If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
Editor’s Note: We’ll be updating this page regularly before and through the Labor Day Weekend with the latest, greatest, and most worth-it in the realm of post-summer footwear deals. Act fast if you see something you like, as stock is already running low on many of the below selections.
If you’re a devoted shopper, you know that Labor Day is one of the best times to augment your closet with all the clothing, footwear, and accessories you’ve long wanted to own but weren’t excited about paying full price for.
Each year, the weekend before the first Monday of September becomes a golden opportunity for snagging deep discounts on fashion — sitting at the intersection of last-chance summer clearance events, back to school, and pre-holiday shopping while aligning effortlessly with everyone’s collective urge to reset their wardrobes ahead of a new season.
Labor Day Deals on Shoes That Are Actually as Good as They Seem
At Footwear News, we have dedicated ourselves to scouring the web for the most impressive Labor Day shoe sales in particular, and, being on intimate terms with the commerce space at large, we’re also well aware of the distinction between a real deal and a meager discount on an inflated original price.
For that reason, the top Labor Day deals on sneakers, boots, clogs, slippers, loafers, and other season-appropriate footwear that you’ll be exposed to here have all been cross-checked between retailers and deemed legitimate by us. You’ll only see price cuts this steep in September and then again the day after Thanksgiving — potentially — so there’s absolutely no time to waste if you’re looking to overhaul your shoe rack for less.
We’ll be sharing why it’s worth buying each of the trending shoe styles and doing so now, as well as treating you to some historical price data that will clarify one central truth: These Labor Day footwear discounts are so good, they merit a weekend-long celebration.
Anthropologie is lauded for its advent calendars, boho fashions, and viral homeware, but truly savvy shoppers are bookmarking its shoe section, too, which is chock-full of cool-girl labels from Gola to New Balance and Veja. For Anthro’s end-of-summer sale, many lifestyle-leaning offerings are seeing an extra half-off deal at checkout: putting them at prices that make shopping at anthropologie.com, versus the direct sites, way more advantageous right about now.
rare price drop
New Balance 204L Sneaker
The 204L is resting at an uncomfortably full price on newbalance.com, but at Anthropologie, it’s over 60 percent off.
Even Amazon’s historical price data shows that the model has never dropped lower than the $90 mark in the past year, so there’s never been a better time, or place, to grab the retro-futuristic dad sneaker.
low stock
Puma Exclusive Speedcat Premium Sneaker
If your shoe size is between a 6 and a 7, Christmas came early, because those are the only sizes still left in stock for the final-sale Puma Speedcat at Anthro. The look in question is a retailer exclusive, and that 59-percent markdown makes the racer silhouette even more of a must in your collection.
Note: Basic OG Speedcats are $99.95 at Amazon as we speak, so this elevated version ($44.97) is a rare bird indeed.
If your aesthetic of choice for the next few months is going to be “granola girl fall,” cosign the outdoor apparel company Merrell for all your outfitting needs before those leaf-peeping getaways. This week and through Labor Day, Merrell is slashing prices on its top-rated buys by as much as 40 percent, either on its actual site or via third-party retailers. The ProMorph, Moab Speed 2 Jelly, and multiple other fan favorites all qualify — keeping your feet and wallet happy during the latter half of the year and beyond.
best for trail running
Merrell Men’s ProMorph Sneaker
Very limited quantities of this shoe are still being sold in each size at Zappos, due to the fact that it’s 40 percent off there as opposed to 25 percent off at merrell.com for the Angelite colorway.
The leading men’s trail-running sneaker — equipped with a Vibram outsole and a highly responsive midsole — deserves a spot in your rotation. (Especially when it’s less than $100.)
best vacation sandal
Merrell Women’s District 4 Luxe Post Shoe
Yes, warm weather is leaving us all too quick for comfort, but you’d be wise to get a new pair of sandals for your winter break plans while the getting’s good — and affordable.
This 50-percent-off, odor-controlling, and EVA foam–boosted shoe is $88.99 at Amazon and $89.99 at DSW, for context, so a price tag reading $45 can be classified as a genuine miracle.
REI’s Labor Day sale is now live, happening through September 7, and co-op members can use the code LABORDAY26 to unlock an added 20 percent off on one item in their cart. Not a member? No problem. The public REI Labor Day deals of 2026 are also juicier than they’ve ever been: affecting brands like Hoka, On, Keen, and Altra while making that upcoming thru-hike suddenly more palatable.
steepest savings around
On Cloudrunner 3 Road-Running Shoe
This is the lowest price the On Cloudrunner 3 is selling for on the World Wide Web, meaning its discounted iteration at the Swiss running giant’s website is still $5 more expensive. And if you’re in the deal-hunting mindset, you know that every penny counts.
The “Heather/Marsh” style is last-season, sure, but there’s nothing outdated about its impact-absorbing Helion superfoam, optimized breathability, and high-traction outsole for pounding the pavement sans slips or injuries.
best winter boot
Xero Shoes Alpine Pull-On Snow Boot
As the highest discount in our Labor Day shoe sales roundup, this winter boot deal at REI doesn’t mess around — including when it comes to the actual specs.
Prepare to savor 200 grams of insulation, waterproof membranes for confident steps in the snow, two distinct styling possibilities, zero-drop heels for postural support, and, of course, an unparalleled price (you’d be getting these for $184.99 at xeroshoes.com).
Steve Madden, already in the business of pampering customers with cheaper alternatives to luxury footwear, is taking a no-holds-barred approach for Labor Day 2026. If you’re a teacher, student, medical professional, first responder, young adult, or part of the military, you can enjoy 20 to 25 percent off your purchase. This September, though, anyone can score favored styles for 40 percent off, so long as they “Buy With Prime” — linking up their Amazon Prime account and thereby also getting fast, free delivery.
best loafer for fall
Steve Madden Madison Black Leather Loafer
Only certain sizes of Steve Madden’s Madison are eligible for “Buy With Prime,” so poke around and see if yours is — receiving a 40-percent-off deal and next-day Prime delivery depending on location.
Right before the full-fledged arrival of autumn, it’s rare to observe a loafer as chic and high-quality as this one on sale, so consider today your lucky day.
best boot for fall
Steve Madden Stasia Brown Boot
I love when Steve Madden names a fall bootie in my honor, and I love it even more when said shoe goes for $60 off its normal price. Given the rounds this baby has managed to make on social media, as part of It-girls’ seasonal ensembles, the price reduction feels too good to be true.
I assure you it very much is true, however (because it has always been the case that Prime members get to have the most fun).
Good ol’ Amazon consistently doubles down with deals that deliver, no matter the time of year. Prior to Labor Day, the behemoth is putting up its hottest brands, from the cost-conscious to the premium, for 45 percent off and occasionally even more. In our search, we filtered discounts by percentage amount: honing in on only this “even more” category, with each product having to be over 50 percent off to make the cut. Here’s what did.
#1 bestseller
EverFoams Women’s Memory Foam Indoor Slipper
This #1 bestseller in “Women’s Slippers” has been bought over 1,000 times in the past month alone, boasting over 13,000 positive reviews.
$17 is the best price the slipper has ever witnessed at Amazon (or anywhere else, for that matter), but the deal is a one-day-only occurence that necessitates speedy action. Shop before it’s gone, and proceed to relish the shoe’s microsuede lining, arch support, and all-around plushness.
best flip-flop
Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
“Over the past year, the lowest price for the Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flop was $25.18,” reports Amazon, which implies that the current one of $25.80 is just cents away from this total.
Don’t expect further savings to announce themselves anytime soon, instead saying “yes” to the Breeze Sea today. It just might be the perfect flip-flop, and your bank account will agree.
Foot Locker is a trusted destination for on-sale Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and other coveted names. At the time of this writing, it doesn’t have an official Labor Day sale in place quite yet, but the markdowns are nonetheless heating up — and this is one party you shouldn’t be late to.
best for recovery
Nike ReactX Rejuven8 Shoe
Nike’s buzzy recovery shoe, the ReactX Rejuven8, has ample stock on nike.com, but it’s never retailed for under $40 there in the recent past. Foot Locker is rewriting that rule with its deal of close to half off, and though only a few hues are marked down, you’re bound to discover a keeper.
After all, giving your feet a rest need not correlate with putting pressure on your established budget.
best slip-on
Ugg Goldenstar Clog
The way the universe works, as soon as an Ugg sensation like the Goldenstar Clog goes on sale, inventory depletes in mere hours. So imagine our delight at coming across popular, ready-to-shop sizes of the pictured Butter variation at Foot Locker — where the shoe’s price recently got sliced in half.
No special code is required to reap the rewards of this pre-Labor Day sale. And some food for thought? This exact slingback clog from Ugg is hovering at $130 (or more) on almost every other website.
Don’t wait.
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
Why Trust WWD
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on seasonal footwear deals that are truly worth readers’ time and money.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
