Getting your kids ready for a new year at school isn’t just about ticking boxes and buying back to school essentials. It’s about confidence, and about helping kids and teens walk into day one feeling like themselves – comfortable, motivated and ready to take on whatever the year throws at them.
With new year levels, new routines, growing kids and ever-changing tastes, having a place you can rely on makes all the difference.
That’s why so many families turn to JD Sports year after year.
Bringing together trusted brands kids love and parents trust makes Back to School easier, with everything in one place. From comfortable school shoes and practical backpacks to everyday school accessories designed for real life.
JD Sports blends sport, fashion and lifestyle in a way that feels genuinely relevant to young people, offering everything from everyday classics to statement styles that support confidence, comfort and self-expression, at school and beyond.
Because when kids feel good in what they’re wearing, they show up differently.
12 Back to School Essentials Your Kids Will Want to Wear!
Confidence isn’t loud. It’s comfort, self-expression and knowing you belong. JD Sports’ Back to School range is designed to help kids and teens feel motivated, supported and ready for their everyday, in brands they actually want to wear.
Think Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Hoodrich, New Balance, ASICS and more … brands that have earned their place in school yards, sports bags and everyday wardrobes. These are labels built for movement, durability and individuality, helping kids feel comfortable being themselves.
You can shop in store and online, with flexible payment options including PayPal, Afterpay and Klarna, making school prep feel a whole lot easier.
Shop the JD Sports Back to School range.
Shoes That Can Handle the School Run (and the Playground)
School shoes work hard. Assemblies, playground sprints, after-school sport and long days on their feet mean they need to be comfortable, durable and cool enough that kids don’t complain about wearing them.
JD Sports’ School footwear lineup delivers exactly that, with trusted brands designed for movement, comfort and confidence.
1. Nike P-6000 Junior
PRICE: $140, now $110 (limited time) | SHOP THEM HERE
Inspired by early-2000s running shoes, the Nike P-6000 Junior is lightweight, breathable and cushioned for all-day wear, ideal for kids who never stop moving. Available in black or grey/white.
2. Nike Air Force 1 ’07
PRICE: $140 | SHOP THEM HERE
A schoolyard classic for a reason. Clean, versatile and tough enough for daily wear, the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 works with uniforms and weekends alike — which means fewer morning arguments.
3. Nike Air Max 90 JNR
PRICE: $150 (Currently on sale for $110) | SHOP THEM HERE
Comfort comes first with the Nike Air Max 90. Cushioned support and a timeless design make it a solid choice for kids who are on their feet all day.
4. New Balance 9060 Junior
PRICE: $150 | SHOP THEM HERE
Bold, modern and seriously comfortable, the New Balance 9060 Junior is perfect for kids who want a fashion-forward sneaker without sacrificing everyday support.
5. Nike Shox TL Junior
PRICE: $180 | SHOP THEM HERE
If your kid wants both performance and attitude in their step, the Nike Shox TL Junior delivers. These sneakers bring a bold, eye-catching design to everyday school life, with the signature Shox cushioning system giving that energetic, spring-in-your-step feel, perfect for long school days, sport runs or weekend hangs.
Built to balance comfort and durability, the Shox TL’s responsive cushioning helps absorb impact whether they’re rushing between classes, sprinting on the oval or just living their best day-to-day life. With a modern silhouette that stands out, these are more than just school shoes … they’re a statement.
🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!
Mum Central are giving away 5 x $100 JD Sports Gift Cards – perfect for school shoes or last-minute upgrades. Enter via the Mum Central x JD Sports Facebook giveaway here.
Backpacks That Won’t Quit by Week Five
A backpack isn’t just a bag. It’s a daily essential that needs to carry books, lunch, drink bottles, tech and sports gear – without giving up halfway through the term.
Choose from a range of backpacks that are built for real school life, not just first-day photos.
6. Nike Hayward Backpack
The Nike Hayward Backpack brings more space and structure, with a roomy main compartment and padded straps that handle heavier loads without weighing kids down. Durable, reliable and ready for whatever the day throws at it.
PRICE: $65 | SHOP THEM HERE
7. Nike Heritage Backpack
PRICE: $55 | SHOP THEM HERE
A classic pick for everyday school life, the Nike Heritage Backpack is lightweight, practical and easy to wear. It’s got enough room for books, lunch and go-to gear, making it a smart pick for busy school days.
8. The North Face Vault Backpack
PRICE: $140 | SHOP THEM HERE
When bigger loads and longer days are on the cards, the The North Face Vault Backpack steps up. Built with ergonomic support and rugged durability, it’s perfect for older students juggling textbooks, tech and after-school gear.
9. Nike Air Max Heritage Backpack
PRICE: $55 | SHOP THEM HERE
A fresh twist on everyday carry, the Nike Air Max Heritage Backpack blends practical storage with modern style. Great for kids who like a bit of personality in their gear without sacrificing function.
10. Hoodrich Core Backpack
PRICE: $60 | SHOP THEM HERE
Designed for real school days, the Hoodrich Core Backpack offers plenty of room for books and essentials, padded comfort for all-day wear and easy-access storage. Finished with signature Hoodrich branding for a clean, modern look.
🎁 WIN A $100 JD SPORTS GIFT CARD:
Still ticking things off your list? Enter the Mum Central x JD Sports Facebook giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 5 $100 JD Sports gift cards and take the pressure off shopping for school. Enter via the Mum Central x JD Sports Facebook giveaway here.
Hydration & Everyday Essentials
Busy days mean hydration matters. JD Sports’ range of Stanley tumblers are durable, easy to use and made to survive school bags and sports days.
11. Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumblers (590mL–880mL)
PRICE: Ranges between $60–$70 | SHOP THEM HERE
Built for busy school days, the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler is the kind of drink bottle that actually survives backpacks, sports bags and playground chaos. The flip straw design makes it easy for kids to sip on the go, while the insulated build helps keep drinks cold throughout the school day, even on warm afternoons. Available in two sizes: 590ml Stanley Tumbler (great for younger kids) or a larger 880ml Stanley Tumbler (perfect for older kids & teens/adults).
12. Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler (1.18L)
PRICE: $85 | SHOP THEM HERE
For older kids and teens who need hydration that keeps up, the Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler delivers. With its larger 1.18L capacity, it’s ideal for long school days, sports training and after-school activities, helping kids stay hydrated without constant refills.
The flip straw lid makes it easy to use between classes or on the sidelines, while the durable design is made to handle everyday wear and tear.
Add everyday basics like the Nike Everyday Plus Crew Socks 6 Pack ($45) and you’ve covered the comfort essentials kids rely on daily.
Your Trusted Back to School Partner
Whether you’re shopping for primary schoolers, teens or somewhere in between, JD Sports makes shopping for school gear simple and convenient. Shop the range in-store at one of their 70+ locations around Australia & New Zealand, or shop online with free shipping over $150, you can also pay using PayPal, Afterpay and Klarna to help spread the cost for easier budgeting!
Shop the full JD Sports Back to School range.
Because when kids feel good in what they’re wearing, they show up differently, and having the right Back to School partner makes that confidence even easier.
🎁 Win 1 of 5 JD Sports $100 Gift Cards
We’ve teamed up with JD Sports to give families a little extra help getting kids ready for the 2026 school season. Enter the Mum Central x JD Sports Facebook giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 5 $100 JD Sports gift cards — perfect for school shoes, backpacks or those final must-haves before term starts. Enter via the Mum Central x JD Sports Facebook giveaway here.
This is a sponsored article for JD Sports
1 Comment
I am glad some schools have school uniforms including backpacks. There is no nastiness re fancy clothing, shoes, backpacks etc.