Start here for this school year’s most-wanted items — tried, tested and approved by our DICK’S Varsity Teammates!
Been eyeing something special this school year? We’ve got the gear you really want, all in one place. From backpacks to lunch boxes to clothes and so much more, check out what made the top of the checklist from these real athletes and influencers for 2025. We're pretty sure you’ll love this gear, too!
Whether you’re keeping up with the latest trends or need some extra room for gym essentials, here are some of our top picks this school year. Want more? We’ve also compiled a more in-depth list of the best backpacks of the year.
Varsity Team Pick: The North Face Jester Backpack
"(Room for) books, school supplies, tablet, snacks and of course, extra pockets because their backpacks don’t just go to school, they go on road trips, sleepovers, all of it." — Yvette Garcia, Parent @yvetteg23
For class, practice, drop-off, pickup and more — carry it all in style with these bags. More versatile and stylish than a backpack, these picks keep up with your busy day.
Varsity Team Pick: FP Movement Quilted Carryall
"FP Movement Quilted Carryall is my new fav bag for the school year. I can use it for class or as a tennis bag!" — Olivia Rothfeld, Former Collegiate Student Athlete - Tennis @oliviahr
Shop All Fashion Bags & Duffels | Shop Tote Bags | Shop Gym Bags
Shop Top Brands:
FP Movement Bags & Accessories | Nike Gym Bags | CALIA Bags & Duffels | Bogg Bags | YETI Bags
Keep your lunch fresh all day with these top picks. When your days are long, look for insulated features to keep your snacks cool. Plus, we’ve got tons of lunchbox options that match your favorite backpack!
Varsity Team Pick: Nike Futura Sportswear Lunch Tote
The Nike Futura Sportwear Lunch Tote features an insulated compartment to help keep your food cool or warm, an adjustable crossbody carrying strap and a convenient buckle closure top that can easily attach to your backpack or bag. This lunchbox made DICK'S Varsity Team member and parent Bri Rust’s (@brirust) list of back-to-school essentials. View more of her must-haves and shop her full Back-to-School checklist here.
Owala, Stanley and MORE! These top water bottle picks are popular for a reason. And, we know you’ll use it every day, so now’s the time to find one you really love.
Varsity Team Pick: Owala 24 oz. FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The Owala FreeSip includes a built-in straw for easy sipping, a double-wall vacuum insulated design to help keep your favorite beverages cool and a variety of color combinations to fit your back-to-school style. This water bottle made college track and field athlete Riley Ammenhauser’s (@rileyyamm) back-to-school wishlist this year. Check out her full list of back-to-school favorites here.
Did you know? DICK’S House of Cleats has hundreds of styles for your sport. Find the latest launches for football, soccer, baseball and more.
Varsity Team Pro Tip:
“A new school year means a fresh start. New clothes, new style, new attitude and DICK'S Sporting Goods can help you get all that in one place. From the classroom to the field there's no need to make another stop." — Cash Peterman, Collegiate Student Athlete - Football @cash_peterman
Shop All Cleats | House of Cleats | Football Cleat Buying Guide | Soccer Cleat Finder | Best Soccer Cleats
Shop Top Brands:
Nike Cleats | Under Armour Cleats | Jordan Cleats | adidas Cleats | New Balance Cleats
Plus, gear up for your best season yet and shop by sport.
With thousands of styles, you’re sure to find the pair you really want right here. We’ve got the latest drops from Nike, Jordan, adidas and more. Plus, check out our Sneaker Release Calendar to stay up-to-date on hot drops and app-exclusive launches! And, don’t forget a fresh pair of socks to go with your new shoes.
Varsity Team Pick: On Cloudsurfer 2
"The On Women's Cloudsurfer 2 are my favorite shoes for walking to class. So comfy yet stylish! They’re great for my runs after class, too." — Olivia Rothfeld, Former Collegiate Student Athlete - Tennis @oliviahr
Shop All Shoes | Best Shoes for School | Kids’ Shoe Size Guide | Running Shoe Finder | Sneaker Release Calendar
Shop Top Brands:
Nike Shoes | HOKA Shoes | On Shoes | adidas Shoes | Jordan Shoes | New Balance Shoes
Getting up and ready for school is easier with these one-piece wonders. Throw on these easy (and cute) outfits to make you feel your best this year. From FP Movement, CALIA and more top brands.
Varsity Team Pick: FP Movement Hot Shot Mini Dress
"Such an easy and cute outfit to throw on for class, it’s also is super practical for long walks to class and it has built-in shorts underneath." — Olivia Rothfeld, Former Collegiate Student Athlete - Tennis @oliviahr
Graphic tees, long sleeves, team favorites and more. Find all the gear you need to outfit your whole year with these top picks.
Varsity Team Pick: adidas Originals Women’s Essential Tee
"Athleisure is always my go-to. I love this full adidas look, paired with the adidas Campus 00s Shoes. It makes me feel put together yet comfortable in class!" — Lusia Langi, Collegiate Student Athlete - Volleyball @lusialangi
Graphic Tees | Men’s Shirts | Women’s Shirts | Boys’ Shirts | Girls’ Shirts
Shop Top Brands:
Nike Shirts | Carhartt Shirts | DSG Shirts | adidas Shirts | Under Armour Shirts
You know you’ll wear these hoodies, sweatshirts and joggers for school, to practice and even on weekends. Find premium fabrics like Nike Tech Fleece and versatile styles like Nike Club Fleece and so much more.
Varsity Team Pick: Nike Men's Dri-FIT Primary Fleece UV Crewneck Sweatshirt
"I absolutely love the cream Nike Crew Neck, I feel like I can wear it with anything and it looks amazing.” — Caden Davis, Former Collegiate Student Athlete - Football @itscadendavis
Tie any look together with comfy and stylish pants and leggings from your favorite brands. You’ll reach for these versatile styles on repeat throughout the school year.
Varsity Team Pick: adidas Originals Women’s Adilenium Track pants
"When you look good and feel good, you perform even better. I got my whole meet day outfit from DICK’S. This adidas fit, paired with adidas Spezial shoes, gives me just the right amount of confidence and for me, confidence is everything when I'm on the platform." — Chealsea Enemor, Collegiate Student Athlete - Powerlifting @chealseaenemor
Women’s Pants | Men’s Pants | Boys’ Pants | Girls’ Pants & Leggings | Women's Leggings | Men’s Sweatpants | Women’s Sweatpants
Shop Top Brands:
Nike Sweatpants | Women's Nike Leggings | Carhartt Pants | CALIA Pants & Joggers | VRST Pants | DSG Pants
Going back to school also means going back to sport. Find shorts for men, women, girls and boys — for class, practice, game day and more.
Varsity Team Pick: adidas Men's Trefoil Esentials Shorts
"I like to wear athletic lifestyle clothing and this outfit had me ready to start the day.” — Troy Hornbeck, High School Student Athlete - Basketball @troyyhornbeck
Women’s Shorts | Men’s Shorts | Boys’ Shorts | Girls’ Shorts
Shop Top Brands:
Nike Shorts | VRST Shorts | adidas Shorts | DSG Shorts | CALIA Shorts