The Most Searched For Shoes in 2022

The latest shoe drops have always been hot news, but with so many iterations of different trainers - not to mention the myriad different uses - it can be hard to keep your finger on the pulse, and know which pair to invest your next paycheck in. With brands like Nike releasing the latest versions of the Pegasus and Vaporfly this year, to Saucony’s second run of the popular Endorphin Speed, there’s been a lot of interest in 22’s shoe drops, so we decided to dig into the numbers and rank the most popular of the bunch - to help you pick your next pair.

We compiled a list of over 240 shoes - from running to trail, training and walking shoes - and used Google search data to discover which ones are being lusted after the most by the general (internet) population this year. While some of the results might be surprising, Nike did pull rank as the most desired brand; with variations of their models in first place in every category except walking.

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THE MOST SEARCHED FOR SHOES IN THE UK

The Most Searched For Road Running Shoes in the UK

Choosing the right running shoe has a huge impact on how you experience the miles you’ll traverse in them. If the fit isn’t right or they don’t have adequate cushioning or support then your run will be far less enjoyable, and even less successful - whether you’re racing, or simply trying to hit a PB.

The UK’s favourite road running shoe is Nike’s controversial Vaporfly model. The shoe has had over 180,000 searches in the last 12 months, and has a long history of causing a stir in the news; it was almost banned from the last Olympics held in Tokyo since its advanced technology was shown to improve running economy by 4% - a huge amount when considering the impact that has in elite racing.

Pictured: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 Running Shoe

In second place is another entry from Nike, the Pegasus 38, another iteration of the iconic Pegasus style. This version features a roomier toe box, with Runner’s World and T3 stating the shoe was far more comfortable than its predecessor. It garnered over 155,000 searches within the last year.

Completing the top 3 most searched for running shoes is the Nike Alphafly, cementing Nike as the UK’s favourite brand for a road running shoe.

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The Most Searched For Trail Shoes in the UK

For trail runners, getting a shoe that will support you off-road is of high importance. While road running shoes are more heavily cushioned - allowing you to run on hard surfaces while protecting your feet and ankles - trail shoes are softer, with less cushioning. Trail runners need less of this cushioning as off road impact is generally decreased, and it’s important for you to have a good sense of where your foot is on uneven surfaces - too much cushioning can prevent you from feeling this properly.

Dominating the trail leaderboard with over 120,000 searches is the Nike Pegasus Trail 3, a trusty shoe that actually benefits runners both on and off road, touted as a hybrid ‘road-to-trail’ shoe that offers maximum flexibility for runners who spend equal time on both.

Pictured: Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Trail Running Shoes

Following closely behind in second place is the Salomon Speedcross 5, seeing a huge 71,100 searches this year. Widely commended for its aggressive lugs and impressive grip and stability, the Speedcross 5 is the perfect shoe for any off-trail adventure. Road runners should avoid this as it’s certainly not one for the roads, but trail runners will have an excellent time in any terrain with this shoe.

Rounding out the top three most searched for trail shoes is the Hoka Speedgoat 5, with over 65,000 global searches in the last year. The shoe was highly reviewed upon its release in March 2022, and unlike the Pegasus Trail 3 can be used on more technical trails, with a lighter midsole than the Speedgoat 4 and an impressive enhanced grip.

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​​The Most Searched For Training Shoes in the UK

If your intention is to train in the gym, instead of heading out on or off road - you need a training shoe. These are the most versatile trainers, supporting lots of different types of movement and allowing the user to participate in different workouts. HIIT classes, weightlifting, strength training or agility training, and even short distances of less than 5K on treadmills are all suitable workouts for anyone in a training shoe.

Ranking in first and second, securing itself solidly as the best training shoe out there - is the Nike Metcon.

Pictured: Nike Metcon 7 FlyEase Training Shoes

The shoe’s seventh iteration pulled in just over 200,000 searches in the UK last year, while the sixth iteration pulled in just under 100,000 on its own. While the Metcon 6 leads the way in terms of stability, the Metcon 7 introduced React Foam and feels much more high-tech, offering a slightly more versatile training shoe.

The UK’s third favourite training shoe is the Nobull Trainer+ (33,800 searches), an athletic apparel brand that has a big following in the CrossFit community.

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The Most Searched For Walking Shoes in the UK

While fitness walkers should opt for running shoes for extra flexibility, hikers should always choose a good walking shoe to help provide adequate support and comfort for traversing long distances.

The only category where Nike did not find themselves in first place, the most searched for walking shoe comes from adidas. The brand has introduced some highly respected shoes in the hiking domain, with the Terrex Free Hiker seeing more than 370,000 global searches last year. Lightweight and waterproof - these shoes are a fantastic option for both long and short hikes.

Pictured: adidas Terrex Free Hiker Primeblue Walking Boots

In second position is the Salomon Ultra 4 GTX, with over 120,000 global searches last year. The brand’s expertise in creating trail running shoes lends itself to creating this well-loved hiking shoe, with all the agility of a trail running model but with all the practical elements you need to feel confident on a big hike.

Completing the UK’s top three most searched for walking shoes is the Merrell Moab Speed GTX, a hybrid model that trail runners like to opt for too.

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THE MOST SEARCHED FOR SHOES IN THE WORLD

The Most Searched For Road Running Shoes Globally

The global cream of the crop is the Nike Pegasus 38 (2,138,800 searches), followed by the Nike Vaporfly (1,802,040 searches).

Pictured: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Hola Lou Running Shoes

The top three is completed by the Brooks Ghost 14, a reliable racing model pinned as the brand’s first ever carbon-neutral shoe and bringing in 1,149,780 global searches this year. Recycled materials make up the model, reducing its environmental impact alongside Brooks themselves offsetting carbon emitted during its production.

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The Most Searched For Trail Shoes Globally

The global leaderboard for trail shoes tallies nicely with the UK, with the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 coming out on top in both and pulling in over 850,000 searches worldwide this year.

Pictured: Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Trail Running Shoes

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 however just nudges in front of the Salomon Speedcross 5 when it comes to the world’s most searched for trail shoes, with just over 804,000 global searches over the last year compared to the Speedgoat 5’s 745,000.

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​​The Most Searched For Training Shoes Globally

The world’s favourite training shoe is identical to the UK’s, the Nike Metcon 6 and 7 pulling in over two million and 900,000 global searches this year, respectively. 

Pictured: New Balance Minimus Prevail Women's Training Shoes

The global top three however, is completed by the New Balance Minimus. The Minimus pulled in over 330,000 searches worldwide last year, and while the lack of cushioning makes it highly unsuitable for running of any kind, the rest of its features make it an ideal option for cross training.

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The Most Searched For Walking Shoes Globally

The world’s most searched for walking shoes are very much aligned with the UK’s with the adidas Terrex Free Hiker ranking first (376,880 global searches), and the Salomon Ultra 4 GTX coming second (123,270 searches).

Pictured: adidas Terrex Free Hiker Primeblue Women's Walking Boots

The top three does differ slightly however, with the world’s third most searched for walking shoe the Scarpa Mescalito, having accumulated over 110,000 global searches last year. With shallow lugs that are better suited for a scrambling adventure than a muddy one, these shoes aren’t a one-size-fits-all option for hiking, but nevertheless are a reliable and comfortable shoe for a decent hike.

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We hope this shortlist has boosted your confidence in which pair of trainers you’ll be picking up next! No matter whether you’re a roadrunner, hiker or are grabbing a pair to wear in the gym - be sure to check out our advice hubs and use tools like our running shoe finder to make sure you’re equipped with all the kit and info you need to take your training to the next level.

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Methodology

We compiled a list of 242 popular shoes and used Google Search Data to analyse global search volumes using the shoe brand and model terms across road running, trail, walking and training categories, over the past 12 months. The shoe models with the highest search volumes were then ranked to show the most popular shoes globally, and for the UK, across the different categories. 

All data correct as of July 2022.

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