The Most Popular Nike Shoe of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the shoe you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:44
Choosing the best Nike shoe can be a daunting task given the myriad of choices and variations over the decades. Each style and model harbors a unique story and a dedicated fan base. Rankings help by highlighting which designs resonate most with the public, aiding potential buyers in making informed decisions.
By participating in the voting, users contribute to a collective insight that shapes current preferences and trends within the community. This dynamic tally not only reflects the popularity of specific models but also engages a broader audience in the ongoing discussion of footwear excellence.
What Is the Most Popular Nike Shoe of All Time?
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155votes
Air Jordan 1
Peter MooreThe first signature shoe of Michael Jordan, launched in 1985, is one of the most iconic and popular Nike shoes of all time. It revolutionized the basketball shoe industry and is loved by sneakerheads and basketball fans alike.The Air Jordan 1 is a high-top basketball sneaker that has become an iconic shoe in the Air Jordan line. It was the first signature shoe created for basketball player Michael Jordan and was released by Nike in 1985. The Air Jordan 1 features a classic silhouette with a leather upper and a rubber outsole. It is known for its bold and distinctive colorways, as well as its Nike Air branding on the tongue and the iconic Nike Swoosh on the sides.- Release Year: 1985
- Upper Material: Leather
- Outsole Material: Rubber
- Closure: Lace-up
- Midsole Technology: Air-Sole cushioning
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226votes
Air Max 90
Tinker HatfieldOriginally called the Air Max III, this shoe was released in 1990 and is known for its distinct design, visible Air Max unit, and comfortable cushioning. It has been re-released and modified multiple times over the years, making it a timeless classic.The Air Max 90 is a classic sneaker created by Nike. It is known for its iconic design and unparalleled comfort.- Release Year: 1990
- Upper Material: Leather, synthetic, or mesh
- Midsole: Polyurethane foam
- Air Cushioning: Visible Air unit in heel
- Outsole: Rubber with waffle pattern
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334votes
Xanor · CC0Air Force 1
NikeThis shoe was originally released in 1982 and was the first basketball shoe to feature Nike Air technology. It has since become a cultural icon and is popular for its versatility and clean design.The Air Force 1 is a popular basketball shoe known for its iconic design and long-lasting impact on sneaker culture. It was first released in 1982 by Nike and quickly gained popularity among basketball players and sneaker enthusiasts alike. The shoe is recognized for its sleek silhouette, premium leather construction, and versatility that allows it to be worn on and off the court.- Release Year: 1982
- Materials: Premium Leather
- Outsole: Non-marking Rubber
- Cushioning: Nike Air Technology
- Closure: Lace-up
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416votesOriginally released as a basketball shoe in 1985, the Dunk has since become a popular skateboarding shoe and fashion statement. It has been released in countless colorways and collaborations, making it a highly sought-after shoe.The Nike Dunk is a classic basketball shoe that has gained iconic status in the sneaker world. It is known for its timeless design and versatility, being a favorite among both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. The Dunk features a high-top silhouette with a padded collar and tongue for added comfort and support. It is made with premium materials and has a durable construction, making it suitable for both on-court performance and everyday wear.
- Release Year: 1985
- Height: High-top
- Upper Material: Leather/Suede
- Outsole Material: Rubber
- Closure: Lace-up
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58votesThis shoe was originally released in 1972 and was designed for running. It has since become a popular casual shoe and is known for its simple design and comfortable fit.The Nike Cortez is a classic running shoe that has become one of the most popular models from Nike. It is known for its timeless design and comfortable fit, making it a favorite among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
- Release Year: 1972
- Upper Material: Nylon or Leather
- Midsole: EVA foam
- Outsole: Rubber
- Closure: Lace-up
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611votes
Choledocho · CC BY-SA 4.0This shoe was released in 1997 and is known for its futuristic design and full-length Air Max cushioning. It has been re-released and modified multiple times over the years, making it a popular shoe among sneakerheads. -
74votes
Air Max 1
Tinker HatfieldThis shoe was released in 1987 and was the first shoe to feature visible Air Max cushioning. It has since become a popular shoe for its comfort and distinctive design.The Air Max 1 is a legendary Nike shoe that revolutionized the sneaker industry. It was created by the renowned designer Tinker Hatfield and first released in 1987. The Air Max 1 introduced the visible Air cushioning technology, setting a new standard for comfort and performance in athletic footwear. Its iconic design features a combination of mesh and synthetic leather on the upper, with the iconic visible Air unit in the heel. The Air Max 1 has become a cultural symbol, highly sought after by sneaker enthusiasts worldwide.- Release Year: 1987
- Cushioning Technology: Visible Air
- Upper Material: Mesh and synthetic leather
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Heel Height: Approximately 1 inch
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85votesOriginally released in 1991, the Huarache was designed for running and is known for its neoprene sock liner and distinctive heel strap. It has since become a popular casual shoe and is loved for its comfortable fit.The Nike Huarache is a classic sneaker that has gained iconic status in the world of footwear. It features a unique design with a neoprene inner bootie for a snug and comfortable fit. The shoe also has a supportive exoskeleton-like structure on the upper, made of synthetic and textile materials, providing durability and stability.
- Release Year: 1991
- Technology: Nike Air cushioning
- Sole: Phylon midsole, rubber outsole
- Neoprene Bootie: For a secure and sock-like fit
- Exoskeleton: Supportive structure on the upper
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98votes
Roshe Run
Dylan RaaschThis shoe was released in 2012 and is known for its minimalistic design and comfortable fit. It has become a popular casual shoe and is loved for its versatility and affordability.The Roshe Run is a casual and lightweight sneaker designed by Nike. It features a minimalist and versatile design, making it suitable for various occasions. The shoe is known for its comfort, breathability, and affordability, making it a popular choice among sneaker enthusiasts.- Upper Material: Mesh or textile
- Sole Material: Phylon foam
- Midsole: Injected unit
- Outsole: Waffle pattern rubber
- Closure: Lace-up
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107votesThis shoe was released in 2017 and is known for its unique design and full-length Air Max cushioning. It has become a popular shoe among sneakerheads and is loved for its comfort and futuristic look.The Nike VaporMax is a revolutionary running shoe that combines advanced technology with sleek design. It is highly regarded as one of the most popular Nike shoes of all time. The VaporMax features a unique full-length Air unit that provides exceptional cushioning and a lightweight feel, allowing runners to experience a responsive and comfortable ride. Its Flyknit upper offers a snug fit and breathability, ensuring optimal performance during runs. The shoe showcases a modern aesthetic with a clean and streamlined look, making it a favorite among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike.
- Air Unit: Full-length Air unit
- Cushioning: Exceptional cushioning
- Weight: Lightweight
- Fit: Snug fit
- Upper Material: Flyknit
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Ranking factors for popular shoe
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Sales figuresThe number of units sold is a strong indicator of a shoe's popularity. The higher the sales, the more popular the shoe is likely to be.
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Cultural impactThe shoe's influence on fashion, sports, and popular culture should be considered. A popular Nike shoe may have had a significant impact on trends, inspired other designs, or been associated with iconic athletes or celebrities.
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LongevityA popular shoe will likely have remained popular over the years or have seen multiple re-releases or updates. This demonstrates the shoe's timeless appeal and continued relevance.
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Design innovationA popular Nike shoe may have introduced new design features or technologies that were groundbreaking at the time, propelling the shoe to iconic status.
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Customer reviews and ratingsThe popularity of a shoe can also be gauged by the number of positive reviews and high ratings it has received from customers and critics alike.
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Awards and accoladesIf a shoe has received industry awards, critical acclaim, or has been included in “best of” lists, it may be an indicator of its popularity.
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Online search volumeComparing the amount of online search activity around specific Nike shoes can give an idea of their overall popularity and interest from consumers.
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Social media buzzThe amount of buzz and conversation around a shoe on social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, can also provide a measure of its popularity.
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Athlete and celebrity endorsementA popular Nike shoe might be one that is frequently worn or endorsed by sports stars, musicians, or other influential figures, which can help boost the shoe's popularity and visibility.
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Brand recognitionA popular shoe will often have a strong brand presence and be easily recognizable by consumers, contributing to its overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Nike shoe of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shoe is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2058 views
- 172 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shoe once every 24 hours. The rank of each shoe is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular nike shoe of all time
Nike is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the world, known for its innovative designs and high-quality athletic footwear. Founded in 1964 by track coach Bill Bowerman and runner Phil Knight, the company has grown to become a global leader in the athletic shoe industry. Over the years, Nike has produced countless iconic shoe models that have become household names, including the Air Jordan, Air Max, and Dunk. In this article, we delve into the question of which Nike shoe is the most popular of all time, looking at factors such as sales, cultural impact, and fan enthusiasm to come up with a definitive answer.
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