What are the best selling Nike shoes? It can be daunting to head to Nike’s website and take a look, as there are hundreds of sneakers to choose from on nike.com. It can be tough to decide which shoe is right for you if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for, so I thought I’d break down the best sellers to make it a little simpler. There are three general top-selling categories to consider: Lifestyle, Training, and Basketball.
They are fairly self-explanatory, but here’s a breakdown of what they mean if you’re not staring at sneakers all day on social media:
- Lifestyle shoes are basically sneakers that you won’t be working out super hard in. They’re for throwing on for everyday wear to run errands, wear to work, or wear for going out.
- Training sneakers can range from hardcore running shoes to cross training to gym shoes.
- And finally, basketball shoes are obviously meant for hooping in.
Best Selling Nike Shoes
If you’ve got a Nike gift card burning a hole in your pocket, or you’re loyal to the Swoosh and just not sure what to get, take a look at these best Nike shoes. You really can’t go wrong with any of these iconic shoes.
Lifestyle
Air Force 1 – $115
Nike’s Air Force 1 is one of their most classic designs of all time – and that’s saying something. Debuting all the way back in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 was designed as a basketball sneaker with Nike Air cushioning and a sleek durable leather upper. Over time, it’s become one of the most reliable and fashionable sneakers that Nike sells. Thanks to it’s classic silhouette and durability, you can rock a pair of Air Force 1’s for many different occasions. Just make sure to go at least a full size down when you order. The Air Force 1 runs notoriously big compared to other Nike sneakers.
Nike Dunk – $115
Have you been a part of the Panda Dunk hype train? It seems like everywhere you go, people are all wearing the black and white Nike Dunk Lows, aka the Pandas.
It makes sense for good reason – the Dunk is an affordable sneaker that looks great in black and white and goes with all different outfits. The Nike Dunk released a few years after the Air Force 1 in 1985, and doesn’t have Nike Air in the sole. Much like the Air Force 1, however, it has become a staple in many wardrobes thanks to its classic and simple silhouette. The Dunk is a little less bulky than the Air Force 1, and fits a bit more true to size compared to the AF1.
Air Max 90 – $135
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the Nike Air Max 90 is one of the most beloved Air Max running shoes of all time. With its big heel Air bubble and half-covered Swoosh on the side, the Air Max 90 was cutting-edge back when it released in 1990. Meant as more of a lifestyle/everyday shoe in recent years, Nike is still cranking out new colorways of the Air Max 90 every year. There is currently a GORE-TEX option available, which is perfect for the cold and wet winter months.
Air Max 270 – $160
I honestly admit I do not understand the hype behind the Air Max 270, but every airport and theme park I go to, all I see are people wearing them. I had one of the first original colorways of the Air Max 270 when they first released in 2018. At first, I was super excited to have them and try them out, but quickly became disappointed.
The main issue for me was that the rear Air Max heel bubble was so big that my foot kept slipping forward and my toes smushed into the front of the shoe. This doesn’t seem to be the issue for others, of course, as the Air Max 270 has become one of Nike’s top-selling Air Max lifestyle sneakers and is still going strong 5 years later. Maybe Nike has made some upgrades to the shoe and the slipping issue has been resolved? I might have to pick up another pair and see for myself.
Training
Metcon 9 – $150
The Metcon has been Nike’s go-to gym sneaker for years now. If you’re looking for a sneaker to wear to the gym, the Nike Metcon 9 is a great choice.
Featuring a Hyperlift plate and rubber rope wrap, the Metcon 9 is great for weight lifting and HIIT classes. The Hyperlift plate is great for leg exercises, as it pushes the weight down and outward so that you feel grounded and supported. The lace lock system attaches to the tongue so that you don’t have to worry about it latching to any fabric. A dual-density midsole featuring firm foam on the outsole and soft foam inside provides lasting cushioning for continuous cardio and movements.
Air Monarch IV – $80
Whether it’s still true or not is difficult to confirm, but Nike’s Air Monarch has historically been one of (if not the #1) best-selling shoes of all time. This plain, understated shoe at first would seem like an odd choice as Nike’s top seller, but it makes sense when you think about it and has stood the test of time.
For years, the Air Monarch retailed at $65 and consistently could be found on store shelves for even less than that at stores like Famous Footwear. For that price, you got a full-length Air-Sole unit, which alone was well worth it. Social media also hyped up the Monarch as the ultimate Dad shoe, and all of sudden thousands of younger people were buying them too. You can still get them on Nike’s website, but the price has gone all the way up to $80 now.
InfinityRN 4 – $160
Nike’s React Infinity line has become very popular and a great option over the last few years because of their excellent fit and cushioning. The InfinityRN 4 is a brand new take on the familiar favorite sneaker. The all-new ReactX foam gives you 13% more energy return compared to regular Nike React foam. They’re better for the environment too, because Nike ReactX reduces its carbon footprint in a pair of midsoles by at least 43% compared to Nike React foam. The InfinityRN 4 also features Nike’s best-fitting Flyknit yet, with a secure and breathable upper.
Pegasus 40 – $130
The Pegasus line is Nike’s most popular performance running sneaker of all time thanks to its comfort and reliability on the road. Designed for both beginner and professional runners, the Nike Pegasus 40 has plenty of Nike air technology for a reasonable price. Featuring React foam and Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot, the Pegasus gives you a comfortable, supportive, and responsive ride for walking to short jogs to longer runs. They come in both a normal and extra wide option for those who need a bit more room in the toe box. They also come in a variety of colours plus a Design Your Own option.
Basketball
G.T. Jump 2 – $180
The G.T. Jump 2 is one of the most creative designs Nike has come up with in a long time and one of the best basketball shoes out there. Three Zoom Air units provide the best and most responsive cushioning for explosive cuts and takeoffs on the basketball court. Nike React foam in the heel provides outstanding cushioning for landings. Plus a molded heel has an engineered curve for shock absorption and extra support. The herringbone traction pattern uses data-informed design to create solid grip on the court. An engineered mesh upper provides lightweight, breathable comfort and containment.
G.T. Hustle 2 – $170
The G.T. Hustle 2 is a bit more toned-down compared to the G.T. Jump 2, but there is still plenty of tech inside to propel your game to the next level. The G.T. Hustle 2 is soft, supportive and lightweight.
Nike used insights from female basketball players in order to gain a better understanding of what was missing in this particular model. With both full-length foam and a full-length Zoom Air unit, the G.T. Hustle 2 has the soft padding of a running shoe yet still helps you jump to new heights. This shoe is meant for quick-cutting guards who need a lightweight and breathable shoe. The padded, mid-high collar also adds support around the ankle. It is one of the best basketball options available.
Sabrina 1 – $130
Nike is pushing the Sabrina 1 to the men’s category more than any women’s sneaker ever. The marketing move is working, as plenty of males influencers are being gifted the Sabrina 1 sneaker on social media and raving about them. You’re even seeing them on the feet of NBA players which is definitely a new trend.
The good news is the Sabrina 1 features a forefoot Zoom Air unit and React cushioning, so it’s definitely a well-tooled sneaker for a retail price of $130. Other than that, it’s a pretty basic basketball shoe, but the design is pleasing to the eye and not too crazy so it photographs well if you like taking pictures of your shoes.
KD 16 – $160
It’s not much of a surprise, but Suns star Kevin Durant has been balling out in the KD 16. It’s crazy to think that this is already Durant’s 16th signature sneaker with Nike, and this is arguably his best model yet.
According to Nike, Durant loved the performance of the KD 15, so Nike took inspiration from his previous model and added a bottom-loaded forefoot Zoom Air unit for extra pop and snappiness when his game reaches high speeds – which is often. There is also an ultra-responsive full-length foam which cushions the foot upon impact. Special grooves and ridges in the outsole help provide multi-directional traction and superior court feel. The outsole also features watch gears, which represent the inner workings of KD’s mind and the methodical nature of how he operates.