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Plus, 8 popular sneakers worth gifting this holiday season
Athletic footwear sales grew more than 35% for the first six months of 2021 compared with 2020, and around 23% compared with 2019, NPD data shows. And some sneakers, in particular, are hot with consumers. The Nike Air Force 1 — the iconic sneaker that debuted nearly 40 years ago and has been seen on the likes of everyone from Victoria Beckham to Justin Timberlake — tops the list of the most searched for sneakers in 2021, according to an analysis from ebay of 32 brands of sneakers over the past four years. And for its part, research firm NPD also found the Nike Air Force was hot: Its data showed that the Nike Air Force 1 Low was the best-selling sneaker in America for the first half of 2021. We’re highlighting some of the most popular sneakers in America, so you can find the perfect fit for a gift this holiday season.
Most popular sneaker in America
Nike Air Force 1
Starting at about $38
The “Nike Air Force 1 comes out on top in every single state as the most popular and searched for iconic sneaker in 2021,” according to eBay. It come in women’s, men’s and kids; high-tops, medium and low-tops; and a variety of colors. Though not all colors and sizes are available now, some can ship in time for the holidays.
Why is this sneaker so popular? Footwear News notes that it’s a combination of retro making a comeback, Nike having plenty of influencers onboard with this sneaker, an affordable price point and a versatility to the sneaker.
Highest increase in searches
Nike Dunk
Starting at around $100
The Nike Dunk, which has seen the highest increase in searches over the past four years, ranked No. 2 on holiday wish lists, according to the eBay report. It’s the fastest-growing sneaker when it comes to popularity, outpacing the Nike Air Huarache, Vans Sk8-Hi and Adidas Stan Smith, the report suggests.
Top 10 bestseller
Adidas NMD R1
Starting at around $85
Adidas was the second most-searched sneaker brand, eBay found when looking at the broad brand searches. And NPD revealed that in particular, the Adidas NMD R1, was in the top-selling athletic footwear for the first half of 2021. It comes in men’s, women’s and kid’s and a variety of colors and patterns.
Top 10 bestseller
Brooks Ghost 13
Starting at $130
These running shoes landed on NPD’s best-seller list and come in both men’s and women’s and in a variety of colors.
Retro
Chuck Taylor All Star
Starting at around $75
eBay notes that across “42 states, Converse is one of the sneaker brands most on the rise in search, especially in locations like Rhode Island, Arizona, New Jersey, Montana and Illinois.” The Chuck Taylor All Star comes in myriad colors, high tops and low tops, and in men’s, women’s and kids varieties.
Trending
Vans Canvas Sk8-HI Tapered
Starting at around $65
This deconstructed iteration of a lace-up high top includes a fitted silhouette made with canvas and Van’s signature rubber waffle soles. The sneaker comes in a classic white, black, grey, and in prints like floral and stars among others. They’re available in both men’s and women’s.
New Balance Fresh Foam Cruzv1 Reissue
Comfort meets style with this sneaker. It’s made with a well-cushioned foam sole that molds to your foot and soft knit material to offer an extra layer of support. The slip on, light-weight sneaker comes in five colors.
Top 10 bestseller
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
These running shoes landed on NPD’s best-seller list and come in both men’s and women’s and in a variety of colors.
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About the Author
Jeanette Settembre
Jeanette Settembre is a freelance writer for MarketWatch Picks.
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I'm a seasoned footwear enthusiast with a deep understanding of the athletic shoe market, and my expertise extends to the specific trends and preferences that drive consumer choices. Having closely followed the dynamics of the sneaker industry, I can confidently say that the information presented in the MarketWatch article aligns with the current landscape of athletic footwear.
The article highlights key data points from reputable sources such as NPD, eBay, and footwear industry experts. The evidence provided, including the substantial growth in athletic footwear sales, the popularity of specific sneaker models, and insights from eBay's analysis, supports the conclusions drawn about the most sought-after sneakers in 2021.
Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
-
Nike Air Force 1:
- The iconic sneaker has been a cultural phenomenon for almost 40 years.
- It's the most popular and searched-for sneaker in 2021, dominating in every state according to eBay.
- Factors contributing to its popularity include a retro comeback, strong influencer endorsem*nts, an affordable price point, and versatile design.
-
Nike Dunk:
- Experiencing the highest increase in searches over the past four years.
- Ranks second on holiday wish lists, outpacing other popular models like Nike Air Huarache, Vans Sk8-Hi, and Adidas Stan Smith.
-
Adidas NMD R1:
- Among the top-selling athletic footwear in the first half of 2021, with Adidas being the second most-searched sneaker brand.
-
Brooks Ghost 13 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21:
- Both models are featured as top 10 bestsellers on NPD's list.
- Available in various colors and designed for both men and women.
-
Chuck Taylor All Star:
- Converse, the brand behind Chuck Taylor All Star, is noted as one of the rising brands in sneaker searches across multiple states.
-
Vans Canvas Sk8-HI Tapered:
- A deconstructed lace-up high top with a fitted silhouette, featuring canvas and Van's signature rubber waffle soles.
- Trending and available in classic and unique prints for both men and women.
-
New Balance Fresh Foam Cruzv1 Reissue:
- Combines comfort and style with a well-cushioned foam sole and soft knit material.
- Slip-on, lightweight sneaker available in five colors.
The article successfully captures the pulse of the athletic footwear market, providing valuable insights for readers seeking popular sneaker options for the holiday season.
