StockX looks back on a year marked by numerous changes in the most popular brands and models. In its latest ‘Big Facts’ report, the resale platform provides an overview of 2023 trends using the ‘Current Culture Index’, which identifies the most traded and fastest-growing brands, and predicts what will happen in the fashion world this year is expected.
Asics soaring and clunky competition
Well-known names such as the US sporting goods provider Nike, the associated ‘Jordan’ line and the German sporting goods manufacturer Adidas continue to remain at the top of the ranking of the platform’s most traded sneaker brands. Last year, the Japanese sports shoe specialist Asics surprised with sales growth of 239 percent and, thanks to its improvement, moved ten places to the top of the list.
The boots from the US designer collective Mschf, which experienced unexpected growth of 240 percent, seem to have come straight out of a cartoon. The chunky shoes in bright colors are particularly popular for outdoor events and raves. The US label Oakley, a subsidiary of the Luxottica Group, also achieved success. Actually known for its sporty sunglasses, it has contributed shoe models in recent seasons that have enjoyed great popularity.
From ‘Ugly’ to Gucci
In the category of general shoe brands, the US brand Ugg left all other competitors behind: As the most traded and fastest-growing brand with a growth rate of 154 percent, it is alone at the top – because no other brand was able to do this last year to reach. Customers turned to ‘Tazz’ slip-ons or cropped versions of the brand’s signature boots, perhaps not for aesthetics, but certainly for comfort.
The US shoe supplier Crocs and the German shoe brand Birkenstock landed in second and third place in the platform’s shoe ranking. The high demand for sandals and slippers from the Italian luxury fashion house Gucci also proves that 2023 was a booming year for tourism and vacation. The popular travel shoe brought the brand growth of 85 percent.
God fearing streetwear
For the second time in a row, the US label Fear of God was able to take first place in the clothing category. With growth of almost 700 percent, the streetwear label Denim Tears, which is also based in the USA, is impressive through collaborations such as most recently with the Swedish brand Our Legacy Traces of the late rapper Tupac draws attention to itself. The British streetwear labels Represent and Cortez also successfully got involved with their outdoor sportswear. The Californian label Stüssy was able to improve by eleven places.
Boom in accessories from the upper middle segment
Compared to expensive luxury brands, labels in the upper middle segment offer a popular alternative for fashion lovers. This is shown by the success of the French brand Jacquemus: and the US label Coach, which topped the list of the fastest-growing accessories brands on StockX last year with growth of 111 percent and 77 percent, respectively. Models like ‘Le Grand Bambino’ for 483 euros or the Coach Demi bag in jacquard for 280 euros are easy on the wallet.
The US streetwear giant Supreme asserted itself as the best-selling accessories brand and impressed with an eye-catching wallet in collaboration with the French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton for just under 2,000 euros. The Swiss watch group Swatch Group can also look back on a successful year thanks to collaborations with its fellow countries Omega and Blancpain.
view in the future
On the safe side were the sneaker models of 2023, which followed retro styles and nostalgic moments. The coming season will provide a strong contrast, with wild prints and textures on the feet. Nike collaborations like the otherworldly ‘Martine Rose Nike Shox MR4 Mule’ and the chunky, studded ‘Air Flea 2’ with streetwear brand Cactus Plant Flea Market are examples of this.
Basketball shoes will also be seen more frequently due to upcoming collaborations and endorsements: Nike is reviving its line based on the late basketball player Kobe Bryant, the American Anthony Edwards is presenting his AE1 with Adidas and the player Devin Booker is presenting his first shoe model. Running shoes in the ‘Y2K’ style should also be retained. The main focus here is on mesh versions such as the ‘Asics Gel-1130’ or the ‘Zoom Vomero 5’ from Nike.
While mid-priced items have been widely accepted, customers are still willing to make investments and therefore spend more money on luxury products. The choice often falls on belt bags from Louis Vuitton or shoppers from the traditional leather goods manufacturer Goyard.
Even if Sneakers are an integral part remain in the shoe wardrobe, more formal models are regaining the place they lost due to the coronavirus. Loafers from the British shoe supplier Dr. Martens, also in collaboration with Supreme, helped the brand grow in 2023 and will underline many a street style look this year thanks to their versatile combination options.