tbh 2026 is a bit far out but retail trends usually stick to a specific pattern. if youre looking to stay under $80 in nyc you gotta look at the big three. they arent all the same tho... adidas and reebok usually kill it on pure percentage drops while nike is more stingy with the high-end stuff. here is what ive seen based on the data and my own shopping habits:

• adidas: they go hard with 40-50 percent off sitewide. you can easily snag something like Adidas NMD_R1 Refined Shoes for way under your budget. they usually overproduce certain colorways so there is plenty of stock left by friday.
• nike: they usually do 20-25 percent off already discounted items. look for Nike Pegasus 40 Road Running Shoes if you want that react foam tech... its super durable for walking around nyc all day. the energy return on those is objectively better than the cheaper budget lines.
• reebok: honestly these guys have the best raw value for beginners. you can find Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Leather Sneakers for like $45 during black friday. the build quality to price ratio is actually insane. pro tip... since you are in nyc check out the empire outlets on staten island. the ferry is free and the nike and adidas outlets there stack the black friday deals on top of clearance prices. that is where the real math works in your favor. just watch the midsole specs... you want eva or tpu foam if you are hitting the pavement hard. it makes a huge difference in the long run.

i have been hunting sneaker deals for a decade now and ive learned that brands like puma and new balance are way more consistent for that $80 target. i once snagged a pair of suedes for forty bucks at a shop near herald square while everyone else was paying retail for hype stuff. the tech in mid-range sneakers has actually gotten decent lately.

• Puma Suede Classic XXI Sneakers are a staple. the suede is thick enough to handle some abuse and they almost always hit 50 percent off during bf.
• New Balance 574 Core Shoes use encap cushioning which isnt just marketing fluff. it actually helps if youre walking miles every day in the city.
• asics often clears out older running stock for cheap too if you dont mind wild colors. basically just avoid the hype and look for these workhorse brands.

Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.

Re: "i have been hunting sneaker deals for a..." - honestly i disagree about herald square. the stock-to-demand ratio in nyc is way too high... you might want to consider checking digital outlets instead to ensure you get a pair with decent midsole density. are you looking for specific arch support or just a certain style? TL;DR: skip the midtown crowds and use price trackers for better technical specs.