Getting the kids ready to go back to school doesn’t have to be a stressful task. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together the ultimate back-to-school guide outfitted with supplies, fits, and more to help families. Get the kids, yourself, and your household ready to learn with these back to school sales, supplies, and more.

Back to School Sales: Shoes, Clothing and More!

Caraway Home Meal Prep Bundle: Save 30%

Prep in style with this exclusive bundle featuring the best-selling Cookware and Food Storage Sets. Originally $850, get it for$600 with the code BACKTOSCHOOL24 for the Back to School sale August 6 through September 1.

DSW Back to School Shop 

New (School) Year, New Gear! From backpacks to sneakers, find everything you need to ace the year right at DSW! Explore Kids’ brands you’ll love including Nike, New Balance, Crocs, Skechers and more like Kids’ Court Sneakers and Uniform Shoes. Get 20% off during Student/Teacher Deal Days! Teacher and Students Only w/valid ID can save now through August 31.

Nordstrom Pre-Fall Fashion: Make Room for Shoes!

From pumps to sneakers, flats and more, Nordstrom has the season’s trending shoes styles. Find must-have silhouettes like sneakers, flats, loafers, and boots from brands like New Balance, Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, Steve Madden, Stuart Weitzman, Nordstrom, and more. Shop now through Sept. 8 for the best deals.

Even More Back to School Shoe Sales

• Zappos Back to School: Get free shipping on shoes, clothing, backpacks, and more
• Finish Line: Back to school deals with fresh markdowns up to 40%
• Amazon: Save 20% off $50 kids’ shoes
• Nike: Use code SPORT25 to save an additional 25% on select styles
• Adidas: Save on back to school shoes on sale
• Foot Locker: Up to 40% off select styles

Back to School Clothes

Looking for a great deal on back to school clothes? Save at some of our favorite clothing retailers like:

• Gap: Get 40% to 60% off clothing and accessories for babies, kids, and teens
• Old Navy: T-shirts start at $5; jeans starting at $15;  activewear starting at just $8
• Carter’s: Get 40% off plus an extra 20% off select items with code TAKE20
• Nike: Save up to 40% on sneakers and activewear
• Target: Kids’ clothing, shoes, and accessories are 30% off

Denim That’ll Always Fit: maurices denim

Maurices has denim styles that are perfect for back to school, including this ultra-trendy denim vest. Of course, you’ll also find jeans in all fits and styles. The best part? You can buy m jeans by maurices in a size that feels good now and if it changes later, bring the original pair of m jeans to any maurices store and exchange it for a new size for FREE up to a year after the original purchase. Every pair of m jeans by maurices that’s exchanged gets donated to a local charity. Find your closest maurices here.

The Perfectly Packable Windbreaker: The Unstoppable Jacket

Buy from Sierra Madre, $98

Take the Guesswork Out of Fashion: Kidpik

Planning outfits the night before makes getting ready for school easier on everyone. Kidpik offers stylish outfits (including footwear) for boys and girls sizes from 2T to 16 and shoe sizes from 9 toddler to 6 youth. Shop pre-styled boxes, specific outfits, or start a subscription and receive 3-5 mix and match outfits right to your front door!

Back to School Supplies

Find all of the school supplies you’ll need at some of our favorite retailers:

• Back to School at Walmart
• Back to School at Target
• Save on Back to School Tech at Best Buy
• Amazon’s Back to School Shop
• ban.do Back to School Sale on Stationary, Organizers, and More 

Plus, don’t forget these must-have back to school items you may not have thought of!

For the First Day Jitters: Slumberkins Back to School Start Kit

Buy from Slumberkins, $89

For Staying Sharp: BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils with Erasers

Buy from Amazon, $15

No more broken leads! BIC Break Resistant mechanical pencils, a 2024 Product of the Year Winner, have 75% stronger lead and an innovative shock-absorption mechanism that helps prevent lead breakage. Each BIC Break Resistant mechanical pencil comes with extra strong No.2 0.7mm lead, as well as an easy-to-use twist-up jumbo-size eraser for clean corrections.

For Remote Learning: Opal Tadpole Webcam

Buy from Tadpole, $149

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The Opal Tadpole Webcam for laptops is solving the biggest issues with remote learning and virtual calls — picture quality, noise cancelation, and size. The Tadpole is the smallest webcam ever (35g), designed to clip seamlessly on laptops and tablets (Mac & PC compatible). With stunning 4k image quality, a directional microphone to capture clear audio and eliminate distracting background noise, it’s a must-have gadget for remote learning of all ages.

For Classwork, Homework, and Beyond: ClosetMaid 43.8 in. W Home Office Desk

Buy from Amazon, $106

Whether you’re working from home, taking online classes, or have little ones who need a space to put their head down and get homework done, this affordable home office desk from Closetmaid is the answer! It features cable grommet holes to keep cords tangle free and a convenient storage ledge for organized cable management to keep wires off the floor. Plus, it’s easy to assemble and measures 43.98 in. W x 28.82 in. H x 21.97 in. D.

For a Less Chaotic School Year: Google Pixel Tablet with Charging Speaker Dock

Buy from Amazon, $399

This Google tablet is the perfect companion for families looking to stay organized this school year. The 11-inch tablet allows you to create multiple profiles to easily keep track of the content little ones or young adults are viewing. You can also toggle between profiles and password protect them so kids can’t view parent accounts. To make this tablet even better, it includes a speaker dock that keeps your tablet charged and allows it to enter Hub Mode where you can tap the Google Home icon to access all of your compatible smart home devices.

For Better Eye Health: Impromptu Blue Light Blockers

Buy from Peepers, $29

Using proprietary baked-in technology that filters high-energy visible blue light, feel confident you’re getting long-lasting protection from blue light plus 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays thanks to the Peepers Blue Light Focus Lenses. They have seven layers of anti-reflective coating that enhances contrast and visual acuity by reducing reflections on the surface of the lens. Plus, they’re super stylish, lightweight, and have an anti-scratch coating to prevent from the everyday whoopsie!

Fun (and Functional) Earbuds: Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Wireless Earbuds with Dolby Atmos Spatial Sound

Buy from Amazon, $280

These Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Wireless Earbuds are perfect for juggling classes, study sessions, and even workouts, these earbuds deliver immersive Dolby Atmos Spatial Sound, ensuring a superior audio experience whether they’re tuning into lectures or enjoying their favorite tunes. With advanced noise-cancelling technology, they can focus better and block out distractions. The all-day comfort and smart case make them ideal for long hours of use.

Laptop Lugging Made Easy: Terra Laptop Backpack

Buy from Calpak, $83

Stay connected on the go with this computer backpack, which features a slip pocket made for laptops up to 14″ and adjustable padded shoulder straps to keep you comfortable all day long. There’s also a front organizational panel to keep school supplies and other tech in place. Made with the equivalent of 14 recycled water bottles, you can feel good about this purchase!

For That Inevitable Cold: Genexa Liquid Cough & Chest Congestion Medicine

Buy from Amazon, $18

No matter how old your kids are, sending them back to school means the risk of getting the dreaded cold. That’s where Genexa’s line of clean cold and flu products come in! They have cough syrups, pain relievers, and more for adults and children. Stock up on their medicine made clean with the active ingredients you know and love without artificial additives!

Get ready — the first day of school will be here before you and your kids know it! Be prepared with these back to school must-haves.

Want more? Keep reading!

Charity to Provide Millions of Free Back-to-School Items to Students in Massachusetts, Chicago, and Pennsylvania—and Needs Volunteers!

If you’re like us, the prevailing conversation in your walking-group chats, Facebook feeds and water cooler meet ups seems to be all about pickleball. The sport is a combination of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, says USA Pickleball. It was named the “fastest-growing sport in America” three years in a row (2021-2023) and is loved by thousands — especially those over the age of 50. Fitness experts agree that the sport is a fun way to get your body moving and it’s easy to learn. Case in point: Fitness legend Denise Austin is currently “obsessed” with pickleball!

So you’re ready to try it out — you borrowed a friend’s paddle, pulled your old tennis skirt out of storage, but wait, can you just wear your walking sneakers? Will your tennis shoes suffice? What exactly are the best pickleball shoes for women?

When choosing the right shoe for pickleball, you want to focus on two things: “stability and quality,” says New York City podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine. As the sport requires lots of abrupt foot movement, it’s important that your shoes are supportive and stable. (Learn how wearing supportive shoes helps cure plantar fasciitis pain and shrinks varicose veins.)

What features should your pickleball shoes have?

1. Sturdiness: “These shoes need to be exceptionally sturdy, while also providing the flexibility needed for abrupt movements,” says Dr. Levine.
2. Shock absorption: “Women should look for a pickleball sneaker that has good shock absorption in the midsole of the shoe,” says Dr. Levine. This will better support the foot. ”With the quick movements that come with playing the sport, you stability is key, says Dr. Levine.
3. Rubber soles: A gum rubber soled sneaker will provide extra cushioning to the foot, thus extra protection.

We found the 7 shoes that best fit these parameters, ran them by Dr. Levine and got her seal of approval! If you are looking for the best pickleball shoes to wear, check out our list of recommendations. Bonus? They’re cute too so you don’t need to sacrifice fashion for function. Read on to discover the 7 best pickleball shoes for women.

What are the best pickleball shoes for women?

How to avoid foot and ankle Injuries while playing pickleball

Since the sport requires lots of footwork, it’s crucial to know how to protect your ankles and feet. Before getting into the sport, Dr. Levine suggests talking to a podiatrist to ensure your feet are in good condition and able to withstand the foot movement required.

“If you are experiencing overpronation, for example, you are at higher risk of injury. Visiting a podiatrist can inform someone’s needs for orthotics or specific muscle strengthening exercises,” Levine says. “Knowing this will help you to avoid possible stress fractures and sprains in the ankle and foot.”

Dr. Levine also emphasizes that your shoes play a huge factor. Wearing just basic running shoes, for example, may not be the best choice, as Pickleball shoes are “designed for more abrupt movements.”

Our Top Picks

Asics Gel-Dedicate 8 Pickleball

Buy from Zappos:$75

• Description
• Pros

These pink, white and black shoes will not only match any outfit you wear, but they are actually one of Dr. Levine’s top recommendations. “I find Asics to be the most supportive of the foot and ankle in a fast movement sport like pickleball.” The colors, style, stability and comfort of this shoe made it our Best Overall pick!

• Stable
• Flexible
• Synthetic leather overlays

Buy now

Skechers Viper Court Pickleball Shoes

Buy from Skechers:$95

• Description
• Pros

These Viper Court shoes designed for pickleball by Skechers offer an exceptional arch support design that is certified by podiatrists. making them one of the best pickleball shoes for women. Dr. Levine named Skechers as another brand she recommends for pickleball players. These shoes are great for all players, but especially beginners. For more advanced players, see the Viper Court Pro shoes below.

• Podiatrist-certified
• Lightweight cushioning
• Roomy space for toes and heels

buy now

Skechers Viper Court Pro - Pickleball Shoes

Buy from Skechers:$115

• Description
• Pros

The Skechers Viper Court Pros are similar to the shoes listed above, but offer more supportive for advanced players. The difference between the Viper Courts and the Viper Court Pros has to do with the compounds. While the regular courts use Goodyear Weather-Adapt compound, a stickier compound, the Pros use Goodyear Gold, allowing for more control with slides.

• Ultra-lightweight
• Podiatrist-certified
• Moldable

buy now

NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2

Buy from Nike:$130

• Description
• Pros

The NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 shoes’ white with pops of green design offer a retro look with modern technology. The shoes are low to the ground, which is ideal for a sport like pickleball, and are super lightweight making moving around (especially during warmer months) a breeze.

• Springy with the Zoom Air cushioning
• Breathable
• Lightweight

buy now

Asics Gel-Contend 8

Buy from Asics:$55

• Description
• Pros

As mentioned above, Asics are Dr. Levine’s favored brand for pickleball shoes. They provide comfort and durability, while also serving stylish looks. The beige color is the perfect neutral to go with any outfit.

• Wide range of colors
• Durable
• Soft underfoot feeling

buy now

K-Swiss Women's Bigshot Light 4 Pickleball Shoe

Buy from Famous Footwear:$95

• Description
• Pros

Not only are these shoes by K-Swiss fashionable with the muted grey and lavender colors, the extra padding on the tongue and collar provide peak comfort. They also have a rubber outsole, which is ideal for pickleball shoes.

• Rubber outsole
• Flexible insole
• Padded tongue and collar for comfort

Buy now

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4

Buy from New Balance:$70

• Description
• Pros

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 shoes provide an elevated look for an affordable price. The mesh on the upper outside of the shoes allows for breathability and the rubber on the outsole allows for durability. With four colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair that fits your style.

• Rubber outsole
• Breathable mesh
• Comfortable

buy now

Click through to learn more about pickleball and the benefits of playing:

What Is Pickleball — And How Did It Get Its Unique Name?

Fitness Legend Denise Austin Shares Her Passion for Pickleball: “I’m Totally Obsessed!”

Pickleball as Depression Cure? It Worked for One Woman