during Cyber Week. Adidas goes up to 70% off with an extra 15% stackable code for adiClub members. DSW, Nordstrom, and Amazon all compete aggressively. If you can only shop one sale all year, Black Friday is the best time to buy shoes across every category.
Pro Tips: New Model Timing, Off-Season Buying, and Price Tracking
One overlooked strategy for finding the best time to buy shoes is tracking new model releases. Running shoe brands like Nike, Asics, and Brooks release updated models in February and August. When new versions launch, the previous generation drops 25% to 40% immediately. The shoes are nearly identical in performance. You save significantly by buying one version behind the latest release.
Stacking discounts is another powerful move. Nike Members get extra 20% to 25% off already-reduced clearance items. A shoe marked from $170 down to $85 can drop to $65 with a member code. Adidas adiClub members unlock early access to Black Friday deals. DSW’s VIP rewards program adds points-based savings on top of sale prices. These loyalty programs are free and make the best time to buy shoes even more rewarding.
If you need shoes outside peak deal windows, use price tracking tools. CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon shoe prices over time. Browser extensions like Honey apply coupon codes automatically at checkout. Set price alerts for the exact pair you want. You may not hit the deepest best time to buy shoes markdowns, but you will still save 10% to 20% over list price. Also check outlet stores from Nike, Adidas, and New Balance for year-round discounts of 30% to 50%.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July deserves special mention. It is considered the single best event for premium shoe shopping. Unlike clearance sales, this event discounts brand-new fall styles by 30% to 40%. You get first pick of boots, sneakers, and dress shoes at pre-season prices. Prices return to full retail after the sale ends. This is the best time to buy shoes if you prefer designer and premium brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best time to buy shoes all year?
Black Friday through Cyber Monday offers the broadest selection and deepest discounts. Expect 30% to 70% off at nearly every major retailer. January clearance runs a close second for winter styles. Both windows represent the best time to buy shoes if you can plan ahead and wait for the sale.
Do shoes go on sale during Amazon Prime Day?
Yes. Amazon Prime Day in July features shoe deals from Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and other brands. Discounts typically range from 20% to 40% off. Prime Day is a solid best time to buy shoes for athletic and casual styles. Check Lightning Deals early because popular sizes sell out fast.
Should I buy last year’s running shoe model instead of the newest release?
Absolutely. Previous-generation running shoes offer nearly identical performance. Brands update colors and make minor tweaks between versions. The older model drops 25% to 40% when the new one launches. February and August are the best time to buy shoes from the previous release cycle. You get top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost.
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Resources
- FTC Shopping Guide: consumer.ftc.gov
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov
- Better Business Bureau: bbb.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. Prices, policies, and programs may change. Always verify current details with the retailer. If you notice outdated info, please contact us.