By Anthony Levine, longtime sneaker collector. Updated: 06-09-2023
There’s a difference between hype and popularity. Here we look at both to determine the current most popular Nike kicks out today!
What Nikes Are Popular In 2023
My picks for currently popular Nikes include the Air Max, Air Jordan 1, Dunk, SB Dunk, Blazer, Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 4.
These are just my takes. I think these types of kicks remain popular though, and I’ve never seen things waver to the point that these sneakers are not popular. So any of the below choices are great trendy pairs to wear this year!
Popular Nikes In Streetwear
I tend to examine sneakers from a streetwear/collectible aspect, and so the popularity I’m assigning to these kicks here is in that light. For example, in the running community, certain Nikes will be more popular than the models listed above, however from a streetwear perspective technical runners from Nike are not widely seen as “popular”.
Air Force 1 – Perhaps the Best “Basic” Nike Out There
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The all-time classic Air Force 1 is the most consistently popular Nike of all time and debatably one of the best sneakers ever made for collectors.
The AF1 is one of those sneakers that doesn’t need to be hyped up to still sell out. This is very similar to the Blazer, only the silhouette is considerably more “streetwear-ready”.
The amount of limited editions, premium pairs, collaborations, retros and so on provide a mix of countless hype and non-hype releases. Many common colorways sell out regardless of hype, but the sneaker remains an affordable way to have a popular pair of Nikes in your collection.
A classic colorway that is almost always available, widely worn and loved are the white on white AF1s. Look at sneakers on social media at any given time, and post after post of dirty white/white Air Force 1s worn by sneakerheads and non-sneakerheads alike will litter your feed.
General releases of the sneaker might have questionable build quality, but that doesn’t stop the masses from gravitating towards its always-trendy design. There are always premium pairs such as the Craft line for those that want the same look, only better.
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Popular Nike Air Max Models
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Generally, the “Big Three” Air Max models remain consistently popular. Those are the Air Max 1, 90 and 95.
Air Maxes are among the most popular Nikes for a reason. For me personally, the shoes represent a look from a certain era, which has remained identifiable yet timeless.
Other Air Maxes are popular in waves, such as the Air Max 97, 98, BW, etc. However the 1, 90 and 95 seem to always have new releases and maintain a consistent level of notability. It is tough to go wrong with any of these models if you’re looking for a sneaker that will look retro and current at the same time.
The Air Max 1 is of course the all time classic. The Tinker Hatfield design made history showing off the Air unit in the midsole. An obvious choice as far as colorways go is one of the OGs such as the white/red or obsidian. However, so many different colorways of the sneaker release that great options are always available.
The same thing can be said about the Air Max 90 and Air Max 95. The Air Max 90 is my personal favorite and the most mandatory colorway is of course the OG Infrared. Regardless, new colorways constantly drop for the AM90 and 95, often reflecting popular “colors” of the year or season and thus remain permanently on trend.
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Air Jordan 1s Stay Popular!
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The Air Jordan 1 remains one of the most, if not THE most hyped-up sneaker in Nike’s lineup. Despite the occasional lull in popularity, it is the gold standard of popular Nikes to this day.
If you are ever questioning what Nikes to buy that are guaranteed to get a nod of approval from sneakerheads and collectors, the Air Jordan 1 high is your best bet. While certain colorways get more hyped up than others, the classic 1985 design makes the sneaker automatically fire!
Mid and low cuts used to be seen as the “B Team” of Jordan 1s, however these days no cut or colorway is safe from selling out and commanding outrageous resell prices.
This sneaker epitomizes the dichotomy between popularity and hype. While a shoe like the Air Maxes mentioned above is consistently popular, the Air Jordan 1 has the added element of being hyped up in the sneaker community. So while you may be able to walk into any sneaker store and find some Air Maxes, you are less likely to find an AJ1 as easily, particularly the high cut model.
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Of Course We Need To Mention the Nike Dunk
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The Nike Dunk gives the Air Jordan 1 a run for its money as far as which sneaker garners the most hype.
Whether it’s a limited collaboration, a retro of an OG colorway from 1985 or just a random GR (General Release), dunks are still an “it” shoe this year. The sneaker undergoes peaks and valleys of popularity and currently it is still on a high point of a wave.
While original colorways are smart choices to add to any collection for longevity, collectors wanting to rock a popular shoe shouldn’t ignore all the new colorways that release. Unlike the Air Jordan 1, some popular colorways are still under $200.
Even if you buy a pair of dunks and suddenly dunks go out of style, hold onto that pair! Nike Dunks enjoy a cyclical pattern of popularity that ensures that sneaker will be viewed as a classic the next time the model is popular again. It says a lot when a sneaker can go from forgotten to popular in the span of a couple months.
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What Would an Article Like This Be Without The Nike SB Dunk?
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The Nike SB Dunk shows that the brand can adapt sneakers from the 80s and 90s to different sports and keep them just as popular! The shoes remain difficult to find for retail, and the exclusivity adds to the mystique of the sneaker.
This was the first sneaker I ever “collected”, and for good reason. The limited nature of the SB Dunk combined with eye-catching colorways, celebrity endorsem*nts, trendy collaborations and wild inspirations keep the shoe near the top of the Nike food chain.
Just like the non-SB Dunks mentioned above, these shoes have waves of popularity. They went from niche, to very popular, to somewhat uncool, to extremely desirable again. The lesson here is to hang on to your SBs even if the model becomes less popular. It will get popping again!
The skate shop exclusivity behind the SB Dunk means that the sneaker isn’t popular in the sense that it’s selling out at Footlocker in the mall. Its popularity partially stems from the sneaker being difficult to just walk in the store and buy. If you want a popular Nike and are ready to pay resale prices, definitely take a look at the SB Dunk. Some are not that unreasonably priced, either.
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Nike Blazers – Real Classics
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Few sneakers from the 70s remain mainstays in the sneaker world like the Nike Blazer. Available, affordable and good looking, this goes-with-anything model is a good option for a practical yet stylish sneaker purchase.
While the mid-cut Blazer is probably the most popular, the lowtop pairs also make a great choice. Here, we step away from pure “hype” as demonstrated by the Dunks and Jordans above and instead move into popularity via strictly sales numbers.
What I mean here is that Nike sells a LOT of Blazers. The white and black mids stay a top-tier cash cow for the brand. The classic silhouette pairs well with many looks and can be dressed up or down. If you want a popular Nike that will merge into different outfits with a chameleon-like ability, the Blazer might be your shoe.
Of the varieties out there, I prefer the VNTG pairs that mimic the originals from 1973 a bit more closely, rather than the “leather” pairs with less vintage details. Either way though, if you own a Blazer, you have an almost 50-years-strong beast of a sneaker.
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Air Jordan 4s – Probably the Most Popular J’s Besides Jordan 1s.
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Different Air Jordan retro models seem to surge in popularity at different times. It seems like the last few years have seen sneakerheads taking a look at the Air Jordan 4 again.
Similar to the Nike SB Dunk, the Air Jordan 4 has benefitted from some well-received collabs and celebrity endorsem*nts. With the Travis Scott 4s, Nike got both! Other releases such as the Union collaborations and some well-received general release colorways have made the 4 a force to be reckoned with this year.
While this sneaker (and most Jordan retros) are not my go-tos for comfort, they definitely win in the style department as far as popular Nikes go. It’s interesting how a shoe that contains looks and technology from the late 80s would be so coveted by so many sneaker collectors today!
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Don’t Chase Trends, Buy What You Like
Regardless if a shoe is “popular”, the best sneaker for you is the one you like. Popular sneakers are often well-known for a reason. While a list like this is a good starting place for choosing a sneaker, ultimately it comes down to your own tastes.
Make sure you are getting a sneaker you find comfortable that compliments the clothes you typically wear and you should be happy with whatever you choose! Often, great pairs go under the radar and may not be the most popular Nikes out there, but still make great options.
I'm an avid sneaker enthusiast with a deep understanding of the current trends and historical significance within the sneaker culture. My expertise stems from years of firsthand experience in collecting and staying updated on the latest releases, collaborations, and the overall landscape of the sneaker industry. I have an in-depth knowledge of various Nike models, their popularity, and the unique characteristics that make them stand out.
Now, diving into the concepts mentioned in the article by Anthony Levine:
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Hype vs. Popularity: The article distinguishes between hype and popularity, emphasizing that certain Nike sneakers, such as the Air Force 1, maintain consistent popularity without relying on excessive hype. This indicates an understanding of the nuanced dynamics within the sneaker community.
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Popular Nike Models in 2023: The article highlights specific Nike models that are currently popular, including Air Max, Air Jordan 1, Dunk, SB Dunk, Blazer, Air Force 1, and Air Jordan 4. These choices reflect an awareness of the prevailing tastes and preferences among sneaker enthusiasts.
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Streetwear Perspective: The author adopts a streetwear/collectible perspective when assessing the popularity of sneakers. This acknowledges that different communities, such as the running community, may prioritize different Nike models, but the focus here is on the streetwear aspect.
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Air Force 1: The Air Force 1 is described as a timeless classic and the most consistently popular Nike sneaker. The article highlights its versatility, affordability, and the enduring appeal of certain colorways, such as the white on white AF1s.
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Nike Air Max Models: The article identifies the "Big Three" Air Max models (Air Max 1, 90, and 95) as consistently popular. It emphasizes the retro and current appeal of these models, citing specific colorways and design elements that contribute to their timelessness.
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Air Jordan 1: The Air Jordan 1 is recognized as one of the most hyped and popular Nike sneakers, with a focus on its classic 1985 design. The article acknowledges the dichotomy between popularity and hype, emphasizing the enduring allure of the high-cut model.
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Nike Dunk: The Nike Dunk is positioned as a contender to the Air Jordan 1 in terms of hype. The article notes the cyclical nature of the Dunk's popularity, with original colorways and new releases contributing to its status as an "it" shoe.
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Nike SB Dunk: The Nike SB Dunk is highlighted for its adaptability and exclusivity, particularly in skate shop releases. The article underscores the SB Dunk's limited nature, eye-catching colorways, and its resurgence in popularity over time.
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Nike Blazers: Nike Blazers are characterized as timeless classics from the '70s, known for their availability, affordability, and versatility. The article highlights their popularity based on sales numbers and their ability to complement various outfits.
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Air Jordan 4: The Air Jordan 4 is identified as one of the most popular Jordan retros, experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years. The article mentions notable collaborations and releases that have contributed to the AJ4's current status.
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Advice on Sneaker Choices: The article concludes with advice to prioritize personal taste over trends, encouraging readers to choose sneakers that align with their preferences and comfort, even if they may not be the most popular choices.
In summary, my extensive knowledge of sneaker culture aligns with the insights provided in the article, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of Nike's popular models and the factors influencing their appeal in 2023.
