Just do it: the 5 most popular Nike sneakers right now

Since its launch in 1964, Nike has, undoubtedly, become one of the most powerful and influential athletic brands in the world. From their Air Force 1s to Michael Jordan’s eponymous Air Jordans, Nike sneakers have become cultural icons unto themselves. And while each sneakerhead will have their own favourite pair of Nike kicks, these five Nike models are the most popular ones right now.

A streetwear icon, the Nike Air Force 1 shoe was first introduced in 1982 as a basketball sneaker. It was the first shoe to feature Nike Air technology and for nearly 40 years, has remained a cult sneaker model. Despite the endless colourways and fabrications, the classic white or black Air Force 1s remain the most popular—and the most memed about.

First launched in 1987, Nike’s Air Max 1 was the brand’s first sneaker to showcase the visible air unit. The pioneer of the Air Max line, The Air Max 1 is often remodelled in vibrant colours and patterns to reflect its retro origins.

Straight from the 1970s, the Nike Blazer got its start as a basketball sneaker. Featuring an oversized Swoosh and both a high-top and low-top design, the vintage-style sneaker had a real resurgence in popularity this year and remains one of the brand’s most iconic models today.

Nike’s iconic Air Jordan 1s found instant success when basketball legend Michael Jordan wore them during his 1985 season with the Chicago Bulls. The sneakers were a rule-breaking sensation from the get-go. The black and red design violated the NBA’s uniform policy at the time which resulted in a $5,000 fine from the league each time Michael Jordan wore the sneakers. Today, they are the quintessential Nike sneakers and exclusive colourways are coveted by sneakerheads all over the world.

So, in the end, we think it all paid off.

Immortalised in films like Forrest Gump and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Nike’s Cortez are another retro-inspired sneaker to make a big comeback in recent years. Released as the brand’s first track shoe in 1972, they were designed for maximum comfort for distance running. The Bear star Jeremy Allen White is the Cortez’s biggest fan, going as far as asking Nike for a collab to bring back his favourite colourway.

Original text: Kayla Kuefler
Updated text and content: Emma Trimboli