Just Doing It: Nike Is Most Popular Clothing Brand for Teens

Anwar Stetson

Anwar Stetson

Credit: Prep Network

Nike reigns supreme once again as the number one apparel and footwear brand for teens according to investment bank Piper Sandler. In its 50th survey of over 10,000 U.S. teenagers, Piper Sandler found that Nike leads the way as not only the most popular footwear brand, but the most popular overall clothing brand. 

Nike’s NIL Class of 2025, includes teenage athletes Tyran Stokes (left), Aaliyah Chavez (center), and Brandon McCoy (right).

Staying on Top in a Tough Economy

Nike’s dominance has continued despite growing economic uncertainty. Annual teen spending declined six percent year-over-year according to Piper Sandler Managing Director and Senior Research Analyst Anna Andreeva. 62% of teens surveyed believe that the economy is trending in a worse direction.  

“This fall, teens self-reported annual spending dropped to $2,213, which is a 6% decline year-over year and a 1% decline on average in the past 10 years,” Andreeva said in a statement. “On a positive note, looking at wallet share for the upper income teen, clothing grew 1% year-over-year driven by females, while footwear share held steady after a decline last spring.” 

Infographic courtesy of Piper Sandler

By the Numbers

46% of teens listed Nike as their favorite footwear brand, while Adidas (14%), and New Balance (8%), were second and third amongst teens respectively.

26% of teens listed Nike as their favorite clothing brand, with Hollister (12%) and Brandy Melville (6%) rounding out the top three. 

Notably, Swiss footwear brand On Running overtook HOKA for fourth place in popularity amongst teens, according to the survey.

Nike’s dominance comes at a changing time in the footwear landscape. As we reported in September, longtime rivals Adidas and Puma could merge amidst Puma’s financial troubles.

The Kids Love LeBron

The “King” LeBron James also reigns supreme amongst teens.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is the second most popular celebrity and influencer amongst teens. Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Though he’s the oldest player in the league, the “kid from Akron” is both the second most popular influencer and celebrity amongst teenagers–behind influencer Mr. Beast and actor Adam Sandler. The future Hall-of-Famer signed a  $1 billion lifetime contract with Nike in 2016. With a duo of that magnitude, it seems that Nike’s impact with the generation won’t waver any time soon.