There’s no need to tread lightly with this announcement: Nordstrom’s hotly-anticipated Anniversary Sale is on. While select Nordstrom cardholders have had access to this massive sale since July 6, the doors to canyon-deep discounts on fashion finds are now open to everyone until midnight on August 1.
From men’s clothing essentials to rugged activewear and everyday accessories, Nordstrom’s sale inventory encompasses thousands of items you’ll want to stash in your suitcase. But for guys seeking to nab some blazing deals on shoes, now is the time to run. The retailer’s biggest sale of the year doesn’t just knock precious dollars off last season’s models from athletic brands like On and Adidas, and luxury fashion houses like Salvatore Ferragamo and Santoni—it also offers a dizzying array of new releases at attractive prices. For the fashion-savvy, this means you can stock up on kicks that’ll still be on-trend for months (and trips) to come.
Whether you’re aiming to fill the gaps on your shoe rack (yes, every dapper dude needs a slick pair of slides for poolside lounging) or if your worn-down running shoes need an upgrade (no, frayed laces and a torn-up sole will not help you clock extra miles on the trail), you’ll want to investigate what’s in-stock in your size sooner rather than later. For a head start, here are some of the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale men’s shoe picks across categories.
Athletic shoes
The secret to packing for an active trip filled with outdoor pursuits is to bring along shoes that are lightweight, versatile, and designed with high-performance features. If alpine hiking is on the agenda, in Zion or the Dolomites, opt for Merrell’s Moab Flight trail running shoe or the Activist FutureLight waterproof hiking sneaker from The North Face—both will keep your feet dry in all weather conditions, on the trail or in city streets. Alternatively, On’s ultra-light Cloudswift running shoe will be a certifiable treat for your feet on travel days, taking you from the jet bridge to an eight-hour walking tour with zero stress.
Sneakers
Sneakers are all about comfort, but that doesn’t mean they can’t complete a dressier outfit. Mephisto’s Harrisons and New Balance’s 997 H sneaker offer up cosmopolitan fashion sense when you’re strolling the cobblestone alleys of Florence or Old Montréal. For preppy Cape Cod vibes on and off the sailing yacht, Santoni’s Banker loafer-sneaker hybrid and Sperry’s grippy Striper CVOs fit the brief for nautical-cool style. Since a classic white sneaker is a must-pack, Cole Haan’s GrandPro Topspins should also land on your radar.
Sandals
Forgo the Margaritaville flip-flops and cop yourself a pair of leather sandals for a more polished resort look. Cole Haan’s black Grand Ambition crisscross slides or Nordstrom’s own Gio Slide Sandals pair perfectly with that breezy linen fit you’ve packed for Saint Tropez. For the pool or the beach bar, the waterproof Bay slide sandal from Boss features eye-catching logo detailing that’s sure to make a splash.
Boots
Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale goes far beyond a summertime blow-out. When the temperatures begin to drop in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll be glad you snagged some discounted Chelsea boots for fall travel. The retailer sells the classic silhouette made by nearly a dozen brands, like these rugged (but refined) pairs from All Saints and Rodd and Gunn’s, and puddle-proof versions from Cole Haan and Hunter.
Dress shoes
Reserve a pair of fancier kicks for destination weddings and Michelin-starred dinners that require a bit of gussying up. Italian fashion houses Santoni and Salvatore Ferragamo knock it out of the park with their sophisticated leather loafers. For more of a statement, the hand-crafted Larson Lug Sole Penny Loafer from G. H. Bass boasts neon blue contrast stitching and a chunky sole for a hipper look.