How to Find the Best Deals on Popular Sneakers

Discover Proven Strategies to Find the Best Deals on popular Sneakers That Rarely Go on Sale

High-demand sneakers, like the New Balance 990s, often maintain their retail prices due to their popularity. However, with strategic approaches, you can cop a pair without paying full price. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you save on hyped sneakers.

1. Identify The Retailers Selling Your Desired Sneakers

It’s shockingly obvious, but Google is the best starting point for your search—not regular Google, but Google Shopping. Google Shopping provides a nearly complete list of retailers selling the sneakers you’re looking for and shows their prices side by side. This view lets you quickly see where your target pair is in stock and at what price, as well as which stores offer free shipping but it is not always update to date.

Also, Google Shopping doesn’t display cashback offers, promo codes, or special discounts, so don’t get trigger-happy and buy just based on the lowest price here. There are often more ways to stack savings and maximize your deal.

I usually start with the top 3-5 stores that carry what I’m looking for and then dive into finding extra savings with the steps you’ll see next.

2.Evaluate Retailer Offerings: The Frugal Sneakerhead Checklist

Once you’ve narrowed down your list to the top 3-5 retailers that have the sneakers in your size, it’s time to go through the frugal sneakerhead checklist to ensure you’re maximizing every possible saving:

Is Shipping Free? Or Cheap?

Shipping fees can add up, so always check if the retailer offers free shipping. If not, consider whether the total cost with shipping still beats other options. So what is cheap shipping to me? I’d say under $12.

Does the Retailer Offer Cashback Through Any of Our Top 7 Cashback Apps?

Check your cashback apps (like Rakuten, Honey, TopCashback or FatCoupon) for potential offers. Cashback might seem small, but it adds up, especially with sneakers like the New Balance 990s which is currently going through a hype cycle at the time of this writing.

What Promo Codes Are Active, and How Much Can They Save?

Promo codes are an easy way to save extra on your purchase. Be sure to check each retailer’s website and your cashback apps to see if there are any active codes that apply. These codes might not work on hyped items, but it’s always worth trying.

In this example, Foot Locker has the colorway I’m looking for, a strong cashback offer from Honey, and free shipping—unfortunately, they don’t have my size. I could check back later to see if my size is restocked, but by the time that happens, the cashback offer might no longer be available. Sales and offers don’t last forever, so it’s essential to act while savings are available.

Let’s move to another retailer that has my size to continue stacking savings.

3. Utilize Cashback and Promo Code Apps to Maximize Savings On Sneakers

Using cashback apps to save money on sneakers is straightforward, especially when you install the right browser extensions. These apps and extensions not only identify available cashback offers but also automatically apply promo codes at checkout, helping you unlock every possible discount.

I like sneaker shopping on my Macbook using these Chrome extension apps: Rakuten, Honey, TopCashBack, BeFrugal, and FatCoupon. These apps automatically pop up on the product page, making it easy to compare cashback offers and promo codes.

Each app has unique advantages: some offer high cashback rates, while others have reliable promo code databases. On average, I save over $500 annually by using these tools.

Why Cashback and Promo Code Apps Make a Difference

By stacking cashback offers and promo codes, you can turn a full-priced sneaker into a bargain. Cashback rates can vary widely, so checking each app before purchasing is essential. Some apps, like Rakuten, even allow you to stack multiple layers of cashback and promo codes, providing an edge on high-demand items that rarely go on sale.

Using these tools, you can save significant money on sneakers without sacrificing style or quality. Ready to start saving on hyped sneakers with cashback apps? Sign up for the apps mentioned above, and you’ll be surprised how much you can save on your next pair of New Balance 990s or other popular sneakers.

4. Purchase Discounted Gift Cards

Buying discounted gift cards is a smart way to save money upfront on your sneaker purchases. I always start my gift card search on CardBear which is a website that scans a wide range of discounted gift card marketplaces to find the best deals. They search sites like GCX, CardCash, Giftcard Outlet, GiftDeals, and Cardflip.

CardBear even tracks historical discounts and gives advice on whether the current offer is worth it, based on past trends.

By searching through these marketplaces, you can often find gift cards for 1-20% off their face value. Also, CardBear lets you set up notifications, so you’ll get an alert when gift card prices drop for your favorite brands—perfect for timing your purchases strategically. I use this feature when I publish the weekly “Best Gift Card Deals” on my Reddit sub to help others save as well.

Occasionally, you can earn cashback when buying discounted gift cards, stacking your savings even further.

5. Combine Savings Strategies For Maximum Sneaker Discounts

The key to getting the best deal on hyped sneakers is combining multiple savings strategies. By finding the right retailer, applying promo codes, utilizing cashback offers, and using discounted gift cards—you can significantly reduce the cost of hyped sneakers.

Here’s how it all comes together:

• Start with a Discounted Gift Card – Purchasing a discounted gift card from sites like CardCash or Raise gives you instant savings on the total price.

• Apply Cashback Offers – Check for cashback options through apps like Honey, Rakuten, or BeFrugal to get a percentage of your purchase back.

• Use Promo Codes – Finally, use any available promo codes to lower the price even further.

For example, let’s say you’re buying the New Balance 990v3. You start by purchasing a gift card at 10% off, apply a 10% cashback offer through Honey, and then use a free shipping promo code. This approach can turn a retail-priced sneaker into a much more affordable purchase.

Every dollar saved contributes to a more budget-friendly purchase. While the savings might not always be massive on each item, these strategies add up over time.