Brand new data from the Sneaker Index reveals the world’s coolest trainers, but can you guess who comes out top?
It’s a good question, and one that the fashion experts at ThreadSpy have answered by painstakingly analysing social media data and global search volumes in their new Sneaker Index, but can you predict which ones have sneaker fans in a frenzy?
The results are in….
Nike Air Force 1 are the Top Trending Trainers in the World, with Nearly 6.6 Million Monthly Searches!
1.Nike Air Force 1 (total Average Monthly Searches: 6,538,333)
The classic Nike Air Force 1 shoe scored highest for the top trending trainers over the years, averaging almost 6.6 million global monthly searches. Designed in 1982, the Air Force 1 was the first ever basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology, revolutionising the game and sneaker culture for years to come.
2. Nike Air Jordan 1 (total Average Monthly Searches: 1,563,125)
Air Jordan, a line of basketball shoes produced by Nike, came second in the running with its cult trainer: the Nike Air Jordan 1, averaging almost 1.6 million monthly searches. The classic Jordan 1 was launched back in 1987, sealing the collaboration between Nike and US basketball player, Michael Jordan. In 2022, the Jordan Brand generated over $5bn in revenue inside Nike’s trainer empire.
3. Nike Dunk (total Average Monthly Searches: 1,484,104)
In third place is another shoe model from Nike, the Dunk, which averaged 1.4 million searches per month. The Nike Dunk quickly gained popularity among college basketball players, thanks to its superior cushioning and support. Back in the 1990s, the Dunk also began to gain appeal from the skateboarding community.
Thanks to the birth of Nike’s SB division in 2002, the sneaker world saw its first Nike SB Dunk Lows. With changes to the tongue, laces, insole, and outsole, the legendary Dunk became a modern skatewear icon.
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What are the most in demand trainers of 2023?
Adidas Forum Trainers had the biggest increase in searches between 2022 and 2023.
1. Adidas Forum (annual Search Increase: 1,478%)
The Adidas Forum sneaker has been seen worn by the likes of A$AP Rocky and Frank Ocean, which has caused its popularity to rise in the last few months (approximately a 1,478% increase from last year). Retro sneakers like the Forum are replacing luxury and performance styles we’d been accustomed to in recent years. Combining this model with vintage style and collaborations with the likes of Beyonce’s Ivy Park, it’s an exciting new era for the Adidas Forum.
2. Nike Dunk (annual Search Increase: 421%)
The Nike Dunk came up second for the most in-demand shoes, recording an increase in searches of 421% since last year. The trainer is a popular classic and versatile sneaker silhouette that has stood the test of time. The shoe can be worn by anyone, regardless of age or personal style and has been worn by celebrities across the board.
3. Adidas Samba (annual Search Increase: 394%)
The Adidas Samba is everywhere at the moment, and its demand extends to its search volume (394% increase compared to last year). The popularity of the Samba falls down to celebrity endorsements and social media influence primarily, but all in all, it’s a great shoe at an accessible price. The Samba was released over 74 years ago and is second only to the Stan Smith in the list of Adidas’ best-selling sneakers of all time.
What are the least popular trainers of 2023?
Reebok Workout Lo Trainers saw the biggest decrease in searches between 2022 and 2023.
1.Reebok Workout Lo (annual Search Decrease -87%)
Sports brand, Reebok, recorded the lowest in-demand shoe with their Workout Lo trainers, which saw a decrease in Google searches of -87%. The sports-inspired style is built with premium leather and suede uppers, with a comforting EVA foam midsole and a padded ankle collar. The retro revival of this vintage shoe didn’t quite make the cut, which could be thanks to its Reebok Workout Plus shoe which dropped in December 2022. The Reebok Workout Lo trainers recorded an average monthly search volume of 108 searches in 2022, stooping to just 35 searches a month in the first half of 2023.
2. Vans Era 95 (annual Search Decrease: -81%)
The Vans Era 95 witnessed the second-highest drop in searches at -81% between 2022 and 2023. The shoe, which pays tribute to the first Vans factory in Anaheim, California, borrowed details from the original Era and offers comfort with Ortholite sock liners. The shoe also includes throwback details like the original style number and colour palette of reissued prints. The low-top sneakers are extremely popular among skaters but may not appeal to other consumers.
3. Nike Air Jordan XII (annual Search Decrease: -77%)
The classic Air Jordan XII saw the third-highest drop in searches at -77% in the last year. The shoe was originally launched in the season of MJ’s fifth championship (between ‘96 and ‘97) which helped solidify it as one of the most durable Air Jordans of all time. This XII model has had to compete with some of the most popular shoes in the range, including the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan XI and Air Jordan VI, which are some of the most coveted shoes today.
What are the most-loved trainers on Social Media?
Nike Air Force 1 is the most in-demand trainer in the world.
1. Nike Air Force 1 (Sneaker Score: 8.29 out of 10)
Topping the list of Insta-worthy trainers is the Nike Air Force 1, with 1.9 billion TikTok tag views around the world. The Air Force 1 is Nike’s best-selling sneaker year after year and it is a classic whether you are into collecting sneakers or not. The cult trainer has 2.6 million mentioned posts on Instagram, and the Nike footwear powerhouse has the highest number of followers of any other sports brand (301 million). Collected with mentions of the brand (117.1 million mentioned posts), Nike’s ‘Swoosh’ dominates the footwear industry.
2. Nike Dunk (Sneaker Score: 8.24 out of 10)
As well as being one of the top trending trainers in terms of search volume, the Nike Dunk also does well on social media. The Nike Dunk recorded 2.3 billion TikTok tag views, as well as 1.6 million hashtag mentions on Instagram. The basketball-inspired shoe is simple, effective, easy to wear, and is offered in a range of ‘speaking to the majority’ colourways, which is entirely part of the success of the pair.
3. Nike Air Jordan 1 (Sneaker Score: 8.19 out of 10)
The desirable Nike Air Jordan 1 ranked as the third most-loved trainer on social media, recording 1.2 billion TikTok tag views and 2.5 million Instagram hashtags. The Air Jordan 1 is considered the epitome of streetwear and could even be regarded as the start of sneaker culture. The impact of Michael Jordan in the basketball world, combined with Nike’s tactful advertising helped make this iconic sneaker as popular as it is today.
What are the top trending up and coming trainers?
Introducing the ‘It’ Trainer of 2023: Reebok BB 4000 II.
1. Reebok BB 4000 II (Annual search increase: 465%)
The Reebok BB 4000 II trainers recorded the highest increase in searches out of the 29 most up-and-coming trainers analysed, showing a staggering growth of 465% in the last year. Reebok has been around since 1958 and continues to be one of the most popular sneaker brands in the US.
The model has retro vibes all over and is inspired by all things sports. The BB was introduced by Reebok in the ‘80s and ‘90s, following the company’s successes in tennis and aerobics. As a cult classic and a loved shoe for generations, Reebok made a comeback in October 2022 with the BB 4000 II, revisiting its most beloved signature basketball sneakers from decades past. The 80s-born shoe takes a hoop-inspired design, colours, and performance designed for the casual consumer.
2. Gucci X Adidas Gazelle Sneakers (Annual search increase: 308%)
The Gucci X Adidas Gazelle Sneakers scored second place, with a search increase of 308% between 2022 and 2023. Gucci’s exclusive collaboration with Adidas came about when Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci, launched his show in June 2021 with the first drop of a ready-to-wear collection, in which Adidas codes were thoroughly ‘Guccified’. Michele, an avid collector of Adidas Gazelle sneakers, is a long-time fan of Adidas. Michele’s beloved Gazelles were also Guccified, featuring the intertwined GG lettering.
3. Adidas Originals Gazelle 85 (Annual search increase: 304%)
Another firm favourite from Adidas is the Gazelle 85’s, earning an increase in searches of 304% over the last year. The trainer, born in the ‘60s, has a long and rich history on the pitch. The 85 shoe is inspired by a lesser-known version released in 1985. The Gazelle 85 has a low-key look, with refined details including a smooth suede material, reworked pattern, and pure Adidas style.
The Gazelle has been worn by everyone from football fans to skaters and club kids. When compared with the standard Gazelle shoe, the 1985’s Gazelle sports has a slightly different upper and features a wider toe box, and the heel counter on this version is an improvement, along with a thicker sole.
What are the most popular new sneakers on Social Media?
Nike Dunk Low Panda 1 is the top trending new trainer on Social Media.
1. Nike Dunk Low Panda (Sneaker Score: 8.84 out of 10)
The Dunk Panda from Nike is the top trending new trainer, scoring 8.84 out of 10 in the social media ranking. The Panda model holds a whopping 69.5 million TikTok tag views and over 16,300 Instagram hashtags. Coupled with a brand following of 301 million, this shoe is bound to be trending for months to come.
The Nike Dunk Low’s “Panda” comes from its black and white colours on the pair and their positioning on its structure. It is a simple and easy-to-wear shoe that appeals to all, and its colourway is wholly part of the success of the pair.
2. Nike Terminator (Sneaker Score: 8.08 out of 10)
Nike Terminator is a high-top shoe by Nike that was introduced back in 1985 but remains a top trending shoe 37 years later. Placing second in the ranking with a score of 8.08 out of 10, this shoe has 801,400 TikTok tag views and 9,800 Instagram mentions. The first Terminator movie premiered in 1984, coincidentally, a year before the shoe arrived. Unlike the Air Jordan 1 which debuted in the same year, the Terminator wasn’t a widely available shoe.
3. Nike Air Max 90 Futura (Sneaker Score: 7.67 out of 10)
The Nike Air Max 90 placed third with a score of 7.67 out of 10. The Air Max 90s provide great support for your feet, which could be its claim to fame. Over the past 30 years, the Nike Air Max 90 has remained a constant silhouette on almost every sneaker collector’s shelf. The Air Max 90 Futura has 165.8 million TikTok views but lost points for its Instagram mentions (204 posts).
