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KNET 2026 Back-to-School Guidance
KNET 2026 Back-to-School Guidance
KNET 2026 Back-to-School Guidance
June 30, 2026
June 30, 2026
June 30, 2026
Closing out June marks a turning point for many sellers’ businesses.
It’s time to wake up, focus, and make some money.
July is the first real month of peak season. Back-to-school shopping started materially earlier last year, and we expect a similar pattern in 2026.
Closing out June marks a turning point for many sellers’ businesses.
It’s time to wake up, focus, and make some money.
July is the first real month of peak season. Back-to-school shopping started materially earlier last year, and we expect a similar pattern in 2026.
Closing out June marks a turning point for many sellers’ businesses.
It’s time to wake up, focus, and make some money.
July is the first real month of peak season. Back-to-school shopping started materially earlier last year, and we expect a similar pattern in 2026.
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I expect the first meaningful jump around July 4 weekend, followed by a steady rise through July and into August.
So, the first recommendation is simple:
Start buying now if you haven’t already.
OA Sellers - July 4 sales should create strong buying opportunities.
International / WS sellers - Begin planning shipments this week or next week so your inventory is checked in, listed, and ready early enough to achieve multiple turns before the season ends.
In 2025, KNET saw:
47.28% more volume in July compared with June
96.24% more volume in August compared with June
Our working assumption is similar seasonality this year, meaning August volume could approach 2x June volume.
As a result, we recommend going deeper than usual on proven, liquid SKUs. A reasonable guide is approximately 1.5x your normal buy size.
For example:
If you would normally buy 10 pairs based on your read, consider buying 15.
Do not apply this blindly to every SKU. The additional depth should go toward products you already understand and can acquire at a safe cost.
The rest of this guide breaks down:
The key styles we’re betting on
The products we believe are safest
The trend inventory that should be turned quickly
The areas where we’re being more careful
Remember that sneakers are not an industry where you can always restock your best sellers. What is actually available at a competitive cost matters.
I expect the first meaningful jump around July 4 weekend, followed by a steady rise through July and into August.
So, the first recommendation is simple:
Start buying now if you haven’t already.
OA Sellers - July 4 sales should create strong buying opportunities.
International / WS sellers - Begin planning shipments this week or next week so your inventory is checked in, listed, and ready early enough to achieve multiple turns before the season ends.
In 2025, KNET saw:
47.28% more volume in July compared with June
96.24% more volume in August compared with June
Our working assumption is similar seasonality this year, meaning August volume could approach 2x June volume.
As a result, we recommend going deeper than usual on proven, liquid SKUs. A reasonable guide is approximately 1.5x your normal buy size.
For example:
If you would normally buy 10 pairs based on your read, consider buying 15.
Do not apply this blindly to every SKU. The additional depth should go toward products you already understand and can acquire at a safe cost.
The rest of this guide breaks down:
The key styles we’re betting on
The products we believe are safest
The trend inventory that should be turned quickly
The areas where we’re being more careful
Remember that sneakers are not an industry where you can always restock your best sellers. What is actually available at a competitive cost matters.
I expect the first meaningful jump around July 4 weekend, followed by a steady rise through July and into August.
So, the first recommendation is simple:
Start buying now if you haven’t already.
OA Sellers - July 4 sales should create strong buying opportunities.
International / WS sellers - Begin planning shipments this week or next week so your inventory is checked in, listed, and ready early enough to achieve multiple turns before the season ends.
In 2025, KNET saw:
47.28% more volume in July compared with June
96.24% more volume in August compared with June
Our working assumption is similar seasonality this year, meaning August volume could approach 2x June volume.
As a result, we recommend going deeper than usual on proven, liquid SKUs. A reasonable guide is approximately 1.5x your normal buy size.
For example:
If you would normally buy 10 pairs based on your read, consider buying 15.
Do not apply this blindly to every SKU. The additional depth should go toward products you already understand and can acquire at a safe cost.
The rest of this guide breaks down:
The key styles we’re betting on
The products we believe are safest
The trend inventory that should be turned quickly
The areas where we’re being more careful
Remember that sneakers are not an industry where you can always restock your best sellers. What is actually available at a competitive cost matters.
High-Conviction SKUs:
A. New Balance 9060 - Men’s + GS
The 9060 is still arguably the hottest and safest silhouette going into B2S for both men’s and GS.
Prioritize neutral and wearable colorways (black, white, grey, brown).
Many kids get one major shoe purchase for the school year. They usually aren’t using it on a hot-pink experiment.
GS Examples:
GC9060BB
GC9060GY
GC9060RB
GC9060LL
GC9060BK
G90607GY
Men’s Examples:
U9060BPM
U9060BLK
U9060GRY
U9060ERA
U9060ECA
U906027Z
Cost is becoming increasingly important with New Balance. These are primarily wholesale plays, with some opportunities for international men’s inventory.
9060 inventory can dry up surprisingly quickly, so don’t be afraid to build depth when the colorway and cost are right.
B. Evergreen Hero SKUs
If you have access to any of the year-round hero SKUs at competitive costs, the idea is to simply make sure you don’t stock out.
Evergreen products tend to outperform their normal baseline during B2S. You can imagine how many students simply need a fresh pair of all-white Air Forces for school.
Nike
CW2288-111
CW2288-001
CJ9179-200
CU9225-001
CU9225-100
DD8959-100
Note - The newer patent black-and-white Air Force 1 styles are also worth watching for B2S.
Adidas
B75806
B75807
IE3675
IE3676
JI2725
IE5836
ID0478
JR0035
New Balance - Excluding 9060s
MR530SG
WS327FE
M2002RDA
M2002RDB
M1906RER
ASICS
1201A906-001
1201B020-100
1201A256-113
1201A256-118
1201B019-100
1201A789-020
1201A789-103
1203A537-110
1201A019-006
These may not always offer the highest percentage return, but they provide predictable demand, faster capital recycling, and relatively low trend risk.
C. Nike Vomero 5 - Men’s + Women’s
Vomeros have become increasingly difficult to source in meaningful quantities.
We’re betting on the Vomero 5 being one of the strongest performers this B2S season. We’re willing to stock most wearable colorways when the acquisition cost is competitive.
There have been scattered online restocks recently, so OA sellers should continue checking retailers consistently.
Women’s Examples
FD0884-025
HF1877-001
HF7723-001
HV6417-001
HF7723-100
IB4397-100
Men’s Examples
BV1358-003
CI1694-001
CI1694-100
HF0731-007
BV1358-001
FN6833 657
High-Conviction SKUs:
A. New Balance 9060 - Men’s + GS
The 9060 is still arguably the hottest and safest silhouette going into B2S for both men’s and GS.
Prioritize neutral and wearable colorways (black, white, grey, brown).
Many kids get one major shoe purchase for the school year. They usually aren’t using it on a hot-pink experiment.
GS Examples:
GC9060BB
GC9060GY
GC9060RB
GC9060LL
GC9060BK
G90607GY
Men’s Examples:
U9060BPM
U9060BLK
U9060GRY
U9060ERA
U9060ECA
U906027Z
Cost is becoming increasingly important with New Balance. These are primarily wholesale plays, with some opportunities for international men’s inventory.
9060 inventory can dry up surprisingly quickly, so don’t be afraid to build depth when the colorway and cost are right.
B. Evergreen Hero SKUs
If you have access to any of the year-round hero SKUs at competitive costs, the idea is to simply make sure you don’t stock out.
Evergreen products tend to outperform their normal baseline during B2S. You can imagine how many students simply need a fresh pair of all-white Air Forces for school.
Nike
CW2288-111
CW2288-001
CJ9179-200
CU9225-001
CU9225-100
DD8959-100
Note - The newer patent black-and-white Air Force 1 styles are also worth watching for B2S.
Adidas
B75806
B75807
IE3675
IE3676
JI2725
IE5836
ID0478
JR0035
New Balance - Excluding 9060s
MR530SG
WS327FE
M2002RDA
M2002RDB
M1906RER
ASICS
1201A906-001
1201B020-100
1201A256-113
1201A256-118
1201B019-100
1201A789-020
1201A789-103
1203A537-110
1201A019-006
These may not always offer the highest percentage return, but they provide predictable demand, faster capital recycling, and relatively low trend risk.
C. Nike Vomero 5 - Men’s + Women’s
Vomeros have become increasingly difficult to source in meaningful quantities.
We’re betting on the Vomero 5 being one of the strongest performers this B2S season. We’re willing to stock most wearable colorways when the acquisition cost is competitive.
There have been scattered online restocks recently, so OA sellers should continue checking retailers consistently.
Women’s Examples
FD0884-025
HF1877-001
HF7723-001
HV6417-001
HF7723-100
IB4397-100
Men’s Examples
BV1358-003
CI1694-001
CI1694-100
HF0731-007
BV1358-001
FN6833 657
High-Conviction SKUs:
A. New Balance 9060 - Men’s + GS
The 9060 is still arguably the hottest and safest silhouette going into B2S for both men’s and GS.
Prioritize neutral and wearable colorways (black, white, grey, brown).
Many kids get one major shoe purchase for the school year. They usually aren’t using it on a hot-pink experiment.
GS Examples:
GC9060BB
GC9060GY
GC9060RB
GC9060LL
GC9060BK
G90607GY
Men’s Examples:
U9060BPM
U9060BLK
U9060GRY
U9060ERA
U9060ECA
U906027Z
Cost is becoming increasingly important with New Balance. These are primarily wholesale plays, with some opportunities for international men’s inventory.
9060 inventory can dry up surprisingly quickly, so don’t be afraid to build depth when the colorway and cost are right.
B. Evergreen Hero SKUs
If you have access to any of the year-round hero SKUs at competitive costs, the idea is to simply make sure you don’t stock out.
Evergreen products tend to outperform their normal baseline during B2S. You can imagine how many students simply need a fresh pair of all-white Air Forces for school.
Nike
CW2288-111
CW2288-001
CJ9179-200
CU9225-001
CU9225-100
DD8959-100
Note - The newer patent black-and-white Air Force 1 styles are also worth watching for B2S.
Adidas
B75806
B75807
IE3675
IE3676
JI2725
IE5836
ID0478
JR0035
New Balance - Excluding 9060s
MR530SG
WS327FE
M2002RDA
M2002RDB
M1906RER
ASICS
1201A906-001
1201B020-100
1201A256-113
1201A256-118
1201B019-100
1201A789-020
1201A789-103
1203A537-110
1201A019-006
These may not always offer the highest percentage return, but they provide predictable demand, faster capital recycling, and relatively low trend risk.
C. Nike Vomero 5 - Men’s + Women’s
Vomeros have become increasingly difficult to source in meaningful quantities.
We’re betting on the Vomero 5 being one of the strongest performers this B2S season. We’re willing to stock most wearable colorways when the acquisition cost is competitive.
There have been scattered online restocks recently, so OA sellers should continue checking retailers consistently.
Women’s Examples
FD0884-025
HF1877-001
HF7723-001
HV6417-001
HF7723-100
IB4397-100
Men’s Examples
BV1358-003
CI1694-001
CI1694-100
HF0731-007
BV1358-001
FN6833 657
Nike & Jordan: Value Over Hype
B2S consumers generally want recognizable shoes at reasonable prices.
Think:
Air Force 1
Jordan 1
Jordan 4
Familiar Nike and Jordan silhouettes
These customers are not necessarily sneakerheads who know the difference between an OG Jordan 1 Low and a regular Jordan 1 Low.
They just know “Jordan 1” - or sometimes just “Jordan.”
They are the type of customer who buys 6 Rings because it looks close enough to an 11.
The opportunity is in safe colorways of recognizable silhouettes at a steep discount relative to the value the consumer associates with that model.
Example SKUs
FQ8138-600
IM4002-100
553558-146
HQ2010-012
DV1309-100
DD0587-008
IB0018-004
CN0149-001
CD6404-002
Nike & Jordan: Value Over Hype
B2S consumers generally want recognizable shoes at reasonable prices.
Think:
Air Force 1
Jordan 1
Jordan 4
Familiar Nike and Jordan silhouettes
These customers are not necessarily sneakerheads who know the difference between an OG Jordan 1 Low and a regular Jordan 1 Low.
They just know “Jordan 1” - or sometimes just “Jordan.”
They are the type of customer who buys 6 Rings because it looks close enough to an 11.
The opportunity is in safe colorways of recognizable silhouettes at a steep discount relative to the value the consumer associates with that model.
Example SKUs
FQ8138-600
IM4002-100
553558-146
HQ2010-012
DV1309-100
DD0587-008
IB0018-004
CN0149-001
CD6404-002
Nike & Jordan: Value Over Hype
B2S consumers generally want recognizable shoes at reasonable prices.
Think:
Air Force 1
Jordan 1
Jordan 4
Familiar Nike and Jordan silhouettes
These customers are not necessarily sneakerheads who know the difference between an OG Jordan 1 Low and a regular Jordan 1 Low.
They just know “Jordan 1” - or sometimes just “Jordan.”
They are the type of customer who buys 6 Rings because it looks close enough to an 11.
The opportunity is in safe colorways of recognizable silhouettes at a steep discount relative to the value the consumer associates with that model.
Example SKUs
FQ8138-600
IM4002-100
553558-146
HQ2010-012
DV1309-100
DD0587-008
IB0018-004
CN0149-001
CD6404-002
Women’s “Cool-Girl” Trends
Puma Speedcat, Onitsuka Tiger and Jacquemus Moon Shoe
Treat these as trend inventory - more of an “if you know, you know” opportunity.
Apparently, the Moon Shoe looks like a cheaper Miu Miu, and Dua Lipa wore the
Speedcat that one time…
Sometimes that’s enough.
Regardless of the explanation, these styles are still trending and should perform well during B2S if you have the right colors and sizes.
Example SKUs
398846-02
398846-19
398846-01
401698-05
401698-04
401698-03
1183C102-751
1183C102-200
1183C102-001
HV8547-200
HV8547-002
HV8547-601
Samba Jane / Ballet-Core
Samba Janes have performed surprisingly well over the last few months, and the trend still appears strong.
However, this is highly seasonal inventory. I would expect a meaningful drop-off beginning in mid-to-late August.
It is fine to continue buying now, but you need to turn the inventory quickly.
You do not want to be stuck holding a ballet shoe when the weather gets colder.
Example SKUs
JR1402
JQ6445
IH6561
JQ6446
HQ9496
JR7437
401287-02
401287-06
401287-01
KI3582
Women’s “Cool-Girl” Trends
Puma Speedcat, Onitsuka Tiger and Jacquemus Moon Shoe
Treat these as trend inventory - more of an “if you know, you know” opportunity.
Apparently, the Moon Shoe looks like a cheaper Miu Miu, and Dua Lipa wore the
Speedcat that one time…
Sometimes that’s enough.
Regardless of the explanation, these styles are still trending and should perform well during B2S if you have the right colors and sizes.
Example SKUs
398846-02
398846-19
398846-01
401698-05
401698-04
401698-03
1183C102-751
1183C102-200
1183C102-001
HV8547-200
HV8547-002
HV8547-601
Samba Jane / Ballet-Core
Samba Janes have performed surprisingly well over the last few months, and the trend still appears strong.
However, this is highly seasonal inventory. I would expect a meaningful drop-off beginning in mid-to-late August.
It is fine to continue buying now, but you need to turn the inventory quickly.
You do not want to be stuck holding a ballet shoe when the weather gets colder.
Example SKUs
JR1402
JQ6445
IH6561
JQ6446
HQ9496
JR7437
401287-02
401287-06
401287-01
KI3582
Women’s “Cool-Girl” Trends
Puma Speedcat, Onitsuka Tiger and Jacquemus Moon Shoe
Treat these as trend inventory - more of an “if you know, you know” opportunity.
Apparently, the Moon Shoe looks like a cheaper Miu Miu, and Dua Lipa wore the
Speedcat that one time…
Sometimes that’s enough.
Regardless of the explanation, these styles are still trending and should perform well during B2S if you have the right colors and sizes.
Example SKUs
398846-02
398846-19
398846-01
401698-05
401698-04
401698-03
1183C102-751
1183C102-200
1183C102-001
HV8547-200
HV8547-002
HV8547-601
Samba Jane / Ballet-Core
Samba Janes have performed surprisingly well over the last few months, and the trend still appears strong.
However, this is highly seasonal inventory. I would expect a meaningful drop-off beginning in mid-to-late August.
It is fine to continue buying now, but you need to turn the inventory quickly.
You do not want to be stuck holding a ballet shoe when the weather gets colder.
Example SKUs
JR1402
JQ6445
IH6561
JQ6446
HQ9496
JR7437
401287-02
401287-06
401287-01
KI3582
UGG
After a relatively disappointing 2025, there has been significant discussion around how to approach UGG this year.
We are still betting heavily on UGG, but we’ve made two adjustments to our strategy.
1. Avoid Going Too Deep on Traditional Hero Styles
We are not building oversized positions in the typical hero products (eg. Chestnut / Black / Sand Tasman).
These products have become heavily counterfeited, and the market has struggled to absorb that supply.
A larger portion of our buys are focused on:
New styles
New colors
Products launching for the first time in 2026
Products that have not yet had enough time to be widely copied
2. Start Selling Earlier
Historically, the strategy was to hold inventory until roughly the second week of December, then sell into the last-minute Christmas rush after key products sold out on UGG.com.
Last year, fewer products sold out and the December spike was weaker. Many sellers were left with excess inventory and had to exit at losses during January and February.
This year, we’re planning for more of a slow burn:
Begin pushing UGG in August
Sell consistently throughout the second half of the year
Avoid relying on one major December spike
Accept the possibility of stocking out before Christmas rather than carrying too much inventory into January
I would rather miss part of the final December rush than get trapped with excess inventory after the season ends.
Find our full SKU list here:
UGG
After a relatively disappointing 2025, there has been significant discussion around how to approach UGG this year.
We are still betting heavily on UGG, but we’ve made two adjustments to our strategy.
1. Avoid Going Too Deep on Traditional Hero Styles
We are not building oversized positions in the typical hero products (eg. Chestnut / Black / Sand Tasman).
These products have become heavily counterfeited, and the market has struggled to absorb that supply.
A larger portion of our buys are focused on:
New styles
New colors
Products launching for the first time in 2026
Products that have not yet had enough time to be widely copied
2. Start Selling Earlier
Historically, the strategy was to hold inventory until roughly the second week of December, then sell into the last-minute Christmas rush after key products sold out on UGG.com.
Last year, fewer products sold out and the December spike was weaker. Many sellers were left with excess inventory and had to exit at losses during January and February.
This year, we’re planning for more of a slow burn:
Begin pushing UGG in August
Sell consistently throughout the second half of the year
Avoid relying on one major December spike
Accept the possibility of stocking out before Christmas rather than carrying too much inventory into January
I would rather miss part of the final December rush than get trapped with excess inventory after the season ends.
Find our full SKU list here:
UGG
After a relatively disappointing 2025, there has been significant discussion around how to approach UGG this year.
We are still betting heavily on UGG, but we’ve made two adjustments to our strategy.
1. Avoid Going Too Deep on Traditional Hero Styles
We are not building oversized positions in the typical hero products (eg. Chestnut / Black / Sand Tasman).
These products have become heavily counterfeited, and the market has struggled to absorb that supply.
A larger portion of our buys are focused on:
New styles
New colors
Products launching for the first time in 2026
Products that have not yet had enough time to be widely copied
2. Start Selling Earlier
Historically, the strategy was to hold inventory until roughly the second week of December, then sell into the last-minute Christmas rush after key products sold out on UGG.com.
Last year, fewer products sold out and the December spike was weaker. Many sellers were left with excess inventory and had to exit at losses during January and February.
This year, we’re planning for more of a slow burn:
Begin pushing UGG in August
Sell consistently throughout the second half of the year
Avoid relying on one major December spike
Accept the possibility of stocking out before Christmas rather than carrying too much inventory into January
I would rather miss part of the final December rush than get trapped with excess inventory after the season ends.
Find our full SKU list here:
Nike Mind
Nike Mind has been one of the highlights of the resale market in recent months, and we expect the momentum to continue through B2S.
However, the inevitable increase in supply and decline in market pricing is coming.
Buy with the intention of turning quickly.
As with every trend, once demand becomes obvious, the brand will increase production and attempt to capture more of that demand directly.
Example SKUs
HQ4307-001
HQ4307-003
HQ4307-100
HQ4307-301
HQ4307-300
HQ4307-601
HQ4307-400
HQ4308-001
Nike Mind
Nike Mind has been one of the highlights of the resale market in recent months, and we expect the momentum to continue through B2S.
However, the inevitable increase in supply and decline in market pricing is coming.
Buy with the intention of turning quickly.
As with every trend, once demand becomes obvious, the brand will increase production and attempt to capture more of that demand directly.
Example SKUs
HQ4307-001
HQ4307-003
HQ4307-100
HQ4307-301
HQ4307-300
HQ4307-601
HQ4307-400
HQ4308-001
Nike Mind
Nike Mind has been one of the highlights of the resale market in recent months, and we expect the momentum to continue through B2S.
However, the inevitable increase in supply and decline in market pricing is coming.
Buy with the intention of turning quickly.
As with every trend, once demand becomes obvious, the brand will increase production and attempt to capture more of that demand directly.
Example SKUs
HQ4307-001
HQ4307-003
HQ4307-100
HQ4307-301
HQ4307-300
HQ4307-601
HQ4307-400
HQ4308-001
Final Thoughts:
This guide is intentionally non-exhaustive.
The main advice is relatively simple:
Be prepared
Expect August volume to approach 2x June volume
Start buying early
Go deeper on proven SKUs
Have inventory checked in and listed before the peak
Plan purchases early enough to achieve multiple inventory turns
Move trend inventory quickly
Stay disciplined on cost
Keep capital available for restocks and unexpected opportunities
Use your own sales history, cost basis, available capital, and risk tolerance when making decisions. Seasonal demand can improve a good buy, but it will not rescue a bad one.
Plan ahead, build depth where it makes sense, and make some money.
Final Thoughts:
This guide is intentionally non-exhaustive.
The main advice is relatively simple:
Be prepared
Expect August volume to approach 2x June volume
Start buying early
Go deeper on proven SKUs
Have inventory checked in and listed before the peak
Plan purchases early enough to achieve multiple inventory turns
Move trend inventory quickly
Stay disciplined on cost
Keep capital available for restocks and unexpected opportunities
Use your own sales history, cost basis, available capital, and risk tolerance when making decisions. Seasonal demand can improve a good buy, but it will not rescue a bad one.
Plan ahead, build depth where it makes sense, and make some money.
Final Thoughts:
This guide is intentionally non-exhaustive.
The main advice is relatively simple:
Be prepared
Expect August volume to approach 2x June volume
Start buying early
Go deeper on proven SKUs
Have inventory checked in and listed before the peak
Plan purchases early enough to achieve multiple inventory turns
Move trend inventory quickly
Stay disciplined on cost
Keep capital available for restocks and unexpected opportunities
Use your own sales history, cost basis, available capital, and risk tolerance when making decisions. Seasonal demand can improve a good buy, but it will not rescue a bad one.
Plan ahead, build depth where it makes sense, and make some money.
Sales Data
Sales Data
Top Selling SKUs Breakdown
Top Selling SKUs Breakdown
Top Selling SKUs Breakdown
June 22, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Business
Business
Reseller’s Guide: New Balance 9060
Reseller’s Guide: New Balance 9060
Reseller’s Guide: New Balance 9060
Dec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025
Business
Business
Top Sneaker Reselling Apps of 2025
Top Sneaker Reselling Apps of 2025
Top Sneaker Reselling Apps of 2025
Dec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025
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Sell More, Work Less
Apply to Sell on KNET
Apply to Sell on KNET
Sell More, Work Less
Apply to Sell on KNET
