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In order to determine the very best shoes to include in our guides to running shoes, workout shoes, slippers, and walking shoes, we log hundreds of miles (or, in the case of slippers, many mail runs) and seek out recommendations from experts in the field, from podiatrists to marathon runners to physical therapists. No matter the type of comfy shoe, the best time to get them is when they go on sale, and I’ve scoured our shoe content and online retailers for the best deals I can find on our favorites.
As usual, these discounts come and go quickly, so I’ll be updating this article every month. And if your appetite for deals isn’t quite satisfied, you can sign up for our daily deals newsletter and never miss a sale again.
Unisex shoe deals
This pair of boots is the one that Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio calls her “inclement weather UGGs” thanks to the bouncy sole (which also has good traction). They’re now marked down by 30 percent.
These Crocs are one of the things Kelis told us she can’t live without (the singer told us that she and her kids wear them on their family farm). In typical Amazon fashion, prices vary by size and color, but I generally found the lowest price on this navy version and a nice teal.
Here’s a pair of Crocs (begrudgingly) recommended by none other than Chris Black.
Given the long stretch of cold ahead, I made it my mission to find as many pairs of discounted slippers as possible. My first is a remarkably affordable pair from Parachute that comes recommended by Strategist writer Katherine Gillespie. Just note: Since the shoes are unisex, they run large. For reference, Gillespie wears a woman’s size 7 and says an extra small would have been best for her.
Women’s shoe deals
We’re always excited to see Merrells on sale, especially when they’re the pair Sandy Liang wrote a haiku about.
For some clogs sans sheepskin, try Rothy’s. Our slippers expert Brenley Goertzen says, “Considering how many times I’ve accidentally dripped coffee on my UGGs,” the draw behind the clogs is that they’re machine washable.
In the months since Goertzen added these to her slipper-testing docket, she says they’ve become her go-to pair of house shoes. After all, it’s hard to resist an entire shoe wrapped in plush shearling.
Since we can’t live in slippers until April, some stylish and comfortable flats will have to do. We learned about these from Bilena Settepani, the pastry chef and store manager at Settepani Bakery who slips on these machine-washable shoes for errands and dressier events. They’re on sale in a few colors, including this rather on-trend leopard print.
For stylish shoes with winter-weather protection, try these camper boots that Strategist senior editor Ailbhe Malone says make her feel less “hobbity” than Blundstones.
Here are some non-hobbity Blundstones I found in the brand’s Presidents’ Day sale. Just note, sizing is going quickly across the sale, so it’s best not to wait.
Moving to sneakers, I found a few of our favorite pairs on sale. These are the most responsive tennis shoes we’ve tested.
It’s always a good day when I find New Balance on sale. These just so happen to be a Chris Black–approved alternative to Sambas, too.
These Nike Dunks will pair nicely with leggings, a crop top, and a jacket — at least that’s how Stacey Bendet styles hers.
These Hokas are our favorite ultra-cushioned walking shoe and are ideal for long stints of walking and standing. They’re on sale in this pretty peach color, but sizes are going quickly so don’t dilly dally.
Carrie Brownstein of Sleater Kinney told us she can’t live without these Teva slip-ons. They’re perfect for those, like her, who aren’t into athleisure but still need a versatile shoe for mail runs and doing chores around the house.
If you’re headed somewhere warm this spring break, try Chacos, currently discounted by 40 percent.
Men’s shoe deals
Here’s the men’s version of those Sandy Liang Merrells. The camel version is decidedly UGG-ish but with a bit more traction, thanks to the sticky rubber outsole.
If you’d prefer some actual UGGs, our deals editor, Sam Daly, found these in the depths of Nordstrom’s sale section.
Finally, the “It”-girl shoe — for men. Given the extra ankle coverage, you’ll be able to wear it for more than just your mail runs.
Over in the men’s section of Blundstone’s Presidents’ Day sale, pickings are slim, but I found these low-cut shoes in the mix. During a recent pulse check on Blundstones, our team highlighted the low-cut pairs as some of our favorites.
We found some Vans on sale that are beloved by Ben Van Leeuwen. He says his favorite shoes “look like regular Vans but you can also work out and walk ten miles in them.” They’re discounted in a few colors at Backcountry and Vans.
Daly also spotted some Vejas in Nordstrom’s sale section. Circa 2019, these were some of the only shoes you’d spot in New York’s office.
I was excited to find our favorite workout shoe marked down in a few colors. Strategist writer Rellosa has been wearing the Metcon 9 for four years and has found that they’ve held up to all types of workouts, including weight lifting, rowing, HIIT sessions, and treadmill warm-up runs.
First UGG Minis and now some Clifton 9s; it seems the men’s sale section is full of some “It”-girl shoes. These have earned a spot in our guides to running shoes and workout shoes for their versatility and comfort.
Our favorite affordable workout shoe is also on sale. Rellosa says they’re best “if you want an easy shoe to wear to the gym for all types of sports and the occasional run” — at a lower price.
We’re not picking sides in the Chaco-Teva rivalry, but the discount on these Chacos is certainly giving them a leg up. Spring break is nigh — making these sandals a no-brainer.
Kids’ shoe deals
The best UGGs for kids are the discounted pairs. I spotted these classic Ultra Minis discounted by 30 percent in a chic shade of gray. Just note: Sizes are going quickly.
If your little one has reached kids’ sizes and is in their pink phase, I have good news: These are in stock in plenty of sizes.
For those days when it isn’t quite cold enough for snow, these rain boots will add a little sparkle to the walk to school — literally.
For walking shoes, consider this pair from Asics that we like because they provide great arch and ankle support, cushioning, and stability. They come recommended by Paige Lauren, founder of the eponymous children’s clothing brand and mother of an 8-year-old who has been wearing the shoes for years.
They also come in grade-school sizes with laces instead of Velcro.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
