Footwear goes beyond just protecting and covering the feet. It is a work of art, a statement of culture, and in some instances, a historical piece of great value.
Everyone wants to have the best shoe and this has brought about the question of which is the #1 selling shoe of all time.
And yes it’s a very interesting question because if someone asked you today what would be your answer?
If today we do a survey by interviewing several shoe lovers, the answers they provide will be different.
To Find the very right answer to this question, we will look at the most famous shoes, the top choices among them, and the reasons as to why they are popular.
By the end of this article, you and I will have the answers we are looking for.
What Does Best Selling Mean?
Finding the best-selling shoe is not as easy as it sounds. The term best-selling can mean different things.
Some people will consider the total sales number, while others will only focus on their cultural impact.
A shoe that sells in millions usually doesn’t exert the same influence as one that completely transforms the fashion industry.
Instead of guessing, we will put our focus on shoes that have stood the test of time and shaped the industry. These models keep raking in sales no matter how many years have passed.
Is It Nike Air Force 1?
Nike Air Force 1 is quite popular now, much like it was back in 1982. Designed by Bruce Kilgore, Air Force 1 was the first basketball shoe to incorporate Nike’s air cushioning technology.
While its initial purpose was for playing basketball, the shoe soon became a fashion staple.
AF1s quickly made their way from the basketball court into the streets. It was embraced by hip hop stars and sports icons as well marking its place as a cultural phenomenon.
They could be paired with everything, making them a hit from the bottom of the fashion chain to the top. The Air Force 1 became important in culture and fashion.
AF1 has more than 10 million sales which amounts to close to $800 million every year. Versatility, strong branding, and partnerships with top celebrities are what keep the sneaker in high demand.
Staying on top is made possible by the ever-changing and highly sought-after collaborations and limited edition releases.
Development of Sneaker Culture over the Years
The sneaker industry was not this big in the past. Initially, sneakers were mostly for sporting activities. But in the 1980s, everything changed.
The use of sneakers transitioned from being solely athletic to becoming a regular part of fashion. Brands also began signing contracts with top athletes, Michael Jordan for instance.
The hip-hop culture also had its share of influence. Sneakers started making their way into music videos, and artists began wearing them. Sneakers became a fashion statement among the youth.
As supply grew, certain brands started releasing sneaker editions that became highly sought after. Eventually, sneakers transformed from being just footwear to properly valued collector’s items.
That is also when Nike struck. The Air Force 1 transformed from being just a shoe to a piece of culture. The brand continued to provide people with new styles, colorways, and even collaborations. This kept the brand relevant regardless of changing trends.
From Rags To Riches with Air Force 1
The Air Force 1 has quite an interesting story. Initially, the sneakers barely made any sales after launch and were then discontinued after 2 years.
But after being discontinued, sneakerheads kept asking Nike to bring it back. And surprised in 1986, they did bring it back.
Thereafter, Nike paired with a select set of stores and let them sell new colorways every month.
This exclusivity made the shoe even more sought after than it was before. The Air Force 1 became a collectible piece in no time.
Now there are over 2,500 unique designs of the shoe sold all over the world. Clothing brands and some of the biggest fashion designers such as KAWS and Virgil Abloh have put their own custom designs on the basic model, making it a favorite among fashionistas.
Its versatility and everchanging fashion-forward designs have ensured its status as one of the most recognized sneakers in history.
How it Compares to Other Iconic Sneakers
Regardless of the recognition and sales of the Nike Air Force 1, it is not the only best-selling sneaker.
Other legendary models like it are also strong competitors. One such strong competitor is the Adidas Superstar, a model that was originally released in 1969 as a basketball shoe, and gained fame in the 1980s after hip hop group Run DMC started embracing it.
The sneaker wowed audiences with the new shell-toe design and became a trademark in streetwear fashion.
Another major competitor would be the Air Jordan 1. Released in 1985, the sneaker was popular even before it launched because it was banned by the NBA for Michael Jordan to wear it.
The controversy surrounding the uniform rules only increased its demand making it one of the most popular and iconic shoes ever made.
The Nike Dunk recently gained popularity as a staple of sneaker culture. Originally released in 1985 as a basketball shoe, it started gaining traction within the skateboard and streetwear communities. It continues to make waves with its endless array of colorways and collaborations.
Then there’s the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, which also has an astonishing history, dating back to 1917.
Its simple design and low price made it popular across multiple generations. It is still a favorite across casual fashion among athletes, musicians, and even rock stars.
The sneaker culture would struggle to survive without these shoes, but none came close to the sales and popularity of the Nike Air Force 1s.
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Why the Nike Air Force 1 Remains on Top
The reason for the Air Force 1’s success is not a mystery. It is clear that Nike excels at marketing.
Nike partnered with celebrities, athletes, and designers to keep the shoe alive in contemporary culture.
Hype is generated with limited edition versions, and new sneakerheads are born with every new release.
But this hype is not the only reason for its sales.
Social media also helps a great deal.
Online sneaker communities discuss every new drop and ensure that their interest is kept alive, while people flaunt their collections, outfits, and styles, making sure that the Air Force 1 is the topic of discussion at all times.
Innovation and tradition are both emphasized by Nike. They still produce the much sought-after white-on-white sneakers even as new styles continue to be introduced. Their nostalgic and new approach ensures engagement from all fans.
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What’s Next for Sneaker Sales?
The sneakers market has been changing. People are now concerned about sustainability.
In response, companies such as Nike have started using more sustainable materials and implemented recycling systems. In time more shoes will appear manufactured out of eco-friendly materials.
There is also the factor of modern technology. Smart sneakers which can track the movements of the wearer and adjust shoes to particular activities are gaining popularity.
Features like those of self-lacing shoes, as well as fully customizable sneakers, are becoming the norm.
Sneaker trends will continue to be dictated by social media and influencers. A celebrity wearing a specific model can make a sneaker sell out in minutes.
As sneaker culture spreads through the world, the need for some iconic models such as the Air Force 1 will be maintained for decades.
Read also: The Best Fashion Products to Sell Online
Final Thoughts on The #1 Selling Shoe of All Time
Nike Air Force 1 doesn’t have to be defined as a singular sneaker model. This shoe represents culture, style, and innovation at its best.
It has ruled sneaker culture for more than 40 years, ranging from basketball courts to music videos.
The annual sales of this sneaker with millions of sold units every year, backed with endless collaborations make sure that this sneaker never goes out of the market.
Moving into the future, one thing is for sure: The Air Force 1 is anything but just a sneaker.
It is a legacy that has and will continue to redefine sneaker culture for countless generations after us.