Back to school season is about more than sharpening pencils and choosing your first-day fit, it’s about setting the tone for the months ahead. Sneakers play a crucial role in this ritual, grounding your look while ensuring you can move seamlessly from classroom to library, gym, or after-hours plans. The right pair offers a balance of comfort, durability, and personality, whether you’re into retro basketball icons, futuristic runners, or cozy slip-ons.
SNEAKERS
This year, sneaker culture continues to thrive on a mix of heritage revivals and modern reinterpretations. Classic silhouettes like Jordans and Adidas shoes return with fresh updates, while tech-forward pairs from Nike and sculptural New Balance sneakers lean into the Y2K comeback. And for downtime, UGG prove once again that comfort is the ultimate flex. With so many releases hitting shelves, we’ve narrowed it down to the five brands that deserve a spot in your back-to-school rotation.
Air Jordans
When it comes to heritage sneakers, nothing sets the tone like a pair of Jordans. Their reputation for merging basketball DNA with streetwear cool makes them a back-to-school favorite. This fall, the spotlight lands on the Jordan 4, which returns in the coveted “White Cement” colorway. With its clean white upper, speckled midsole, and bold plastic wings, the Jordan 4 “White Cement” (2025) adds both structure and timeless appeal to any rotation, ideal for those who want one pair to transition effortlessly from the lecture hall to the weekend.
Adidas
Adidas shoes have always thrived on collaborations, and this season’s creative standout comes courtesy of Bad Bunny. The Gazelle, already a low-profile icon, gets reimagined in saturated hues and textured finishes that nod to the energy of summer in Puerto Rico. Dubbed the Bad Bunny x Gazelle “Cabo Rojo”, the sneaker captures a playful but versatile vibe, easy to pair with wide-leg denim or cropped tailoring. For students who want their footwear to carry personality without being overwhelming, this is the perfect balance of classic and fresh.
Nike
Few sneakers capture the Y2K revival better than Nike’s retro-inspired runners. The P-6000 has been gaining traction among students and creatives alike for its breathable mesh layers and athletic-meets-fashion silhouette. What makes it stand out for back-to-school season is its adaptability: you can wear it to class, the gym, or styled with oversized trousers for a street-style moment. The Nike P-6000 “Metallic Silver” in particular is the one to watch, sleek, futuristic, and comfortable enough to carry you through even the busiest campus days.
New Balance
For those who prefer understated cool, New Balance sneakers deliver in spades. Their 9060 model takes NB’s runner heritage and pushes it into sculptural, fashion-forward territory. With exaggerated midsoles and layered uppers, it’s equal parts practical and progressive. This season’s highlight, the New Balance 9060 “Black Cat”, strips the shoe back to a monochrome palette, making it endlessly versatile. Whether styled with relaxed tailoring or sweats, it offers stealth and sophistication in one package, exactly what you need in a go-to everyday sneaker.
UGG
While technically known for their boots, UGGs have carved out a new space in campus style with their hybrid slippers. The Tasman is the poster child: cozy, easy to wear, and durable enough for quick runs between classes. The “Chestnut” colorway, in particular, continues to be the most wearable and stylish option, complementing everything from leggings and knits to denim and skirts. The Women’s Tasman Slipper “Chestnut” blurs the line between house shoe and statement piece, making it a back-to-school essential for anyone who values comfort without compromise.
