Nike sale calendar 2026: When to shop for the best deals

• Nike runs recurring sale events including Friends & Family (February and July), Spring Sale (March-April), and Back-to-School (mid-August)

• Cyber Monday consistently delivers Nike's deepest promotional codes at 25-30% off select styles

• Black Friday through Cyber Week (late November through early December) represents Nike's most reliable extended discount period

• Friends & Family Pass offers 30% off but is invite-only and primarily for Factory/Clearance stores, not guaranteed for all members

• Always-on Nike Sale section and member eligibility discounts (student/military/teacher/first responder/medical) provide year-round savings

• Memorial Day and end-of-season sales (September) offer extra percentage-off codes on select sale styles

• Many Nike promotions are targeted (member-specific, app-only, regional) making a complete public sale list impossible to document

Smart Nike shoppers need to understand the brand's mix of recurring sale events, invite-only promotions, and always-available discounts. While Nike doesn't publish an annual promotional calendar, clear patterns emerge from 2024-2025 data that help predict the best times to buy in 2026.

When does Nike have promo codes? (from 2024-2025 data)

Nike's approach to sales and promo codes has transformed dramatically over the past two years. While the brand still participates in major retail events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the frequency and breadth of promotional activity has contracted significantly.

Understanding Nike's promotional decline

SimplyCodes Shopgraph data tracked Nike's promo code releases as an indicator of overall promotional activity:

This dramatic 71% reduction in promo codes signals Nike's broader strategic shift away from frequent discounting. However, promo codes tell only part of the story—Nike still runs sale events, clearance cycles, and promotional periods, but executes them differently than traditional retailers.

Nike's always-on discount programs (available year-round)

Before planning around seasonal sales, understand Nike's most reliable savings opportunities—programs available every day regardless of promotional timing:

Member benefit discounts

Nike offers verified discount programs for specific groups:

• Student discount: Verification required through Nike's platform

• Military discount: Active duty, veterans, and military families

• Teacher discount: K-12 educators and higher education faculty

• First responder discount: Police, fire, and emergency medical professionals

• Medical professional discount: Healthcare workers including nurses and doctors

• Birthday discount: Nike Members receive birthday-month benefits

When to use these: If you qualify for any of these programs, they often provide better value than waiting months for a sale that may never come. With Nike reducing promotional frequency, always-on benefits have become proportionally more valuable.

Nike Factory Stores and outlet clearance

Nike's outlet channel provides more consistent discounts than promotional events:

• Nike Factory Store locations: Physical outlet stores with permanent markdown inventory

• Nike.com clearance section: Always-on sale category with rotating inventory

• End-of-season clearance: Significant markdown cycles typically starting late December and late June

When to shop outlets: Outlet and clearance sections now offer more reliable savings than waiting for promo codes. If you're flexible on specific styles or colorways, outlet shopping provides immediate value without timing guesswork.

Nike 2026 sale calendar: Month-by-month predictions

Based on 2024-2025 documented events and recurring patterns, here's when to plan Nike purchases throughout 2026. Events are labeled by reliability.

January 2026 — Post-holiday clearance (high reliability)

Promo codes in January 2025: 1

Expected timing: January 1-31, 2026

What typically happens: January continues the late-December holiday sale momentum as Nike clears remaining seasonal inventory. The Nike Sale section receives significant markdown additions.

Best buys: Winter apparel, holiday gift items that didn't sell through, previous-season sneaker colorways

Shopping strategy: Browse the Sale section early in January for best selection on clearance items. Deep discounts on winter gear make this a strong value month even without promotional codes.

Confidence level: High - Post-holiday clearance is standard retail practice

February 2026 — Friends & Family invite event (moderate reliability for access)

Promo codes in February 2025: 0

Expected timing: Early February (typically first week; 2024 example: February 2-6)

What typically happens: Nike sends Friends & Family Pass invitations to select Nike Members, providing 30% off at Nike Factory Store and Clearance Store locations. This is invite-only and not guaranteed for all members.

Best buys: If you receive the pass, use it on clearance inventory at outlet locations for stacked savings (30% off already-reduced prices)

Shopping strategy: Ensure you're enrolled in Nike Membership to be eligible for pass invitations. This event is primarily for physical outlet stores, not Nike.com.

Confidence level: Moderate - Event is recurring, but access is invite-only and variable

March 2026 — Spring Sale begins (high reliability)

Promo codes in March 2025: 0

Expected timing: March 1-31, 2026 (sale continues through April)

What typically happens: Nike launches its Spring Sale, refreshing clearance inventory and transitioning winter merchandise to deeper discounts. This seasonal sale typically runs March through April.

Best buys: Transitional athletic apparel, spring training gear, previous-season footwear as Nike makes room for spring/summer inventory

Shopping strategy: Early March offers best selection as Spring Sale launches. Watch for promotional codes offering extra percentages off sale items.

Confidence level: High - Spring Sale is a documented recurring seasonal pattern

April 2026 — Spring Sale continues + possible Member Days (moderate reliability)

Promo codes in April 2025: 0

Expected timing: April 1-30, 2026 (Member Days typically late April if it occurs; 2024 example: April 22-26)

What typically happens: Spring Sale extends through April. Additionally, Nike has run Member Days events in late April (2024: April 22-26) featuring member benefits, product drops, and limited-time offers.

Member Days focus: This event emphasizes early access to product launches and member-exclusive styles more than deep discounts. It's about accessing hard-to-find products, not scoring major percentage-off savings.

Best buys: Spring athletic apparel, new-season sneakers, limited-edition releases (if Member Days occurs)

Shopping strategy: Ensure Nike Membership enrollment for potential Member Days access. Continue shopping Spring Sale for clearance values.

Confidence level: High for Spring Sale continuation; moderate for Member Days (timing and execution vary)

May 2026 — Memorial Day promotional window (moderate reliability)

Promo codes in May 2025: 0

Expected timing: Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2026)

What typically happens: Nike runs Memorial Day promotions, often featuring promo codes like "SUMMER25" for extra 25% off select sale styles as documented in 2024.

Best buys: Sale section athletic apparel and footwear with stacked Memorial Day codes for additional savings

Shopping strategy: Monitor for promotional codes during the Memorial Day weekend. These codes typically apply to already-discounted sale items for compound savings.

Confidence level: Moderate - Memorial Day promotional window is recurring, though specific code terms vary year to year

June 2026 — Mid-year sale refresh (moderate reliability)

Promo codes in June 2025: 0

Expected timing: Late June (2025 example: June 23-29)

What typically happens: Nike has run named events like "New Addition Sale" (2025: June 23-29) featuring refreshed sale inventory and potential promotional activity.

Best buys: Summer athletic gear, lifestyle sneakers, warm-weather training apparel

Shopping strategy: Late June marks a transition period where Nike clears spring inventory. Browse Sale section for summer gear discounts.

Confidence level: Moderate - Pattern exists but specific named event not guaranteed annually

July 2026 — 4th of July Sale + Friends & Family (high reliability)

Promo codes in July 2025: 1

Expected timing: 4th of July Sale (July 1-8, 2026); Friends & Family (mid-to-late July)

What typically happens: Nike runs a 4th of July Sale (2025: July 1-8) with promotional activity around the holiday. Additionally, July represents the second Friends & Family invite window of the year, again offering 30% off at Factory/Clearance stores for selected members.

Best buys: Summer apparel, patriotic-themed merchandise, outlet clearance with Friends & Family pass (if received)

Shopping strategy: Shop 4th of July Sale for summer gear. If you receive Friends & Family Pass, use it at outlet locations for stacked savings on clearance inventory.

Confidence level: High for 4th of July promotional period; moderate for Friends & Family access (invite-only)

August 2026 — Back-to-School Sale (very high reliability)

Promo codes in August 2025: 1

Expected timing: Mid-August 2026 (typically second or third week)

What typically happens: Mid-August features Nike's Back-to-School Sale, one of the brand's most reliable seasonal promotions aligned with family shopping patterns for the school year.

Best buys: Kids' athletic shoes, family training apparel, sports-specific footwear for fall activities, classic styles like Air Force 1

Shopping strategy: Plan student and family athletic gear purchases for mid-August. This represents Nike's most reliable mid-year promotional window with meaningful discounts on family-friendly styles.

Confidence level: Very high - Back-to-school is a fundamental retail calendar event with consistent Nike participation

September 2026 — End-of-season clearance (moderate to high reliability)

Promo codes in September 2025: 0

Expected timing: Mid-to-late September (2024 example: September 16-25)

What typically happens: Nike runs end-of-season clearance to transition summer inventory. 2024 featured a documented sale (September 16-25) with promotional code "FALL20" for extra 20% off.

Best buys: Summer apparel and footwear at clearance prices, transitional fall gear

Shopping strategy: Watch for end-of-season promotional codes (like FALL20-style offers) that provide extra percentages off already-reduced sale items.

Confidence level: Moderate to high - End-of-season clearance is recurring, though specific code availability varies

October 2026 — Pre-holiday markdown period (moderate reliability)

Promo codes in October 2025: 0

Expected timing: Late October through early November

What typically happens: Late October through early November features markdown activity as Nike positions inventory for the holiday shopping period. Some years include Halloween-themed promotional events.

Best buys: Fall athletic apparel, training gear as Nike transitions toward holiday inventory

Shopping strategy: October is a transitional month. If you can wait, Black Friday/Cyber Monday offers better values in just weeks. If you need items immediately, browse Sale section rather than waiting.

Confidence level: Moderate - Markdown pattern exists but specific promotional events vary

November 2026 — Thanksgiving through Black Friday (very high reliability)

Promo codes in November 2025: 0

Expected timing: Thanksgiving Sale (November 15-28, 2026); Black Friday (November 27, 2026)

What typically happens: Nike runs a Thanksgiving Sale (2025: November 15-28) that builds toward Black Friday(November 27, 2026). This extended promotional period features sale section markdowns and "up to 50% off" messaging.

Black Friday execution: Nike emphasizes sale inventory selection over universal promotional codes. Expect dedicated Black Friday sale pages with marked-down inventory rather than sitewide percentage-off codes.

Best buys: High-demand sneaker styles, athletic apparel across categories, holiday gift items

Shopping strategy:

1. Ensure Nike Membership for potential early access

2. Download Nike app for mobile-exclusive offers

3. Browse dedicated sale sections rather than expecting promotional codes

4. Shop early for best selection on popular styles

Confidence level: Very high for promotional activity; execution emphasizes sale inventory over codes

December 2026 — Cyber Monday/Cyber Week + Holiday Sale (very high reliability)

Promo codes in December 2025: 1

Expected timing: Cyber Monday (November 30, 2026); Cyber Week (November 30-December 6, 2026); Holiday Sale (December 20-31, 2026)

What typically happens: December features three major events making it Nike's most reliable promotional month:

Cyber Monday (early December): Nike runs dedicated Cyber Monday promotions. 2024 featured "extra 30% off with code CYBER," while 2025 offered 25% off with code "CYBER". This represents Nike's deepest and most consistent promotional code discount of the year.

Cyber Week extension: 2025 featured Cyber Week (November 30-December 6) extending Cyber Monday deals beyond a single day.

Holiday Sale (late December): Late December (December 20-31) features Nike's Holiday Sale, transitioning seasonal inventory and offering year-end clearance pricing.

Best buys:

• Cyber Monday/Week: Current-season styles at 25-30% off, gift purchases, popular sneaker colorways

• Holiday Sale: Deep clearance on winter apparel, seasonal gear, previous-season footwear

Shopping strategy:

• Early December: Focus on Cyber Monday/Cyber Week for best promotional code discounts on in-demand products

• Late December: Shop Holiday Sale for steepest clearance markdowns if you're flexible on styles

Confidence level: Very high - December shows the most consistent, reliable promotional activity with documented recurring codes

Nike's promotional patterns: What's reliable vs. what's gone

Based on 2024-2025 documented activity, here's what Nike shoppers can expect:

Strongly recurring (plan purchases around these):

• Friends & Family (February & July): 30% off at Factory/Clearance stores, invite-only

• Spring Sale (March-April): Seasonal markdown refresh

• Memorial Day (late May): Extra-percentage codes on sale styles

• 4th of July Sale (early July): Holiday promotional period

• Back-to-School (mid-August): Reliable mid-year sale event

• End-of-season clearance (September): Transitional sale with potential codes

• Thanksgiving → Black Friday (late November): Extended pre-holiday promotional period

• Cyber Monday/Cyber Week (early December): Deepest promotional codes (25-30% off)

• Holiday Sale (late December): Year-end clearance event

• Always-on: Nike Sale section, eligibility discounts, birthday discount

Worth monitoring but less predictable:

• Member Days (spring): Member-focused event, timing and execution vary

• "New Addition" sales (June): Mid-year promotional weeks

• Halloween/October markdown events: Transitional promotional activity

• Flash codes: Random app-only or member-targeted offers (MOMENT, LASTSHOT-style codes)

Important limitations to understand:

• Many Nike promotions are targeted (member-specific emails, app-exclusive offers, personalized codes)

• Friends & Family Pass is invite-only and not guaranteed even for Nike Members

• Specific promotional codes change year to year even when sale events recur

• Nike doesn't publish advance promotional calendars

How to get Nike savings in 2026

Given Nike's mix of recurring events, invite-only promotions, and targeted offers, here are strategies for getting the best value:

1. Leverage always-on discount programs

If you qualify for student, military, teacher, first responder, or medical professional discounts, use them rather than waiting for sales. These verified discount programs provide consistent savings year-round.

Don't forget the Nike Member birthday discount—ensure you're enrolled with your birthday on file.

2. Enroll in Nike Membership for targeted offers

Free Nike Membership is essential for:

• Friends & Family Pass eligibility (invite-only, but you must be a member)

• Member Days access and benefits

• Personalized promotional codes sent via email/app

• Early access to product launches

• Birthday month benefits

3. Monitor the Nike Sale section continuously

The Nike Sale section operates year-round with rotating clearance inventory. Regular browsing finds deals without waiting for promotional events.

4. Shop major retailers that carry Nike

Major sporting goods and department stores frequently offer their own sales and promotional codes that apply to Nike products:

Sporting goods retailers:

• Dick's Sporting Goods: Regular 20% off coupons, frequent clearance sales

• Foot Locker: Weekly deals, app-exclusive discounts, VIP promotions

• Finish Line: Percentage-off promotions and clearance events

• Academy Sports + Outdoors: Seasonal sales including Nike products

Department stores:

• Macy's: Frequent 15-25% off promotions applying to Nike

• Kohl's: Regular 15-30% off coupons, Kohl's Cash earning events

• Nordstrom: Anniversary Sale and seasonal clearance featuring Nike

• JCPenney: Periodic sales events with Nike inventory

Online retailers:

• Zappos: Free shipping and returns, occasional promotions

• Amazon: Prime Day deals, lightning deals on Nike

Shopping strategy: Retailer promotions often provide better value than waiting for Nike.com sales, especially during Nike's quieter months.

5. Time major purchases strategically

Focus Nike shopping on the most reliable promotional windows:

Best discount opportunities:

• December: Cyber Monday/Cyber Week (25-30% off codes) or late-month Holiday Sale

• August: Back-to-School Sale for family athletic gear

• March-April: Spring Sale for clearance values

• November: Black Friday for sale inventory selection

Solid secondary windows:

• September: End-of-season clearance with potential extra-percentage codes

• July: 4th of July Sale plus Friends & Family (if you receive pass)

• May: Memorial Day promotional codes

• February: Friends & Family (if you receive pass)

6. Don't delay needed purchases indefinitely

If you need running shoes or athletic gear now and can stack a member benefit discount or find clearance pricing, buy now rather than waiting months for a sale event that may offer only marginally better value.

7. Consider competitor brands during gaps

When Nike isn't running promotions, competitor athletic brands often are:

• Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance

• Puma, Reebok, Saucony

• ASICS, Brooks, Hoka

Shopping across brands fills Nike's promotional gaps with alternative value opportunities.

What Nike's 2026 shopping calendar really means

Nike's promotional approach combines predictable seasonal events (Back-to-School, Cyber Monday, Holiday Sale) with targeted, member-specific offers that aren't universally accessible. The brand has moved away from constant promotional activity toward selective events and member exclusivity.

For 2026 shoppers, strategic Nike shopping requires:

1. Understanding reliable promotional windows (December, August, March-April, November)

2. Enrolling in Nike Membership for access to targeted offers and invite-only events

3. Monitoring the always-on Sale section rather than only shopping during announced events

4. Shopping major retailers that carry Nike and run their own promotions

5. Using eligibility discounts if you qualify (student/military/teacher/first responder/medical)

6. Being flexible on styles and colorways to capture clearance values

Nike's promotional calendar isn't about finding constant sales—it's about understanding the reliable events, positioning yourself for targeted offers through membership, and knowing when to shop alternative channels.

How we get this data: Sale event data is compiled from publicly documented Nike promotional activity, retailer reporting, and deal site tracking. Promotional codes are verified through SimplyCodes' Shopgraph data community testing process to ensure accuracy.