Nike vs. Adidas: How to Get the Best Price on Sneakers

Nike and Adidas both sell directly to customers and both reward members. The best price usually comes from combining a member perk with the right timing.

Join the free member programs

• Nike Membership is free and unlocks member-exclusive products, member offers and early access to some releases.
• Adidas adiClub is also free; members earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for rewards and discounts.

Neither costs anything, so there is no reason to shop as a guest.

Shop the sale and outlet sections

Both brands keep a large sale section online. Older colorways and last season's models are often heavily discounted, and running shoes in particular get replaced every year by an updated version.

Time your purchase

• End of season: spring and fall transitions bring markdowns on outgoing styles.
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday: typically the strongest sitewide promotions of the year.
• Back-to-school: good for kids' shoes and everyday sneakers.

Don't forget the extras

1. Check whether a promo code can be used on sale items. Some exclude them.
2. Look for student, military and teacher discounts, which both brands have offered through verification programs.
3. Compare the brand store with department stores like Macy's and Kohl's, which carry many of the same styles and run their own promotions.

Which brand is cheaper?

Neither is consistently cheaper. Compare the exact model, check both sale sections, and buy where the member offer or code gives you the lowest final price. See current offers on our Nike and Adidas pages.