Nike's Air Jordan 1s are the Most Popular Sneaker in the UK

The U.K.'s favorite sneaker has been confirmed, and it's not what you'd expect. New research from emerging online sneaker marketplace QOPPD has revealed that the most popular sneaker in the U.K. right now is the Nike Air Jordan 1.

With an average of 429,000 monthly Google searches, the Air Jordan 1 beat the likes of Nike's Air Force 1, Air Jordan 4 and New Balance's 327 and 550 silhouettes. Alongside the silhouette, QOPPD's research reveals that New Balance is the U.K.'s highest-trending sneaker brand, beating Nike, adidas and Converse. While Air Jordan 1s are currently the most popular in the U.K., QOPPD revealed that in its global survey, Nike Air Force 1s came out on top, with an average of 5,400,000 searches each month.

The Air Jordan 1 silhouette was first released back in 1985, solely as a basketball sneaker that was later adopted by skaters in the '90s. Since its initial release, the shoe has transcended all subcultures and generations in order to become one of the most popular sneakers of 2022. Given the U.K.'s growing affinity for the Nike Dunk silhouette, which bears more than some similarity and is decidedly more difficult to purchase, it comes as no surprise that the Air Jordan has become the next best thing.

QOPPD's launch came at a time when the current sneaker market is valued at 3.41 billion GBP (approximately 4.27 billion USD) and is on target to grow by 6.29% annually between 2022 and 2025, according to the marketplace's research. "With a passion for sneakers and years of experience supplying limited-edition streetwear, I launched QOPPD as a way of bringing authentic, sold-out kicks to sneakerheads throughout the UK. Via QOPPD, customers can confidently buy and sell must-have sneaker designs of the past, present and future," QOPPD's founder Oli Macer explains.

While you're here, check out our list of footwear releases taking place this week, including the new Air Jordan 1s.